Media
Interview with Marsha and Aiden
by Divercity Production
Open Letter from Moms Stress LGBT Support Following Orlando Massacre
by Charles Lam
"For the parents: I would just say to them that there are parents to understand how they feel, and we're here to support listen and provide resources," Aizumi told NBC News. "For me as a parent, I think the best way for me to overcome the fear and shame that I had was, number one, reach out for support, and two, get resources to dispel the myths and things that I had." - Read More
Higher Education Diversity Summit (HEDS Talk 2016)
April 14-15 2016
HRC: Time to Thrive Conference 2016
February 12, 2016
Two Spirits, One Heart on NBC Bay Area Asian Pacific Americans
September 15, 2015
Robert Handa
Logo TV Red Carpet Interview
June 26, 2015
Get More: Logo TV
Logo TV Trailblazer Parent Award Video
June 26, 2015
Get More: Logo TV
Addressing isolation, shame, and coming out together - API organizations aim to start API LGBTQ family support group
June 25, 2015
Northwest Asian Weekly By Tiffany Ran
Marsha Aizumi and her son Aiden spoke about coming out of the closet at a recent conference called “Family: An API LGBTQ Gathering” [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, Queer] held on June 13 at the North Seattle College.
It hasn’t always been so easy for Marsha to talk about coming out or the shame she admittedly felt when her transgender son Aiden first came out as a lesbian. Aiden later shared his desire to transition from a lesbian female to male.
The shame Aizumi felt was one she attributed to her experience of growing up in an Asian family, where she worried about bringing dishonor to her relatives. Such shame, she described, had effectively pushed her into the closet as her son struggled to come out of it. Once she began attending groups like PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), they provided her with information and directed her to places where she could talk to people one on one...Read More
It hasn’t always been so easy for Marsha to talk about coming out or the shame she admittedly felt when her transgender son Aiden first came out as a lesbian. Aiden later shared his desire to transition from a lesbian female to male.
The shame Aizumi felt was one she attributed to her experience of growing up in an Asian family, where she worried about bringing dishonor to her relatives. Such shame, she described, had effectively pushed her into the closet as her son struggled to come out of it. Once she began attending groups like PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), they provided her with information and directed her to places where she could talk to people one on one...Read More
Activist Shares Transgender Story
May 8, 2015
University of La Verne Campus Times, By Kristina Bugante
Aiden Aizumi, transgender activist, and his mother Marsha Aizumi shared their experiences in a presentation “One Family’s Journey: A Mother, Her Transgender Son and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance” as a part of Transgender Awareness Day April 30 in the Campus Center.
In a nearly-filled ballroom of students, faculty, staff and administrators, the mother-and-son pair recounted their personal experiences of accepting and supporting Aiden Aizumi during his coming out and transition into a transgender male.
“This is a very special day of awareness about transgender individuals, their families and their communities,” said Zandra Wagoner, University chaplain.
“It’s a day of learning, understanding, expression; as well as a day to honor qualities deeply cultivated by the transgender communities, such as courage, grace and authenticity.”
Aiden Aizumi, senior liberal studies major, came out as transgender and started transitioning from female to male when he was 20 years old in 2008.
He is currently a board member of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ (PFLAG) National Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Advisory Board and is an executive board member of PFLAG Pasadena.
The time before that, however, was difficult for him...Read More
In a nearly-filled ballroom of students, faculty, staff and administrators, the mother-and-son pair recounted their personal experiences of accepting and supporting Aiden Aizumi during his coming out and transition into a transgender male.
“This is a very special day of awareness about transgender individuals, their families and their communities,” said Zandra Wagoner, University chaplain.
“It’s a day of learning, understanding, expression; as well as a day to honor qualities deeply cultivated by the transgender communities, such as courage, grace and authenticity.”
Aiden Aizumi, senior liberal studies major, came out as transgender and started transitioning from female to male when he was 20 years old in 2008.
He is currently a board member of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ (PFLAG) National Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Advisory Board and is an executive board member of PFLAG Pasadena.
The time before that, however, was difficult for him...Read More
Nurturing Understanding: A Mother's Love Leads to LGBT Support
October 16, 2014
Discover Nikkei, By Darryl Mori
According to UCLA’s Williams Institute, 46% of transgender males attempt suicide, says educator, author, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) community advocate Marsha Aizumi.
Marsha and Aiden Aizumi
“My son was one of those individuals who thought about suicide, but did not attempt it,” she notes. “Aiden seemed to have enough resilience to keep living and for that I am so grateful. I think that is one of the reasons I work so hard for this cause.”
For Aizumi, the cause is to fight prejudices faced by LGBT individuals.
As a Japanese American, Aizumi found that her personal journey from... Read more
Marsha and Aiden Aizumi
“My son was one of those individuals who thought about suicide, but did not attempt it,” she notes. “Aiden seemed to have enough resilience to keep living and for that I am so grateful. I think that is one of the reasons I work so hard for this cause.”
For Aizumi, the cause is to fight prejudices faced by LGBT individuals.
As a Japanese American, Aizumi found that her personal journey from... Read more
Two Spirits, One Heart - a Powerful Presentation
May/June 2014, Issue No. 103
JACLer, by Megan Nakano, JACL Chicago Chapter
Ashley Aizumi didn't think she would live to see her eighteenth birthday. Since early childhood, she had been a "tomboy." In middle school she started to feel like she didn't fit in and began having panic attacks. In high school she came out as a lesbian but was bullied by her classmates and experienced rejection at her church. She began engaging in self-mutilation, or "cutting." Her panic attacks worsened, preventing her from attending school, and she was diagnosed with agoraphobia.
Despite her challenges, she was able to complete her high school education from home, graduate, and get accepted to college.
Her mother, Marsha, tried desperately to help Ashley. Marsha, her husband, their son, and extended family were unconditionally supportive of Ashley and sought the guidance of friends, teachers and therapists, but Ashley continued to struggle with depression and agoraphobia throughout her college years..... Read More
Despite her challenges, she was able to complete her high school education from home, graduate, and get accepted to college.
Her mother, Marsha, tried desperately to help Ashley. Marsha, her husband, their son, and extended family were unconditionally supportive of Ashley and sought the guidance of friends, teachers and therapists, but Ashley continued to struggle with depression and agoraphobia throughout her college years..... Read More
Gay Arcadia teen comes out - twice
December 27, 2013
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, by Beau Yarbrough, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Arcadia >> Aiden Aizumi’s classmates won’t find him in 2006 Arcadia High School yearbook.
Not unless they look him up as “Ashley,” anyway.
“At the time, I was identifying as a lesbian,” said Aizumi, 25.
When Aizumi was 13, he started to realize he was different from many of his peers. But his church was telling him something as well.
“We had talked about (how homosexuality) was a sin, and I thought ‘I’m not going to be that person.’”
In the end, Aizumi came out as a lesbian when he was 15... Read More
Not unless they look him up as “Ashley,” anyway.
“At the time, I was identifying as a lesbian,” said Aizumi, 25.
When Aizumi was 13, he started to realize he was different from many of his peers. But his church was telling him something as well.
“We had talked about (how homosexuality) was a sin, and I thought ‘I’m not going to be that person.’”
In the end, Aizumi came out as a lesbian when he was 15... Read More
For LGBTQ Asians, Changes Back Home Offer Hope
Dec 11, 2013
PQ Monthly, by Xiaoqing Rong, New American Media
For Clara Yoon, there was never any question in her mind about helping her daughter when she came out as transgender in 2010. Yoon, who is Korean American, quickly joined a local support group for parents of LGBT children.
She soon discovered, however, that she was the only Asian parent in the group.
“I am sure there are many parents that need support,” said Yoon, who founded the API Project of the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of New York City (PFLAG NYC) last August. The group meets once a month, though Yoon says that to date those at the meetings have been mostly members of the LGBT community.
Yoon knows the stigma attached to having an LGBT child within the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community is what stops most parents from coming. In order to get more parents on board, she is planning on changing tactics, she said, by organizing social outings as opposed to support group meetings. Read More
She soon discovered, however, that she was the only Asian parent in the group.
“I am sure there are many parents that need support,” said Yoon, who founded the API Project of the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of New York City (PFLAG NYC) last August. The group meets once a month, though Yoon says that to date those at the meetings have been mostly members of the LGBT community.
Yoon knows the stigma attached to having an LGBT child within the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community is what stops most parents from coming. In order to get more parents on board, she is planning on changing tactics, she said, by organizing social outings as opposed to support group meetings. Read More
Forum Shows Key Role of Parents in Winning Rights for Gay and Lesbians in China
The first Rainbow China Forum in Hong Kong brought together hundreds of gay rights activists, including parents, who vowed to keep fighting to protect their children.
December 10, 2013
Advocate, by Alex J. Davidson
Parents of gay and lesbian youth are leading the charge for equality in China.
The first Rainbow China Forum, held last month in Hong Kong, brought together more than 200 gay rights activists from across the country, according to the South China Morning Post. At the event several parents spoke about the importance of supporting their children in a country where stigma and shame prevent gays and lesbians from coming out. "My daughter told me she was a lesbian nine years ago," said a mother, Guangxi, who was representing PFLAG China. "I was so worried. I was afraid that she would be persecuted. I thought, how would I be able to help her? That's why I started to help organize events around the country for parents of gay children.. Read More
The first Rainbow China Forum, held last month in Hong Kong, brought together more than 200 gay rights activists from across the country, according to the South China Morning Post. At the event several parents spoke about the importance of supporting their children in a country where stigma and shame prevent gays and lesbians from coming out. "My daughter told me she was a lesbian nine years ago," said a mother, Guangxi, who was representing PFLAG China. "I was so worried. I was afraid that she would be persecuted. I thought, how would I be able to help her? That's why I started to help organize events around the country for parents of gay children.. Read More
Storycorps Interview with Marsha and Aiden Aizumi
November 22, 2013
As an avid NPR listener, I’ve learned to keep tissues in my car because, on Friday mornings, I listen to Storycorps and, well, I admit it… I often cry. Sometimes out of the joy of the connection of the two people and sometimes because of the struggles they have gone through to make it to that day.
Personal stories are such a powerful link from one person to another. I'll tell you right now that you'll want tissues nearby when you listen to this month's Storycorps, recorded at last year’s Creating Change conference.
Marsha and Aiden Aizumi are old friends of the Task Force and they have touched my heart and inspired me since the moment I met them. We awarded Aiden the Youth Leadership Award at our 2010 Creating Change conference for his work and leadership with PFLAG and the Trevor Project. His mom, Marsha, is a member of PFLAG’s national board for PFLAG and wrote a book about her journey with Aiden throughout his transition.
On the heels of the National Day of Transgender Remembrance and as part of our work around transgender rights, we’re featuring the Aizumis' story of love, growth, family and activism. They are an inspiration to me personally and I’m so grateful that they’ve continued to bring their experience and their personal story to those who need to hear it.
Personal stories are such a powerful link from one person to another. I'll tell you right now that you'll want tissues nearby when you listen to this month's Storycorps, recorded at last year’s Creating Change conference.
Marsha and Aiden Aizumi are old friends of the Task Force and they have touched my heart and inspired me since the moment I met them. We awarded Aiden the Youth Leadership Award at our 2010 Creating Change conference for his work and leadership with PFLAG and the Trevor Project. His mom, Marsha, is a member of PFLAG’s national board for PFLAG and wrote a book about her journey with Aiden throughout his transition.
On the heels of the National Day of Transgender Remembrance and as part of our work around transgender rights, we’re featuring the Aizumis' story of love, growth, family and activism. They are an inspiration to me personally and I’m so grateful that they’ve continued to bring their experience and their personal story to those who need to hear it.
|
Sincerely,
Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force |
KKCR Kauai Interview with Marsha
August 26, 2013
Tune in to Kauai's KKCR to listen to an interview with Marsha on August 26, 2013, at 8:15pm PST.
"The Global Divide on Homosexuality" Video discussion with Marsha Aizumi
August 8, 2013
HUFFPOST LIVE, Alyona Minkovski
From Darkness to Light: How a mother and her transgender son journeyed to love and acceptance.
Summer 2013, Issue 27
Hyphen, by Marsha Aizumi
Four years ago, my 20-year-old daughter fearfully looked across a table at me and said the words that would forever change my life: “I want to transition to be a boy.” The first 20 years of my daughter’s life suddenly began to make sense: The toddler who pouted at wearing dresses and bows, the elementary school tomboy who only wore pants and T-shirts and the high school cutter who refused to go to school and was diagnosed with agoraphobia. She had struggled with her gender identity after coming out as a lesbian a few years earlier. She had talked with other femaleto- male transgender individuals, and their stories had resonated with her. In my mind, a volley of questions grabbed center stage: What do you mean transition to be a boy? Is it even possible to change genders? How? I tried to remain calm on the outside, but my mind was racing.
I worried what family and friends would think about Aiden’s transition, and worried that it would dishonor my family when others found out. I wondered how I could have been so blind to have not seen this coming. Perhaps, I thought at the time, it was because I worked too much and didn’t pay enough attention to my child. I often traveled for work. Maybe I had failed in my duties as a mother. Read More
I worried what family and friends would think about Aiden’s transition, and worried that it would dishonor my family when others found out. I wondered how I could have been so blind to have not seen this coming. Perhaps, I thought at the time, it was because I worked too much and didn’t pay enough attention to my child. I often traveled for work. Maybe I had failed in my duties as a mother. Read More
The World I Dream Of
May 31, 2013
QAS E-Zine, Vol 2 (2013), by Marsha Aizumi
A reflection on a mother’s journey as she accompanies her child’s transitioning from female to male and the place that church communities played in this journey. Also, this mother shares her hope for the future as more Asian LGBT families try to reconcile their spirituality with both the Asian and queer aspects of their lives.
I am a Japanese American mother who was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church at the age of seven, attended a Japanese American Methodist church throughout middle and high school, but wasn’t involved in church during college and my early years of marriage. Things began to change as my children starting growing up. I wanted them to be connected to God. I wanted them to have some religious foundation, so that as they became adults, they would know God and be able to make a choice on how he would be a part of their lives. So we began to attend a neighborhood Lutheran church. Read More
I am a Japanese American mother who was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church at the age of seven, attended a Japanese American Methodist church throughout middle and high school, but wasn’t involved in church during college and my early years of marriage. Things began to change as my children starting growing up. I wanted them to be connected to God. I wanted them to have some religious foundation, so that as they became adults, they would know God and be able to make a choice on how he would be a part of their lives. So we began to attend a neighborhood Lutheran church. Read More
"Father Disowns His Gay Son In Hurtful Letter" Video discussion with Marsha Aizumi
May 6, 2013
HUFFPOST LIVE, Alyona Minkovski
"PFLAG mom Marsha Aizumi talks about bullying" Video from PFLAG National
April 18, 2012
Senior Moments: Two Spirits, One Heart
April 8, 2013
Rafu Shimpo, by Phil Shigekuni
Marsha Aizumi’s book about her transgender son tells a story that is powerful on several levels.
I had borrowed the book from my friend Harold Kameya several weeks ago, but had put it aside until we heard Marsha and her son speak at the JA National Museum a couple of weeks ago. Harold and his wife, Ellen, make a very strong supportive statement on the first page of the book. They are credited as being the founders of the L.A. Asian Pacific Islander Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
My wife, Marion, was so impressed hearing Marsha and her son, Aiden, that she had Marsha autograph her personal copy at the conclusion of their presentation. We spent the next few days sitting in our family room reading our own copies of the book, separately.
It was plain to see that Marsha and Aiden had made their talk many times before. Marsha tells the story of how she and her husband, Tad, adopted Aiden, the older of two adopted infants, after many years of being childless. In the process of growing up, it became apparent the female child, then named Ashley, was not completely comfortable as a female. Read More
I had borrowed the book from my friend Harold Kameya several weeks ago, but had put it aside until we heard Marsha and her son speak at the JA National Museum a couple of weeks ago. Harold and his wife, Ellen, make a very strong supportive statement on the first page of the book. They are credited as being the founders of the L.A. Asian Pacific Islander Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
My wife, Marion, was so impressed hearing Marsha and her son, Aiden, that she had Marsha autograph her personal copy at the conclusion of their presentation. We spent the next few days sitting in our family room reading our own copies of the book, separately.
It was plain to see that Marsha and Aiden had made their talk many times before. Marsha tells the story of how she and her husband, Tad, adopted Aiden, the older of two adopted infants, after many years of being childless. In the process of growing up, it became apparent the female child, then named Ashley, was not completely comfortable as a female. Read More
Q&A: Author & Activist Marsha Aizumi on Her New Book
January 22, 2013
Spectrum Los Angeles, by Stevie St. John
Editor’s note: I met Two Spirits, One Heart author Marsha Aizumi at an open house/media event that marked the opening of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s charter school for LGBT youth—a school Marsha played a pivotal role in starting.
Since then, I’ve had several opportunities to hear Marsha talk about her transgender son, Aiden, and the struggles he faced as a young trans man. Whenever Marsha shares her story—whether she’s talking to a reporter or to me and a video crew for this Center video—she tends to tear up, either because it’s painful to contemplate some of the struggles Aiden has faced or, often, because she’s overwhelmed by pride for him.
Today Marsha and Aiden are both dedicated LGBT community activists, but it took time for Marsha to fully accept and celebrate her trans son. She shares that journey in her new book, Two Spirits, One Heart. Since the book’s publication in fall 2012, Marsha has been doing speaking and signing events all over the country. You can find information about upcoming events – including a Feb. 12 signing at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza—on Marsha’s website. – Stevie Read More
Since then, I’ve had several opportunities to hear Marsha talk about her transgender son, Aiden, and the struggles he faced as a young trans man. Whenever Marsha shares her story—whether she’s talking to a reporter or to me and a video crew for this Center video—she tends to tear up, either because it’s painful to contemplate some of the struggles Aiden has faced or, often, because she’s overwhelmed by pride for him.
Today Marsha and Aiden are both dedicated LGBT community activists, but it took time for Marsha to fully accept and celebrate her trans son. She shares that journey in her new book, Two Spirits, One Heart. Since the book’s publication in fall 2012, Marsha has been doing speaking and signing events all over the country. You can find information about upcoming events – including a Feb. 12 signing at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza—on Marsha’s website. – Stevie Read More
One family's take on 'the civil rights issue of our time'
January 1, 2013
Nichi Bei, by Greg Robinson
Marsha Aizumi’s book, “Two Spirits, One Heart,” is a memoir about her experience as the mother of a child who comes out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. It is a timely book, coming at a moment when no less an authority than Vice President Joe Biden has asserted that discrimination against transgender people is “The civil rights issue of our time.”
The book’s cover note describes it as chronicling “Marsha’s personal journey from fear, uncertainty and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child…” I confess that when I saw that blurb, I thought irresistibly of Laura Z. Hobson’s semiautobiographical 1975 novel “Consenting Adult,” which recounted a mother’s 20-year struggle to come to terms with her son’s homosexuality. I first read “Consenting Adult” as a teenager a decade after it was published, and it already seemed to me, not only dated, but cheap — it seemed to ask readers to identify and sympathize with a mother going through such trauma, rather than with the son trying to come out in a difficult environment.
Fortunately, Aizumi’s book turned out to be well worth reading. First, she is clearer than her book’s own cover about the unconditional love and concern she never stopped feeling for the troubled daughter Ashley who emerged finally as a happy son Aidan. Read More
The book’s cover note describes it as chronicling “Marsha’s personal journey from fear, uncertainty and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child…” I confess that when I saw that blurb, I thought irresistibly of Laura Z. Hobson’s semiautobiographical 1975 novel “Consenting Adult,” which recounted a mother’s 20-year struggle to come to terms with her son’s homosexuality. I first read “Consenting Adult” as a teenager a decade after it was published, and it already seemed to me, not only dated, but cheap — it seemed to ask readers to identify and sympathize with a mother going through such trauma, rather than with the son trying to come out in a difficult environment.
Fortunately, Aizumi’s book turned out to be well worth reading. First, she is clearer than her book’s own cover about the unconditional love and concern she never stopped feeling for the troubled daughter Ashley who emerged finally as a happy son Aidan. Read More
Holiday Books and More
December 5, 2012
Windy City Times, by Tracy Baim
Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance is a wonderful new book by Marsha Aizumi and her son Aiden. Marsha's child first came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. Marsha writes of her own transition as a mother of an adopted girl, offering unconditional love as this child makes a journey through sexual orientation and gender identity. A great book for any parent—or child. Can you say "Happy holidays, mom … here's a gift for your heart"? Read More
"Out for Change: Perspectives from Across the Country" Video from the Ford Foundation
November 28, 2012
Marsha Aizumi and her Path to Activism
October 5, 2012
MN Progressive Project, The Big E
You never know when you're going to be at the right place at the right time with the right message and knowledge ... and this is one of those rare occasions. A couple of years ago, Joe Bodell and I did a social media training at The Courage To Change Conference. I think it was on a Saturday in January.
Among the 15 people sitting in the room was Marsha Aizumi. Back then she didn't have a website and a book published. She was just a Mom upset that her Mayor had invited someone from Focus on the Family (virulent homophobes, RWNJs) to speak at a community event. She was sick of the bullying and etc. and wanted to create more compassion and understanding in her hometown of Arcadia, CA because she was watching what her transgender son was going through. Read More
Among the 15 people sitting in the room was Marsha Aizumi. Back then she didn't have a website and a book published. She was just a Mom upset that her Mayor had invited someone from Focus on the Family (virulent homophobes, RWNJs) to speak at a community event. She was sick of the bullying and etc. and wanted to create more compassion and understanding in her hometown of Arcadia, CA because she was watching what her transgender son was going through. Read More
From Fear and Confusion to Love and Acceptance
Marsha Aizumi and her transgender son share their emotional journey.
October 3, 2012
Rafu Shimpo, Ryoko Nakamura, Rafu Japanese Staff Writer
TORRANCE — “My son was born in a female body, but all his life, he’s felt like a boy. He didn’t understand that. I didn’t and people around us didn’t understand what it meant. Our story is about a family that had to deal with changing how we think about our child.”
Marsha Aizumi and her transgender son, Aiden, addressed a Japanese American audience to educate the public and to raise awareness of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) members of the Asian community on Sept. 14 at Faith United Methodist Church in Torrance.
The presentation, “A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance,” was hosted by the Greater L.A. Singles Chapter of the JACL.
All Aizumi wanted was a little girl when she and her husband, Tad, decided to adopt a child from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. They named the little girl Ashley. Read More
Marsha Aizumi and her transgender son, Aiden, addressed a Japanese American audience to educate the public and to raise awareness of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) members of the Asian community on Sept. 14 at Faith United Methodist Church in Torrance.
The presentation, “A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance,” was hosted by the Greater L.A. Singles Chapter of the JACL.
All Aizumi wanted was a little girl when she and her husband, Tad, decided to adopt a child from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. They named the little girl Ashley. Read More
Member Spotlight: Marsha Aizumi
Member Leader in Community Diversity
Fall/Winter 2012 Issue
PFLAG Pole, The PFLAG National Newsletter
Marsha Aizumi is an educator and advocate for the LGBT community, a cause she embraced due, in large part, to the harassment and bullying her transgender son experienced throughout high school. As a loving parent, along with her husband Tad, to two sons, Aiden and Stefen, her vision is to change school cultures to be more accepting of all students, as well as bring greater resources to the Asian Pacific Islander and transgender community.
Of Japanese descent, Marsha talks often about how her background affected her understanding of her son and family's process when Aiden came out as transgender. She says, "As a Japanese American, I was keenly aware not only of my immediate family, but of generations of family and ancestors that came before me, and how they might react to Aiden. It was important that I work through those feelings and in doing so I realized that I must not be the only one needing this kind of very specific support." Read More
Of Japanese descent, Marsha talks often about how her background affected her understanding of her son and family's process when Aiden came out as transgender. She says, "As a Japanese American, I was keenly aware not only of my immediate family, but of generations of family and ancestors that came before me, and how they might react to Aiden. It was important that I work through those feelings and in doing so I realized that I must not be the only one needing this kind of very specific support." Read More
"PFLAG Mom Marsha Aizumi is Changing The World One Heart At A Time" Video for Lee Wind
May 8, 2012
She Brings Honor to Our Family, and That is Good
May 4, 2012
PFLAG National Blog, Guest Blogger Marsha Aizumi
Our guest blogger today is Marsha Aizumi, mother of two children, Aiden and Stefen. She is the author of Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance, due to be released by Magnus Books in September of 2012. She was recently elected to the PFLAG National Board of Directors.
"New Year's Day . . . . a big holiday for Japanese families. I am about twelve years old and excited to go to a relative's home to eat all the special New Year's foods, food symbolic of everyone's hope for the year to come. Black beans eaten for health, shrimp for longevity, sweet potatoes with chestnuts for wealth and financial success. And our house has to be cleaned top to bottom, because my mom would say, "Your house will be as clean throughout the year as it is on New Year's Day." Read More
"New Year's Day . . . . a big holiday for Japanese families. I am about twelve years old and excited to go to a relative's home to eat all the special New Year's foods, food symbolic of everyone's hope for the year to come. Black beans eaten for health, shrimp for longevity, sweet potatoes with chestnuts for wealth and financial success. And our house has to be cleaned top to bottom, because my mom would say, "Your house will be as clean throughout the year as it is on New Year's Day." Read More
"I Am Trans" Video for GLAAD
April 9, 2012
Marsha and Aiden Aizumi Speak About Family and LGBT Youth Advocacy
December 2, 2011
GLAAD, article by Danny Heffernan
In September, GLAAD spoke with Marsha Aizumi regarding her upcoming memoir Two Spirits, One Heart, written with her son Aiden. The memoir explores Marsha’s journey to embracing her transgender son and becoming an advocate and ally for LGBT youth. Recently, GLAAD caught up with Marsha and Aiden, discussing their respective work in advocacy, particularly for LGBT youth, and their experience as a family that has grown closer together through change.
As an advocate for LGBT youth, Marsha is involved with a number of organizations and projects. In June, she retired from her job to devote herself more fully to advocacy work and was recently elected to the national board of Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). One of her greatest concerns is making schools safe for LGBT youth through education about acceptance and ending bullying. Read More
As an advocate for LGBT youth, Marsha is involved with a number of organizations and projects. In June, she retired from her job to devote herself more fully to advocacy work and was recently elected to the national board of Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). One of her greatest concerns is making schools safe for LGBT youth through education about acceptance and ending bullying. Read More
Pre-Order Two Spirits, One Heart
Two Spirits, One Heart is now available to pre-order through Amazon.com at a discounted price. Click the links below to pre-order:
US Amazon.com
UK Amazon.com
Japan Amazon.com
Canada Amazon.com
France Amazon.com
Germany Amazon.com
Click here for more international websites
UK Amazon.com
Japan Amazon.com
Canada Amazon.com
France Amazon.com
Germany Amazon.com
Click here for more international websites
Video for LAGLC's 40th Anniversary
November 14, 2011
API White House Video Entry
October 31, 2011
Ally Week: A Grateful Mother Celebrates
October 18, 2011
Huffington Post, article by Marsha Aizumi
As we approach a week that celebrates straight allies, I look back in amazement at the road this reserved Asian-American mother has traveled to become an advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. I have two sons -- one whom doctors identified as male when he was born, and another whom doctors identified as female when he was born. For most of my children's lives, I believed I had a son and a daughter. Then, almost three years ago, my son Aiden, whom I saw as my daughter for the first 20 years, sat across from me at a restaurant table and bravely spoke the words that would begin our journey. With fear in his eyes and a tremble in his voice, he told me he was a transgender man and asked me to stand by his side as he transitioned from female to male. Although I feared what the future would hold for our family, I also knew that I loved my child with all my heart. So, not knowing what or how, only why, I took his hand and stepped onto an unfamiliar path, first as a mother and then as an ally. Read More
"Two Spirits, One Heart": A Mother's Memoir About Unconditionally Loving Her Transgender Son
September 2, 2011
GLAAD, Amita Swadhin
Earlier this week, I had the chance to speak with Marsha Aizumi, who is putting the finishing touches on her new memoir, Two Spirits, One Heart, the story of her journey to accepting, loving and supporting her transgender son, Aiden, unconditionally.
Marsha, who lives in Arcadia, CA, and I first met at Creating Change in February. As an Asian American advocate in the LGBT community, I was especially excited to connect with Marsha. She is the first Asian American (she’s Japanese American) mother of an LGBT-identified child I’ve met who has become an advocate for the LGBT community in her own right. Read More
Marsha, who lives in Arcadia, CA, and I first met at Creating Change in February. As an Asian American advocate in the LGBT community, I was especially excited to connect with Marsha. She is the first Asian American (she’s Japanese American) mother of an LGBT-identified child I’ve met who has become an advocate for the LGBT community in her own right. Read More
Five Encore Stories Rise to the Top for Essay Contest
June 1, 2011
Encore.org, Michele Melendez
The winners:
Andrea Simon – She became a graduate student in creative writing at age 65.
George Wolf – In his early 80s, he reinvented himself as a marketing director for a nonprofit that helps Holocaust survivors.
James Vaughn – A former truck driver, he found meaning driving a school bus for special needs kids.
Lynne Juarez – A retired schools administrator, she fulfilled a dream by traveling the world to train future teachers.
Marsha Aizumi – This mom, whose transgender son suffered in high school, became an activist to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Read Marsha's Story Here
Andrea Simon – She became a graduate student in creative writing at age 65.
George Wolf – In his early 80s, he reinvented himself as a marketing director for a nonprofit that helps Holocaust survivors.
James Vaughn – A former truck driver, he found meaning driving a school bus for special needs kids.
Lynne Juarez – A retired schools administrator, she fulfilled a dream by traveling the world to train future teachers.
Marsha Aizumi – This mom, whose transgender son suffered in high school, became an activist to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Read Marsha's Story Here
KRCB Outbeat Youth Radio Interview with Aiden and Marsha
May 22, 2011
Outbeatyouth.org
Santa Rosa - We kept with the Mothers' Day theme this month by talking to Marsha Aizumi about her unconditional love for her transgender son Aiden. Marsha is writing a book, "Two Spirits, One Heart," all about her journey with her son. Aiden first came out as a lesbian while identifying was female, but he knew something was still not right. He discovered that his true gender identity is as a male and began a quick path through transition. Read More
Click here to listen to the interview
Click here to listen to the interview
AAs on Raising Awareness About the "T" in LGBT
Some in the transgender community nationwide say more resources and visibility are needed.
March 18, 2011
Pacific Citizen, by Nalea J. Ko
Growing up in California, Aiden Aizumi did not always feel comfortable with the role he was born into. Adopted from Japan with his brother, Stefen Lawrence, Aiden Aizumi grew up in Arcadia, Calif.
He was born as a girl in Japan, and named Ashley Akemi. But in 2008 he would openly express his desire to transition to a male.
“I never really related to being a girl, or having a female body,” Aiden Aizumi explained. “While everybody around me was becoming really proud and comfortable with their body, I was becoming more uncomfortable. I think I learned a lot from being raised socially as a woman, but I never felt like one.” Read More
Growing up in California, Aiden Aizumi did not always feel comfortable with the role he was born into. Adopted from Japan with his brother, Stefen Lawrence, Aiden Aizumi grew up in Arcadia, Calif.
He was born as a girl in Japan, and named Ashley Akemi. But in 2008 he would openly express his desire to transition to a male.
“I never really related to being a girl, or having a female body,” Aiden Aizumi explained. “While everybody around me was becoming really proud and comfortable with their body, I was becoming more uncomfortable. I think I learned a lot from being raised socially as a woman, but I never felt like one.” Read More
Focus on the Family Pastor Speaks at Arcadia Breakfast; Dozens Protest
March 3, 2011
Pasadena Star-News, by Brenda Gazzar
Arcadia - A pastor from a conservative Christian group that opposes gay marriage spoke about the importance of compassion and unconditional love in the family during a city sponsored breakfast Friday that drew protests from scores of residents and gay right activists. Read More
Loving My Child
February 23, 2011
Windy City Media Group, Guest Essay by Marsha Aizumi
My oldest child was born female. Today he lives as a man. For 20 years, he struggled to align his physical body with his core being. I watched that struggle and I saw his pain, but I didn't know how to help my son. His own mother did not know what to do. The man that lived inside of him screamed to be recognized. He tried to ignore this male voice, but the voice could not be silenced.
Then one day, he spoke the words that opened up a whole new world for me … "I want to transition to be a guy". And those words changed both of our lives, setting in motion our journey as a family and his journey to become the man he was meant to be. Read More
Then one day, he spoke the words that opened up a whole new world for me … "I want to transition to be a guy". And those words changed both of our lives, setting in motion our journey as a family and his journey to become the man he was meant to be. Read More
Focus and Acceptance of ALL Families
February 16, 2011
Featured on the PFLAG National Blog on 2/25/11, and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Blog on 2/18/11
Arcadia Mayor Amundson, Council Unmoved by Heartfelt Speeches Requesting Change of Community Breakfast Speaker
February 2, 2011
Arcadia Weekly, by Terry Miller
The divisive decision by Mayor Amundson to bring Focus on Family’s H.B. London to Arcadia in March is having some significant repercussion in the community.
During Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting, nine area residents spoke passionately and powerfully about Mayor Amundson’s decision to have city funds pay for a speaker from the anti-gay organization such as Focus on Family at the community breakfast in March. Their statements were both honest and moving, and two speakers got choked up to the point of tears during their statements. The Arcadia GSA showed up in force with a number of students, two of whom gave passionate statements. Read More
During Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting, nine area residents spoke passionately and powerfully about Mayor Amundson’s decision to have city funds pay for a speaker from the anti-gay organization such as Focus on Family at the community breakfast in March. Their statements were both honest and moving, and two speakers got choked up to the point of tears during their statements. The Arcadia GSA showed up in force with a number of students, two of whom gave passionate statements. Read More
Interview with Marsha Aizumi, Author Two Spirits, One Heart
Interviewed by Robert Yehling, The Word Journeys Blog
Part 1
Q: What fed your decision to write Two Spirits, One Heart?
A: When Aiden received a youth leadership award from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in Dallas, Texas earlier
in 2010, he introduced me to the audience before he gave his acceptance speech. Read More of Part 1
Part 2
Q: When Aiden became involved with the transgender community, after being involved with the lesbian community,
how much knowledge did you have of these issues?
A: Aiden’s involvement in the transgender community seemed to trigger more activism in me. Read More of Part 2
Part 3
Q: Where do you feel we, as a nation, stand in terms of tolerance and understanding of the GLBT community? What
practical steps do you think people can take to increase their tolerance and understanding, and lose some of the
overt hostility—and fear — that so many seem to carry?
A: I think we as a nation have made some progress. We have more visible LGBT leaders that are being recognized and
represent the interests of LGBT community. These leaders stand up to fear every day, but boldly become the voice
for LGBT citizens. Read More of Part 3
Q: What fed your decision to write Two Spirits, One Heart?
A: When Aiden received a youth leadership award from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in Dallas, Texas earlier
in 2010, he introduced me to the audience before he gave his acceptance speech. Read More of Part 1
Part 2
Q: When Aiden became involved with the transgender community, after being involved with the lesbian community,
how much knowledge did you have of these issues?
A: Aiden’s involvement in the transgender community seemed to trigger more activism in me. Read More of Part 2
Part 3
Q: Where do you feel we, as a nation, stand in terms of tolerance and understanding of the GLBT community? What
practical steps do you think people can take to increase their tolerance and understanding, and lose some of the
overt hostility—and fear — that so many seem to carry?
A: I think we as a nation have made some progress. We have more visible LGBT leaders that are being recognized and
represent the interests of LGBT community. These leaders stand up to fear every day, but boldly become the voice
for LGBT citizens. Read More of Part 3
A Harassment-Free School Opens In L.A.
February 10, 2010
Los Angeles Times, by Nicole Santa Cruz
Aiden Aizumi almost didn't graduate from high school.
Aizumi, now 21, is one of many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people who say they have suffered through school, enduring homophobic taunts and name-calling. Read More
Aizumi, now 21, is one of many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people who say they have suffered through school, enduring homophobic taunts and name-calling. Read More
LGBT Youth Leaders the Focus of Saturday’s Plenary
February 6, 2010
Creating Change 2010
Aiden Aizumi is awarded with the Paul A. Anderson Award for Youth Leadership. Aizumi, 21, is a transman activist currently studying to become a firefighter/paramedic. Aizumi is an active member of PFLAG and is currently a member of the Pasadena PFLAG executive board and participates in informational panels with PFLAG to educate local high schools and colleges about the LGBT community. Aizumi serves on the Youth Advisory Council of The Trevor Project and has a leadership role in the youth leadership of the organization. Aizumi is photographed here with this proud mom, Marsha. Read More
LGBT High School Program Begins in L.A.
February 3, 2010
Edge - Boston, Massachusetts, by Kilian Melloy
The L.A Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles has added a new service: now, in addition to housing, job placement, health, and other areas of assistance, the center provides a safe educational environment for LGBT students.
There’s need for such a program, given the experiences of many GLBT youth, noted a Feb. 1 article in the Los Angeles Times, which characterized the educational program as a "harassment-free school" and reported that students in the program meet with instructors twice weekly, doing a considerable amount of homework in between sessions. The program is set up to accommodate around 40 students, ranging from 7th through 12th grades, but the program could be expanded if there’s enough response. Read More
There’s need for such a program, given the experiences of many GLBT youth, noted a Feb. 1 article in the Los Angeles Times, which characterized the educational program as a "harassment-free school" and reported that students in the program meet with instructors twice weekly, doing a considerable amount of homework in between sessions. The program is set up to accommodate around 40 students, ranging from 7th through 12th grades, but the program could be expanded if there’s enough response. Read More