Emmett Yoon (he/him) is a trans rights activist based in Houston, serving as the Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). Born in South Korea and adopted by a white family in the Midwest, Emmett often felt out of place and confused as a transracial adoptee.

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.

Born in Pyongyang before the Korean War, Chung Soon Ahn’s life has been shaped by displacement, resilience, and reinvention across countries. Looking back, she reflects with gratitude on both the struggles and opportunities that led her to build a new life in America.

Growing up biracial, Anthony Hull grappled with belonging before ultimately embracing being fully Black and fully Korean. Today, he tells the stories he’s always wanted to see through his work in film and production.

Coming of age during Japanese occupation and the Korean War, Seung Hie Kim experienced profound shifts in identity and nationhood. Her journey reflects survival, adaptation, and building a life across continents.

Raised by a resilient mother after immigrating to the U.S., Jennifer Lee reflects on grief, growth, and finding her own path. Her journey is guided by self-confidence and the support of those around her.

Like many young Korean Americans, Matthias Chu navigates the pressures of identity, faith, and expectation. Through it all, he prioritizes growth, self-understanding, and his evolving relationship with family.

Adopted at a young age and raised between cultures, Jacky Lee spent years navigating identity and belonging. Later in life, she began reclaiming her Korean roots and embracing her full self with pride.

After immigrating to Baltimore, Grace Lyo rebuilt her life through sheer determination, eventually running multiple businesses on her own. Her story is one of independence, perseverance, and giving back to her community.

At 95, Hung Kyu Bang recalls walking to school with his sister in Pyongyang and the hardships endured under Japanese occupation. His story speaks to enduring memory, grief, and a lifelong hope for reunification and renewed connection between divided families.

Forced into labor during wartime before becoming a physician, Dr. Chun-Kyu Lee dedicated his life to serving others across multiple countries. His journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to care.

Born in South Korea and later adopted by a Black American family, Milton Washington’s life is shaped by both loss and belonging. His story reflects the complex intersections of identity, history, and resilience.

At the center of Jim Lee’s story is family, resilience, and unwavering support through hardship. Together, he and his wife built a life grounded in love, advocacy, and gratitude.

Following a traditional path into finance, Paul Kim eventually found a deeper calling through faith and humanitarian work. His journey reflects purpose, redirection, and service beyond self.

Born in Hwanghae Province, Seung Suk Byun recalls a childhood shaped by poverty, interrupted education, and a perilous escape during the Korean War. His story bears witness to survival under unimaginable conditions—and to the family ties that endured long after borders hardened.

Driven by a commitment to helping others, Jinwoo Chung built a career in counseling before expanding his understanding of family through adoption. His story centers on love, faith, and redefining what family can be.

Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and Korean father, Michael Jhin’s early life was shaped by war stories, migration, and adaptation. He went on to become a pioneering healthcare executive, defining his identity through leadership and impact.

Displaced by war at a young age, Dae-Duck Cha found solace in art amid constant upheaval. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, perseverance, and following one’s passion.

A scholar shaped by war and opportunity, Dr. Sam Jae Cho built a career in energy science that bridges Korea and the United States. His work reflects a belief in progress through education and collaboration.