Raised between multiple cities and cultures, Jiwon Shin found belonging through K-pop and creative self-expression. Her journey reflects the healing power of performance and the freedom that comes from living authentically.

Dr. Su Yon Pak and Mudang Sung Park reflect on their shared journey as queer Korean American elders—connecting over spirituality, care, and the quiet courage of living authentically across generations.

Emmett, Andrea, and Ahri reflect on how joy grounds their family and their work. From Emmett’s advocacy in Texas to their shared commitment to authenticity and love, their story reveals the strength that comes from living truthfully.

At HA:N UMC, a queer-affirming Korean American church, Rev. Sulkiro Song, Lia, and Paul reflect on faith, identity, and belonging—and how healing and joy emerge when queerness and faith can coexist.

As the first openly trans NCAA Division I men’s athlete, Schuyler Bailar reflects with his parents on their family’s journey through change, love, and pride. Their conversation shows how true support can transform challenges into joy.

Showrunner and writer Diana Son sits with her three sons to share how their family embraced change and found acceptance together. Their story reveals the power of love across generations and the beauty of queer family.

Sammy and Jiwon share how their bond grew from nights out in the Korean American nightlife scene into a friendship rooted in love, safety, and belonging—showing the beauty of queer connection and chosen family.

For Judy Han and Jennifer Chun, identity has never been singular. In reflecting on their experiences as queer Korean Americans, they explore the complexities, tensions, and evolving sense of self that come with living between worlds.

Navigating both queer and Korean identities, Jamie Issuh reflects on the search for belonging across communities. Through connection and openness, she continues to embrace her full self.

Sammy Kim (they/them) is a multifaceted individual: a queer artist, writer, healer, sex worker, community organizer, caregiver, and friend. From a young age, Sammy took on a caregiving role when their mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, moving in with relatives as her condition progressed.

Andrea Hong Marra (she/her), often known as Andy, is a trans activist and executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). From an early age, she knew who she was as a Korean American and person of color.

Alexander Chee (he/him) is a bestselling author, essayist, and Professor of English and Creative Writing at Dartmouth College. Born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to a white American mother and Korean father, Chee's journey is a tale woven with humor and wit.

Sulkiro Song (she/they) is a queer, asexual, and aromantic pastor based in Virginia. Born in Seoul, Korea, to a family of ministers, their path seemed clear: carry on the family line and become a pastor.

Ellie Kim (she/her), known as SuperKnova (@superknova), is a genderfluid trans singer and musician based in NYC. Her relationship with music began early when her parents—like many Korean parents—enrolled her in piano lessons as a child.

Queer and trans stories have often gone unheard within the Korean American community. In Legacy Project: Queer Joy, nine LGBTQIA+ Korean Americans across generations share what queer joy means to them and the journeys that shaped it, offering space for connection, understanding, and celebration.

After enduring a difficult and abusive upbringing, David Hee Lee found healing through education and chosen family. His story reflects resilience, identity, and the transformative power of love and support.

Moving to the United States as a teenager, Andrew Ungal Kim navigated both cultural adjustment and a deeply personal journey of self-acceptance. His story reflects identity, love, and the courage to live truthfully.

Piecing together his family’s past led Yuri Doolan into a career in Asian American history. His work explores identity, migration, and the stories often left untold.

Navigating her child’s gender identity challenged Sung Tse’s understanding of faith and parenting. Her journey reflects growth, love, and acceptance.

Navigating identity as both a Korean adoptee and a gay man, Alex Myung Wager reflects on belonging and self-acceptance. His journey continues as he considers reconnecting with his birth family.