"Marsha Aizumi...gives voice to the mix of emotions so many parents of LGBTQ kids live...love, fear, shame, pride, acceptance. But what makes Marsha special is that she lived her truth so publicly so that others might find community and peace...I think you have an amazing heart."
​- Dr. Jill Biden

Two Spirits, One Heart - 2nd Edition

At its core, Two Spirits, One Heart is simply about love.  The love of a mother who struggles in the beginning to understand what it means to be transgender, but decides to stand by her son.  The love of a son who makes the choice to love himself, live authentically and bring his family along on his journey.  And the love of a mother and son for the Asian and LGBTQ+ communities that inspires them to throw off their capes of invisibility and become advocates for those families and individuals that so desperately need to hear stories of transformation that end in joy and triumphant over adversity.

This is a raw and emotional story about discovering you are braver then you ever thought you could be. That listening deeply to each other, saying you’re sorry when you make a mistake, and compassionately and authentically sharing who you are can create unforgettable moments of healing and hope.  But most of all living your life with your whole heart and not just part of it, can be a risk, but in the end it can take you on an amazing journey of purpose, connection to those you love, and discovering a voice you never knew you had.

​WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK

  • Families & youth
  • Educators
  • Everyone who works with children, youth and young adults 
  • Religious leaders
  • Cultural leaders
  • Health & mental health providers
Brian K. Bond
CEO, PFLAG National
"Two Spirits, One Heart is honest and impactful, and I am immensely grateful to both Marsha and Aiden for sharing their personal journey with everyone. As Executive Director of PFLAG National—an organization focused on the journey of parents and families of LGBTQ+ people—I’m moved by Marsha's passion to make this world a better place for all people, and by her unwavering love for her trans child."
George Takei
​Actor, Author, Activist
​“Marsha shares her journey from fear and uncertainty to acceptance, support, and unconditional love of Aiden as he reconciled his gender identity…I recommend their co-written memoir Two Spirits, One Heart.”
Dennis and Judy Shepard
​The Matthew Shepard Foundation
"We have dedicated our lives to bringing greater awareness and compassion to the LGBTQ+ community in order to eliminate violence and harm that so many experience. Marsha and Aiden's story will open your heart and illustrate the power of unconditional love and acceptance.  Read it to be educated, be moved and be inspired to go out and make the world a little bit kinder. . . ."
Geena Rocero
Model, Producer, Advocate, Author
"As a trans woman who know the power of telling our diverse stories publicly, I was inspired by this mother's - this family’s - story of love, courage and resilience. The world needs more stories that move people to better understand our lives as a community, as families and as trans individuals.”

A LOVE LETTER - a film by Barney Cheng

Picture
"A Love Letter" is a short film about two Asian-American families' journey to stay together through love and acceptance. Through love letters, they share their profound love for one another, and the story of how having a transgender family member powerfully transforms their lives.
CLICK TO SEE THE VIDEO
Picture

OKAERI HAS PUBLISHED A BOOK!!

Letters to Home:
Art & Writing by LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Allies

“Okaeri has been an important resource and support for many LGBTQ+ Japanese Americans, including me. This book is a great reflection of this community and its ever growing pride. Letters to Home will provide a unique sense of belonging wherever you are. Please read it and feel the warmth and welcome of coming home.”
-George Takei
Join Email Here!
Please go to the Okaeri website to learn more details about our Nikkei LGBTQ+ community.