The importance of providing platforms:

Growing up as a Chinese-American in a predominately white neighborhood was difficult for me because conversations around diversity and immigration did not exist.  I distanced myself from my cultural heritage and was ashamed of my immigrant history.

In college, I realized that those feelings of isolation were not uncommon with my immigrant and non-white friends.  I found so much joy when I was finally able to connect with other womxn who cared about racial justice.  Yet, these conversations were isolated to the classroom or late-night study sessions.  There wasn’t space for us to talk in larger scale with others who felt similarly.

Conversely, the media is given ample space to tell stereotyped stories about what it means to be an immigrant or a womxn.  Immigrant and activist womxn are not given the same opportunities to speak out.

Creating platforms for womxn to have conversations about being immigrants and activists is imperative to creating meaningful dialogue.  I believe representing a range of stories within these identities is crucial to making young womxn feel safe and respected in our communities.

So then why podcasting?

As a researcher and an activist, I’ve used podcasts to understand how womxn of color renegotiate the politics of knowledge production.  Podcasts have democratized alternative media spaces, allowing for people typically shut out from popular media to create their own narratives.

This particular podcast serves as both a learning tool and a form of catharsis for womxn who do not have other outlets to talk about our common struggles or triumphs, and unique experiences.  Every other week, I’ll talk with friends, mentors, and colleagues about our lives as womxn, immigrants, and activists.  Seats At The Table provides us with an outlet to  share our stories and explain our struggles to those who want to stand in solidarity.  I thank you for embarking on this journey with us.