Yellow Glitter
Yellow Glitter is a podcast that explores the experiences of queer Asian creatives and change-makers. Host Steven Wakabayashi discusses topics such as queer and Asian identities, culture, social activism, mental health, love, and creativity. The show aims to amplify voices from the QTBIPOC community and is produced by Stranger Creative.
Episodes
#58 Finding Our Chosen Family through "Gaysians" with Mike Curato
In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by our returning guest Mike Curato. Mike is an acclaimed author and illustrator known for his children's books and graphic novels. He shares about his latest book launch "Gaysians", an adult graphic novel highlighting the lives of diverse queer Asian characters. In this episode, we chat about: The journey of creating Gaysians and writing/ill
#57 Queer, Brown, and Breaking Medical Barriers with Dr. Varuna Srinivasan
In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Dr. Varuna Srinivasan. Dr. Varuna Srinivasan is a queer physician and public health expert from Johns Hopkins who's revolutionizing healthcare access for underserved communities. Her work includes developing Planned Parenthood's first Asian American abortion toolkit, serving as Allure's sex columnist, and being the CEO of sexual wellness
#56 Familial Acceptance & Self-Love with Mike Talplacido
In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Mike Talplacido. Mike Talplacido is a queer Filipino-American artist based in North Carolina. He is the author of Kiss My Mike, a memoir detailing his life as a gay Filipino immigrant navigating self-discovery and acceptance in America. In this episode, we chat about: Acceptance and what it means to be gay in an immigrant household Un
#55 Celebrating Multicultural Heritage Through Drag & Food with Bibingka Mama
In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we are joined by Bibingka Mama. Bibingka Mama is a Pinay drag queen, baker, songwriter, and entertainer who serves Filipino cuisine with a funky twist. In this episode, we dive into Bibingka Mama's journey from fashion designer to drag artist, exploring how their passion for food and Filipino culture has shaped their identity. In this episode, we cha
#54 Self-Expression & Living With Intentionality with Kekoa Drag Artist
In this episode of Yellow Glitter podcast, we're joined by Kekoa. Kekoa is a unique drag artist hailing from the islands of Indonesia. She is known for her powerful performances and unique perspective as a queer Asian creative. Growing up with a mixed heritage in a predominantly conservative environment - Transforming through early challenges and military school - The role of drag as a vehicle fo
#53 Chosen Families & Breaking Asian Stereotypes with Louis Lee
For this episode, guest Louis Lee joins us. Louis is the chief creative officer and co-founder of Bellweather, a strategy-led creative agency that specializes in transforming legacy brands in the non-profit healthcare and travel sector. Louis is passionate about helping brands thrive in an ever-changing landscape, particularly by expanding and diversifying audiences, including women, people of col
#52 Financial Literacy & Navigating Community Care with Leslie
This episode we're joined by guest Leslie Xia. Leslie is a queer Chinese American graphic designer and art director currently working at Invesco. They have worked at Fast Company, Vice News, and Men's Health to Millie Magazine, focusing on finance for women, and finally moved to Invesco. In this episode, we chat about: The importance of personal finance, especially for queer and Asian communities
#51 The Evolving Nature of Social Media & Authenticity with ONCH
This episode we're joined by returning guest ONCH. A multi-talented artist and jewelry designer. ONCH is a creative artist based in Los Angeles who makes amazing wearable art that goes beyond regular fashion. His unique pieces have been featured in a Biotechnology textbook by David P. Clark and in Vogue, as well as displayed in prestigious places like the MET Museum. In this episode, we chat about
#50 Drag, Self Expression & Asian Representation with Miss Shu Mai
This episode, we're joined by Miss Shu Mai, a Taiwanese American drag queen. We delve into Miss Shu Mai's journey into drag, her dance background, and her experiences with identity and homophobia. She is a founder of the Send Noodz Party, an API-centric drag show in LA. In this episode, we chat about: coming out and finding acceptance the importance of authenticity, community, and celebrating div
#49 Mindfullness & Ripple Effects Towards Justice & Equity with Kim
This episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, Kim Thai @kthai6 . She is a community organizer and founder of Joyful Liberation Collective. They are also a mindfulness teacher, writer and an Emmy Award-winning storyteller! Tune in to dive deep into topics of identity, healing, and liberation within oppressive systems. In this episode, we chat about: The ripple effects that either reinfo
#48 Nuanced Activism & Standing for Something with Johnathan
In this episode, we're joined by Johnathan @jonahsahn , a pioneering content creator who began his journey in 2008. His unique perspective as a Black American and Filipino has made him a powerful voice at the intersection of Black and Asian identity. In 2020, he founded the Black and Asian Alliance Network, promoting solidarity between these communities during a time of heightened tension. Check o
#47 Building Queer Asian Spaces & Community with Tai
In this episode, we're joined by Tai, who is a freelance creative director. His hunger for building community ultimately led to the creation of Naarak in August of 2022, and he is now an event organizer in the gay API NYC nightlife scene. In this episode, we chat about: Community resilience and fostering an environment where gay API have an accepting night-life space Coming into queer identit
#46 Social Media and the Future of Queer Visibility with Mike Curato
This episode, we're joined by Mike Curato, a gay first generation half Filipino-Irish American author and illustrator of books. He has created many picture books for young children, including his debut queer young adult graphic novel, Flamer, and upcoming books centering diverse creators and audiences. In this episode, we chat about: The launch of Flamer and how it was one of the most banned, t
#45 Uplifting Our Chinatowns and API Creatives with Harry Trinh
In this episode, we're joined by Harry Trinh, a queer Asian American art director and experiential designer based in NYC, and the Head of Creative of Welcome to Chinatown. In this episode, we chat about: His latest work with Welcome to Chinatown Pivoting from corporate life into his mission-driven work Understanding the value of community-centered work and raising the bottom-line The history of
#44 Building the Equitable Future of Work and Entrepreneurship with Susan Liao
In this episode, we're joined by Susan Liao, a product leader and champion of liberatory leadership working at the intersection of digital innovation, social entrepreneurship and non-profit impact strategy. In this episode, we chat about: Her journey into tech and product Navigating her life through agencies and startups Pivoting from the corporate world to impact-driven work Conforming into in
#43 The Value of Identity and Self-Expression with Haruka Aoki
In this episode, we're joined by Haruka Aoki, a queer Japanese artist and poet-illustrator, who takes us on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. In this episode, we chat about: The challenges of integrating into a new community The impact migration can have on identity and intersectionality The power of manifestation and the importance of collaboration in the creative process The
#42 Collective Change and Community-Centered Design with Lee-Sean Huang
This episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, Lee-Sean Huang (he/they), a queer first-generation Taiwanese, Cantonese American designer and educator based in New York City and Providence. Lee-Sean Huang is the director of Design Content and learning at AIGA and a co-founder, creative director of Foossa, and teaches design and innovation at Parsons and SVA. This episode, we talk about: Lee
#41 Embracing Imagination and Manifesting Reality with ONCH
In this episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, ONCH, a multi-talented artist and jewelry designer based in Los Angeles. We chat about: The power of dreaming and creating a vision of our future Using a dream diary to record, capture, and realize everyday dreams ONCH's journey from Taiwan and finding oneself Setting intentions and manifesting reality Upcoming collaborations coming to life
#40 Allyship, Accountability, & Performative Activism with Johnathan Gibbs
This episode, we're joined by our lovely returning guest, Jonathan Gibbs, creator of the Black and Asian Alliance Network, a proud, gay, Black and Filipino American filmmaker, storyteller, podcaster, and gamer based in Brooklyn, NY. In this episode, we chat about: The importance of solidarity among marginalized communities Issues of performative activism and establishing genuine allyship Holding
#39 Inclusive Healthcare & Showing Up for Our Communities with Dr. Jonathan Tolentino
In this episode, we're joined by an extra special guest, Dr. Jonathan Tolentino, Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Miami. We chat about intersectional healthcare and the importance of understanding our history, legislation, and
#38 The Transformative Power of Community & Joy with Kim Thai
In this episode, we're joined by a returning friend, Kim Thai, a queer Vietnamese writer, Emmy-award winning producer, social justice advocate, and mindfulness teacher based in New York. We chat about community building, cultivating joy, and her latest work with Ganeshspace, a mindfulness organization that creates healing spaces for historically excluded communities and social justice education fo
#37 Finding belonging at the intersection of art & activism with Haruka Aoki
This episode we're joined by an extra special guest, Haruka Aoki. Haruka (she/they) is a queer Japanese artist, author and illustrator of children's books based in Queens, New York City. Their narrative artwork, which has appeared in New York Times and the Washington Post, aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand drawn characters engaged with the world around them grow
#36 Fire Island and the gay white gaze with Johnathan Gibbs
In this episode, we are joined by a special returning guest, Johnathan Gibbs, to talk about the latest gay movie Fire Island, and also reflect on the harmful impact of the gay white gaze on our queer Asian communities. In this episode we talk about: Reflect on Fire Island movie's representation of queer Asian perspectives and stories The gay white gaze and discussing the harmful impact of these n
#35 Journey into the world of design and creating inclusive toys with Linda Jiang
Excited to be joined by Linda Jiang, a toy designer living in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, we delve into the world of the doll industry and the representation of gender-inclusive doll design. Linda Jiang (she/they) is a toy designer living in Los Angeles, California; unceded Tongva land. Linda's work centers around designing inclusive toys to create social change through play. They de
#34 Chasing perfection: body image, PEDs, and social media with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
We're joined by Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino) once again to talk about our society's obsession with the perfect physique. We chat about body and muscle dysmorphia, PEDs, the impact of social media, and how this ultimately impacts both our queer and Asian communities. Dr. JT is the Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University
#33 State of COVID & healing our queer Asian identities with Dr. JT (Jonathan Tolentino)
We have another beautiful episode chatting about COVID, our mental health, and our future. We're joined by an extra special guest Dr. JT, Jonathan Tolentino, who is the Program Director of the Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Miami. In this episode we
#32 Rainbow-washing and performative allyship of pride
This week, we're joined by our favorite Derek Tran once again to chat about the state of COVID, rainbow-washing, performative allyship, and showing up authentically. In this episode we talk about: Derek's Tinder profile. Yes. Really. COVID mask mandates going down in many parts of America Rainbow-washing and performative allyship from companies Goods Unite Us revealing of where corporate sponsors
#31 Activism & Asian culture: showing up & calling in our community with Derek Tran
Another wonderful episode with our lovely guest Derek Tran, to talk about issues surrounding activism, current-day events, and the Asian culture. In this episode we talk about: Flashback to Xanga? Livejournal? Our COVID check-in and thoughts on the CDC directive to remove masks in the US Trump's rhetoric that catalyzed so much of the Asian hate we face Shallow activism in celebrities and gay comm
#30 Stop Asian Hate and addressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes with Derek Tran
Derek Tran and I chat about the rising anti-Asian hate crimes and what we can do to keep ourselves safe and sane during this time. In this episode we talk about: COVID and where we are at with vaccinations Issues with performative social media activists How allies can show up - with more actionable steps The intersection of mindfulness and activism Struggling to find our voice as Asian-American
#29 Leading by example: compassion and mindfulness with Kim Thai
This episode, I'm joined by Kim Thai, founder of ganeshspace, an organization dedicated to making mindfulness a more equitable space. We chat about the current politics of America, how we can show up with compassion in activism, understanding ourselves before helping others, and her journey of finding her queer identity after marriage. Enjoy! Kim Thai is a writer, Emmy-award winning producer, and
#28 Storytelling and the richness of our Asian history with Randy Kim
On this episode of Yellow Glitter, I'm joined by Randy Kim, a queer, second-generation Viet-Khmer American from Chicagoland and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles, highlighting uplifting important Asian voices. We chat about the Asian diaspora, how to heal the trauma of our parents, coming out, the importance of storytelling history of Asian culture, creating inclusive spaces, and why the slog
#27 A graphic tale of honesty, darkness, truth and love with Mike Curato
In this episode, we are joined by Mike Curato, a queer Asian author and illustrator, to talk about his latest graphic novel, Flamer, inspired by his own personal life story. We cover a lot of topics including, mental health, bullying, suicide, and the wave of intolerance plaguing our country, and also looking ahead at how we can all do better. Mike Curato is a gay first generation half Filipino-Ir
#26 Paving ways & coming out in the world of hockey with Jon Lee-Olsen
In this episode, we are joined by Jon Lee-Olsen, a professional ice-hockey player who made headlines as the first openly out player in Europe and third in the world. We talk about his experience coming out nationally, managing relationships alongside a sports career, and his experiences as a transracial adoptee. Jon (he/him) is Danish transracial adoptee from Korea who currently lives in Copenhag
#25 Moving mountains and the importance of visibility with Rain Valdez
In this episode, we are joined by Rain Valdez to talk about her journey from the Philippines and Guam to the Emmy-nominated actress and producer she is today. We talk about her Emmy-nominated show, Razor Tongue, as well as her recent work on Disclosure highlighting the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. We have a beautiful conversation with Rain about trans talent and the importance
#24 Discovering our voice & living our unapologetic truth with Amazin Lêthi
In this episode, we are joined by Amazin LeThi, LGBTQ+ sports ambassador, former competitive bodybuilder, entertainment executive, and fitness author to chat about current events and her life journey. We talk about trans-racial issues, equity and representation in media, and body positivity, homelessness in our queer community, and so much more. Amazin LeThi (she/her) is an Athlete Ally and Stonew
#23 Representation and equity in media with Ian Alexander & Vivien Ngô
I am joined by none other than Ian Alexander (Buck Vu of The OA) and Vivien Ngô (Trinh Phan of Queen Sugar) to talk about what it's like being gaysian in the entertainment industry, their humble beginnings as children of Asian immigrants, and their latest thriller, Daughter. They share some mindful advice on how to create a more equitable workspace for queer actors and having more diverse represen
#22 Activism, direct action, and expressing solidarity with Kalaya'an Mendoza
In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Kalaya'an Mendoza, a nonviolent direct action trainer and disaster preparedness expert, to talk about the current climate and advice for those who headed out to protest in the streets. We chat about how we can show solidarity with Black folx and addressing racism within our Asian community. Kalaya'an Mendoza (he/him) is a nonviolent direct action trainer, Di
#21 Combating racism towards Asians amidst COVID-19 with Derek Tran
With the novel coronavirus spreading all around the world, so has intolerant attitudes towards Asians. Hate crimes have increased to unsettling amounts and it seems to get worse with each passing day. I am joined in this conversation with our returning guest Derek Tran to unpack the racism towards Asians and offer some advice on how to navigate it. This episode, we talk about: The current climat
#20 Managing Change During Turbulent Times with Ning Zhou and Marti G Cummings
We are living in an unprecedented era with many of us confined in our own homes, facing uncertainty around COVID-19, and experiencing sudden changes in employment. Join us for a session as we have a chat on staying physically and mentally healthy amidst COVID-19, establishing mindfulness to stay present and peaceful, understanding trauma responses during difficult times, and managing sudden shifts
#19 Finding Opportunity During COVID-19 and Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility
This episode, we talk about the continued struggles with COVID-19 here in NYC. But in light of this, there is also opportunity to connect with friends, family, our finances, emotions, feelings, and the planet. We also touch on some of the discriminatory laws that were recently passed against trans folks in Idaho. This episode, we talk about: The current state of COVID-19 in NYC Finding opportu
#18 Lessons from the Coronavirus on privilege, xenophobia, and mindfulness
This episode, I talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. I share how our privilege and ignorance has led us where we are today, why we may be past the point of containment, why getting rid of wet markets is not the solution, addressing xenophobia, and advice on how to cope with emotions during this time. This episode, we're going to chat about the coronavirus. I talk about: - The clear warnings
#17 Behind the comedy and queer Asian life, love, and spirituality with Margaret Cho
This episode, we have none other than Margaret Cho, one of the leading queer Asian voices in comedy, media, and activism here in America. We sit down and talk about her life leading up to comedy, including what it was like growing up in a Korean household, exploring sexuality, dating as a queer Asian, finding spirituality, and practicing mindfulness. She has been a Five-time Grammy and Emmy-nomi
#16 Navigating media, dating apps, and finding love with ONCH
For the month of February, we sit down with queer Asian Americans to learn more about how they navigate finding love here in America. This episode, we chat with ONCH, a nonbinary first-generation Taiwanese-American designer in LA about gaysian representation in media, racial fetishism, navigating finding love as a queer Asian, and the impact of social media and dating apps on today's culture.
#15 On equity and challenging personal preferences with Johnathan Gibbs (aka blasianFMA)
For the month of February, we sit down with queer Asian Americans to learn more about how they navigate finding love here in America. This episode, we chat with Johnathan Gibbs, aka blasianFMA about activism, biracial identities, model minority myths, our racial preferences, and so much more. Johnathan Gibbs, he/him/his also known as blasianFMA online, is a content creator, podcaster, activist
#14 Navigating asexual, panromantic, and polyamorous identities with Robin Mele
For the month of February, we sit down with queer Asian Americans to learn more about how they navigate finding love here in America. This episode, we sit down with Robin Mele, a queer second-generation Taiwanese-American therapist in NYC and learn more about them navigating through their asexual, panromantic, and polyamorous identity. We talk about identities, stereotypes, dating apps, and so m
#13 On growing up Indian and lessons in love with Rajiv Khanna
For the month of February, we sit down with queer Asian Americans to learn more about how they navigate finding love here in America. This episode, we sit down with Rajiv Khanna, a gay second-generation Indian-American living in San Francisco. We talk about what it was like growing up as a gay Indian man, coming out, dating apps, combating prejudice and so much more. Rajiv Khanna (he/him/his)
#12 On finding self-love and cultivating gaysian pride with Derek Tran
For the month of February, we sit down with queer Asian Americans to learn more about how they navigate finding love here in America. This episode, we sit down with Derek Tran, a gay second-generation Vietnamese-American entrepreneur in LA and talk about growing up in LA, being a part of the gaysian LA scene, navigating social media and dating apps, and finding self-love through his spiritual a
#11 My experience with death and lessons of impermanence
Right now, we are in quite a precarious time. From the recent death of Kobe Bryant to hundreds of people dying from the Coronavirus all around the world, death is becoming more present than ever. For me, it's been a frequent visitor and teacher. I share some advice on what I learned from life, death, and lessons of impermanence. This episode I talk about: My experience with death Advice on i
#10 My 2019 in review and creating habits and New Year's resolutions that stick
I'm back for 2020! I share with you my highs of 2019, favorite books I've read, lessons from my lows, and advice on how to create habits and New Year's resolutions that stick. I share a bit about how to practice self-love, compassion and how to address our egos. This episode I talk about: What were my highlights of 2019? What were my favorite books of 2019? What were my lows of 2019? Why
#9 Forgiving our parents and caregivers
Happy Thanksgiving! Though this day has quite questionable roots, many of us are spending time with those we love. For many Asians, this might mean returning home to our conservative Asian families. In this episode, I share with you something that is near and dear to my heart - forgiving our parents and caregivers. This episode I talk about: My story of finding forgiveness for my conservative
#8: Lessons from writing about the cultural insensitivities of Queer Eye Japan
This past week, I published an article addressing the cultural insensitivities of Queer Eye Japan. Lots of learnings and also four key lessons to share with you. In this episode, we cover: Feedback from the show Following Western advice all of my life as a queer Asian man Why Western ideologies don't work for Asians Embracing the edits Doubting myself before publishing the article Wh
#7: Defying filial piety and Asian parental
expectations in career and in life
Many of my Asian friends and I have experienced parenting in the form of helicopter parenting or Asian guilt to motivate us. After decades of conditioning, this becomes ingrained as a part of our psyche. And to be honest, for me, I'm still navigating and figuring out whenever I make a decision if I am being true to my heart center or doing it out of Asian guilt. "I have to do this to be a good A
#6: Yellow fever and rice queens: fetish or just a preference?
Yellow Fever!! Exoticism, objectification, and fetishizing of the yellow skin. I've dealt with this so much myself and wanted to share my perspective on this topic. It's prevalent everywhere and every single Asian I've known has faced this in dating and especially interracial relationships. This episode, we cover: The background of the word fetish Origins of yellow fever Whether or not f
#5 Queer rights and facing discrimination in the workplace
This week, we had three major cases got up against the Supreme Court regarding discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We go in detail about: The three cases and why they are so important for queer rights. My experiences with discrimination in job applications and in my previous workplace. What is the most impactful discrimination for minorities.
#4: Let's talk about drugs
Last week, Jonathan Van Ness, star of Queer Eye, came out with his memoir and an interview with NY Times about life managing HIV, sexual abuse, and drug addiction. They are all pressing issues in the queer community and in this episode, we dive into drugs. Whether we like to admit it or not, drugs are all around us. They are at parties, festivals, and even the bars we frequent. Both legal and i
#3: Managing superficiality in Asian and gay cultures
Superficial: The narrow focus on surface-level attributes, like appearance, status, wealth, and career over things that are more internal like morals, values, and ethics. This episode, we cover: 3 golden rules of Asian households Superficiality in Asian culture and potential causes Generational trauma Racism, colorism, and body-shaming in Asian and gay advertisements Plastic surgery in
#2: Growing up Asian and Gay in America, and Feeling "Not Good Enough"
We're on the second episode! This week, we dive INTO it with my stories of growing up Asian and gay in America, the feelings of not good enough perpetuated by people and society, and how to overcome it with some insights and compassion. I go into detail about: Growing up as a 2nd generation immigrant child in the white suburbs of West Covina Being friends with other westernized Asians My
#1: What is Yellow Glitter?
Welcome to Yellow Glitter! Mindfulness through the eyes & soul of a queer Asian. Every episode, I share with you what's on my mind, things I'm be struggling with and how I'm working through it to live a more mindful, fabulous life! For my first episode, I share what inspired me to do this podcast. I talk about my health, the meditation journey around the world that set the premise, and thoughts
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