Narrative Stories
#MNrepresentASIANS is a narrative series highlighting the Asian community in Minnesota. Let us know- do these stories resonate with you? What are other topics or stories you want to hear? Who do you want to hear from? Do you have a story to share? Contact info@futureofusmn.org with your #MNrepresentASIANS story.
Hyeonju’s Story
Hyeonju shares about the two refrigerators she had growing up and how that influenced the way she saw her cultural identities as a Korean immigrant living in the United States. That experience fractured her sense of self. Today, she speaks out about realizing that her identity is not a contradiction- it is her power. She is proud to be Korean and she is proud to be part of a movement that makes space for all of who we are.
Priya’s Story
Priya shares her love of classical dance- her very first Bharatanatyam class. She also remembers being heartbroken for the younger version of herself—someone who felt the need to apologize for her culture, to shrink something so sacred just to be understood because of the assumptions that being a dancer meant taking tap, ballet, or jazz classes instead of her Indian classical dance classes. Today, she speaks out against injustice and inequalities, to make sure no young person ever feels like their identity isn’t “enough because she is enough. She is proud to be a dancer.
Xorr’s Story
Our Organizing & Partnership Director, Xorr, shares his experience of being queer as a Hmong son. Through his lens, Xorr explores both sexual and cultural identities, recognizing his agency to be empowered and connect with others through shared experiences that foster identity.
#MNrepresentASIANS highlights how identifying one’s agency can lead to empowerment and building connections that break barriers in our community.
Zong’s Story
Meet our Associate Director, Zong. She shares why she speaks and from whom she has learned to speak up from- her mom.
#MNrepresentASIANS highlight how each of us make an impact in our community- from speaking out to listening and discovering ways we can contribute.
Meet Tenzin Choesang, our Advocacy & Policy Manager. Tenzin Choesang’s commitment to cultivating advocacy and leadership among Asian youth is grounded in his determination to preserve his Tibetan heritage and his lifelong fight for his home country’s freedom. As a Advocacy and Policy Manager, Tenzin strives to create lasting impact by empowering the next generation of Asian youth to redefine their future here at Future of Us.