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Badass Asian Women
Community Newsletter
Hey BAW fam,
Earlier this summer I added a quiet little Venmo tip jar at the bottom of this newsletter, and this week I received the very first tip. Imagine my surprise when I saw it came all the way from Iowa! Thank you so much, Lisa, for your belief in what we're doing. I'm so touched. It makes me believe that building community is powerful, and I'm amazed that this little newsletter in Atlanta has reached Iowa.
I want to share something personal this week. Earlier this week I got a call that no one wants to get: my mom had fallen, hit her head on the tile, and was being taken to the ER. She lives in Minnesota and I didn't hesitate before flying out to be with her. She is okay and recovering, and I'm glad to be here helping her manage her rehab with my dad.
Being back in this setting thrust me into my childhood role of translator with doctors and nurses, and with my kids beside me, I recognized what a weird role that was when I was a child. How many of us kids of immigrants had to take on responsibilities way above our age level?
But what was really pleasant to see this time around was how much my parents could manage on their own. The doctors and nurses were talking directly to them, and my mom was following and responding. When I was a kid, I was the translator in the middle of every conversation. Doctors and nurses wouldn't address my mom directly. They dismissed her. Looking back, it felt kinda racist.
I also noticed a patience and respect for cultural practices that was refreshing. My mom's face is bruised from the fall, and in Vietnam you roll a hot hard-boiled egg along your face to dissipate the blood. The nurses were intrigued by the practice and asked how it worked.
I'm not sure if it's just different in Minnesota. The mayor of St. Paul, the state capital where the hospital is, is a Hmong woman, Kaoly Her. For decades now, required reading for the University of Minnesota medical school is The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Anne Fadiman's 1997 book about a Hmong refugee family and their collisions with the American health care system. Maybe that's made a difference.
My conclusion is that things have progressed, both with my parents and with culture broadly. I hadn't realized that when I boarded that plane, I brought all the tension of the past and the embedded racism our family had experienced. But coming through this, I realize I don't need to worry so much anymore. Things will be alright.
Happy Juneteenth tomorrow. I hope you take a moment to honor the day and what it represents.
And tonight: Lotus Lens Collective is screening All We Imagine as Light outdoors at ATL Chinatown. Bring a camping chair. Grab a ticket.
Opportunities
Eldest Daughter Workshop Series
Are you an exhausted eldest daughter? This biweekly workshop series is led by two BIPOC eldest daughter therapists, Dr. Alia Azmat and Varayna Cordell, LPC. Topics include over-functioning, parentification, emotional and financial boundaries, mixed emotions, and releasing responsibility. Drop in for one or all. Ages 18+. Therapist eldest daughters get a discount with code ELDESTTHERAPIST.
Community Corner
Support Jen Chan of JenChan's
Our own Jen Chan from JenChan's restaurant is battling cancer. After chemo initially showed a complete response, deeper testing found cancer cells in her lymph nodes. She's now facing 5 weeks of radiation and another year of treatment. On top of that, their employee health insurance jumped from $491 to $1,135 per employee per month because of the diagnosis. They're looking at a $20K+ bill just for July to keep insurance for their team. If you can donate or share, every bit helps. Any donation is also a ticket to a Thank You Gala on July 20.
AAPI Caucus: Get Involved
The AAPI Caucus has two ways to plug in: their Relational Organizing Program and their Monthly Meeting every 2nd Sunday at 8 PM.
What's Happening
Lotus Lens Outdoor Screening: All We Imagine as Light
Lotus Lens Collective's summer outdoor movie night! BYO camping chair. Food court open until 9 PM. Proceeds support GAIN.
Pho with E Pop-Up at Pastries-A-Go-Go
By popular demand, Pho with E is bringing their Cambodian Kathiew pho back to Pastries-A-Go-Go! Come try the pho everyone's been talking about and grab some pastries while you're at it.
Pastries with Providers
BAW member Cayla Leung, Psy.D and colleague Alia Azmat, Ph.D are hosting an informal opportunity to connect with local therapists, build community, and enjoy a tasty pastry. Whether you're therapist-curious, looking for resources, or simply wanting meaningful conversation, come through. Sign up for 10% off pastries at Leftie Lee's. No agenda. No pressure. Just community and care.
Big Asian Brunch at Leftie Lee's
Come through for our badass Viv Lee! Featuring Leftie Lee's, Mighty Hans, and OMG (Oh My Gulay). This one has been selling fast, so check availability.
Ms. Lee's K Camp: Korean Food & K-Pop Dancing
BAW member Un Jung Lee's camp where kids cook a different Korean dish each day and learn K-Pop dancing. Lunch included.
Contact unjung.lee@woodward.edu
In Spite of My Ambivalence at Synchronicity Theatre
East by Southeast is partnering with Synchronicity Theatre for this production by Asian American playwright Catherine Yu. A 90-minute exploration about mental health and how we carry on and connect with others. Features a mental health post-show discussion moderated by our own Daun Kwag. Use code ExSE for 20% off online.
ASA Wine & Zine Fundraiser
Asian Student Alliance is hosting a fundraiser to learn about their 2026-2027 youth organizing work. Spend the afternoon making your own zine (collaging, crafting, storytelling), plus trivia, prizes, snacks, wine, and non-alcoholic options. 21+. Come dressed to impress.
Save the Date: BAW Turns 2!
We have a date! Our 2-year birthday party is coming, complete with a 4-piece orchestra of all badass Asian women. Start planning your Bridgerton wear.
Save the Date: Atsuko Okatsuka at the Tabernacle
We've got at least 10 people going! Buy your tickets and join us. We'll meet up for drinks and food beforehand. Tickets at atsukocomedy.com.
More Events
Events from other organizations and communities. Not affiliated with or endorsed by BAW.
Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony Livestream
This isn't specifically an Asian thing, but as an Obama Leader I wanted to share: the Obama Presidential Center is opening today in Chicago and you can watch the ceremony live. If the Obama Leaders program sounds like something you'd be into, applications typically open in the fall. I can't recommend it enough.
Mahjong Without Borders
BAW member Hedy is leading this weekly Hong Kong Mahjong gathering through Compassionate Atlanta. Not American Mahjong. No experience needed. Free and open to the public.
Buford Highway Arts Festival
Short films, The Story of Buford Highway from Asian Student Alliance, music, spoken-word poetry, visual art from Cross Keys and Sequoyah students, and a chance to meet local nonprofits. Free!
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