What is Okaeri Connects?
First started in 2020 as a way to foster spaces for Nikkei LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID pandemic, the Okaeri Connects program provides online, monthly discussion groups in both English and 日本語 for the Japanese and Japanese American (Nikkei) LGBTQ+ community. We also have sessions dedicated to Parents/Allies!
The Okaeri Connects program helps our LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Parent/Ally communities find each other and create affirming spaces by sharing our personal experiences and stories. We believe that by building authentic relationships, being seen, and connecting ourselves broadly across our big Nikkei world, we can improve the quality of all our lives.
We currently have 4 branches of Okaeri Connects:
Okaeri Connects: English LGBTQ+ (Meets 4:00-5:15pm every second Sunday)
Okaeri Connects 日本語: 当事者 LGBTQ+ (Meets 5:30-6:45pm every third Saturday/Sunday - alternating)
Okaeri Connects 日本語: 親＆アライグループ (Meets 4:00-5:15pm every third Saturday/Sunday - alternating)
(NEW!) Okaeri Connects: English Trans & Gender Diverse (Meets 5:00-6:15pm every fourth Sunday)
Come join our newest Okaeri Connects group for English-speaking trans and gender-diverse Nikkei!
This group will meet via zoom on the last Sunday of each month from 5:00-6:15pm PT.
Please note that this is a pilot program with potential to become a permanent part of the Okaeri Connects roster! The first session will start in April 2026, and the last session will be in September 2026.
This program is free, and no prior experience or attendance at previous sessions required!
Join us today by registering at the link below!
LGBTQ+を自認（またはそうかもしれない）人たちの集まり. 北米に住む日系LGBTQ+の仲間と繋がりたい、LGBTQ+のことをもっと知りたい、周りに相談できる人がいない、差別のない社会を作りたい。。。様々な思いを持つ人たちと、お互いに支え合う環境を一緒に作りませんか？月一回集まって日本語によるコミュニティーを作りましょう。
次のオカエリコネクツは：
親・アライグループ：４：００−５：１５PM PT
当事者：５：３０−６：４５PM PT
毎月のプログラムをサポートするには、こちらの寄付リンクを訪問してください。チェックアウト時に備考欄に「Okaeri」と記入してください。ご支援いただきありがとうございます。
Okaeri Connects! English is for LGBTQ+ Nikkei/Japanese folks to find each other and create affirming spaces by sharing our personal experiences and stories. We believe that building relationships, being seen, and connecting ourselves within our big Nikkei world, we can improve the quality of all our lives.
We meet online every second Sunday of the month from 4:00-5:15PM PT. Attendance is free, no prior experience required!
Join us today by registering at the link below!
To support this monthly program, visit our donation link here. Please make sure to add “Okaeri” in the Notes during check out. Thank you!
LGBTQ+を自認（またはそうかもしれない）人たちの集まり. 北米に住む日系LGBTQ+の仲間と繋がりたい、LGBTQ+のことをもっと知りたい、周りに相談できる人がいない、差別のない社会を作りたい。。。様々な思いを持つ人たちと、お互いに支え合う環境を一緒に作りませんか？月一回集まって日本語によるコミュニティーを作りましょう。
次のオカエリコネクツは：
親・アライグループ：４：００−５：１５PM PT
当事者：５：３０−６：４５PM PT
毎月のプログラムをサポートするには、こちらの寄付リンクを訪問してください。チェックアウト時に備考欄に「Okaeri」と記入してください。ご支援いただきありがとうございます。
Why attend Okaeri Connects? Check out some testimonials from our attendees:
“Okaeri Connects is the place where I keep in touch with old friends and make new friends. it’s where I can continue to learn something new about race and ethnicity, and sexuality with people whom I feel comfortable with.” —Asako H.
“It can be hard to build connections in our day to day living but the people in okaeri connects are kind, authentic and welcome you to celebrate all parts of who you are!” —Jamie Y.
“I was surprised by how quickly I felt at home in Okaeri Connects... Everyone was learning more about Japanese and queer culture and heritage. everyone immediately welcomed and accepted me.” —Xander