Seen and Unseen is the first-ever exhibit focused on Nikkei (Japanese Americans) who were involved in intimate same-sex relationships or defied gender roles in the early 20th century. The exhibition is hosted by J-Sei, a multi-generational and multi-cultural organisation with its roots in Nikkei values and culture.

The exhibition explores how queer Nikkei might have felt being simultaneously queer, immigrant, and Asian in America. It reminds us that queer Japanese Americans continue to be seen and unseen today (from Seen and Unseen Exhibition).  The exhibition covers three periods - Queer Traditions in a New World 1890-1918; Queer Kinship in the Interwar Years 1918-1941; and Queerness under Duress 1941-1945.  It also explores white representation of Japanese queer sexualities and how it diverged significantly from how Japanese saw and depicted themselves.

View the exhibition here:  https://www.seenandunseen.net

Then join us for a Discussion with the Curators about the development of the exhibition and its role in addressing the past and present struggles of queer and gender non-conforming Japanese Americans.

RSVP Below to receive the Zoom link! 

Thursday - June 24, 2021
9.00 am         Washington DC
3:00 pm         Berlin
7:30 pm         Mumbai
9:00 pm         Perth / Hong Kong
10:00 pm       Seoul/Tokyo
11:00 pm       Sydney

 About the Curators

Amy Sueyoshi is Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies with a joint faculty appointment in Race and Resistance Studies and Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University.  She has received numerous awards for her scholarship in queer history and for her community engagement and advocacy.

Stan Yogi is an award winning author of several books and his essays have appeared in newspapers and academic journals. He has co-curated traveling exhibits on civil liberties.  He is Co-Chair of Okaeri, a Nikkei LGBTIQ+ Community based in Los Angeles.