What It Means to Be Asian Canadian: Identity, Belonging, and Self-Acceptance
This year, 2023, marks the 100th year since the Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned Chinese immigration. You can read more about this history, and how it relates to Asian Incels here.
Taking to task Canada's colonialist history, the Long Time No See collective curated an art gallery of stories of Asians in Canada, titled "Longing Belonging: 100 Years 100 Stories."
I was lucky enough to be amongst those whose stories were showcased! If you get a chance, go check out the gallery! It's on display from May 13 - Sep 3, 2023, at Varley Art Gallery of Markham.
Go and read the stories of our communities – of love, resilience, and solidarity. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all fuzzy inside. The gallery also showcases the long history of Asian activism. Don't let anyone tell you that we don't have a rich history of activism in our communities!
Here's My Story of Bubble Tea and Asian Innovation:
"I had always felt trapped by identity. It felt like I had to follow pre-set rules to be a “proper” person. Growing up in both Chinese and Western cultures, these damn rules just never aligned very well.
It wasn’t until 30 years of existence did I realize that there are no rules. That was when I was finally able to embrace and truly love myself – my quirks, my inbetween-ness, my wholeness.
And every single day, I am still learning and changing and challenging myself…while also reminding myself that it is also ok to slow down and enjoy the moment. And as cliché as it sounds, my “slow-the-heck-down” ritual involves getting a cup of tasty bubble tea.
I mean, what better exemplifies out-of-the-box thinking than jamming giant tapioca balls into a cup of milk tea? Outside-the-box Asians, that’s who!"
Continue Exploring Race, Identity, and Mental Health
Understanding racism and identity is not just about learning ideas. It is also about understanding how our experiences shape our emotions, relationships, and sense of self.
You may also want to explore:
FOB vs Banada Labels: Why Asian Identity is More Complex than Either Labels
Asian Identity in Canada: There is No “Right Way” to be Asian
Anti-Asian Racism During COVID-19: A Message to Asian Canadians
Hi, I’m Harry, a psychotherapist in Toronto. I work with 1.5 and second generation Asian Canadians navigating trauma, identity, and the emotional patterns shaped by family and culture.
I write about the intersections of mental health, culture, and identity, exploring how our experiences with family, society, and systems of oppression shape the way we understand ourselves and relate to others.
