In 2014, a group of LGBTQ+ Nikkei, parents of LGBTQ+ Nikkei, and allies of LGBTQ+ people organized Okaeri: A Nikkei LGBTQ Gathering, the first-ever conference focused on LGBTQ+ Nikkei, which was held at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Okaeri was a great success. More than 200 people from across the U.S., Hawaii and Canada attended. Okaeri inspired Nikkei in Seattle, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area to organize similar gatherings. In 2016, a second Okaeri took place successfully attracting another 200 participants. In 2018, the third Okaeri conference occurred, which offered Japanese-language programming in addition to our existing community-based and educational content.
In 2021, the fourth Okaeri Conference was held virtually for the first time, and close to 300 people attended 33 workshops and/or affinity groups. The virtual format allowed people to join from around the world— people came from at least 17 states around the US and 5 foreign locations, including Peru, Canada, Singapore, Japan and Korea.
But too many LGBTQ+ Nikkei are still estranged from our families and the Nikkei community. The need for acceptance, healing and the undoing of homophobia and transphobia continues. Join us for an inclusive Nikkei community at Okaeri.
Okaeri is an opportunity for you to:
-
Connect with LGBTQ+ Nikkei and allies
-
Find support, resources and information
-
Learn how Nikkei have embraced their LGBTQ+ family members
Check out Okaeri’s website for more information at: https://www.okaeri-losangeles.org/