Okaeri’s inaugural Queer O-bon is a community festival that gathers our Nikkei LGBTQ+ community to remember our queer ancestors through ceremony and dance! O-bon is rooted in a Buddhist sutra about a monk who sought to free his mother from the realm of suffering. Around 1,400 years ago, this sutra inspired Buddhist monks in medieval Japan to start a new ritual tradition. The tradition transformed across time and continents into a Nikkei summer gathering to honor and reflect on our lost loved ones and our joyful, diverse communities.⁠

Okaeri continues this tradition with an inclusive festival of queer joy, remembrance, and belonging. Please join us for Okaeri’s Queer O-bon festival.⁠

The event is free, open to all LGBTQ+ communities and friends, and will include: O-bon memorial service, Bon odori circle dancing, Performances, Lantern-making, Food, vendors, and more!⁠