Okaeri Community

Tadaima ただいま、Okaeri お帰り！

In 2013, Marsha Aizumi, the mother of a transgender son, wondered why there were no resources for Japanese American (Nikkei) LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2014 she brought together a group of LGBTQ+ Nikkei, parents, and allies to organize Okaeri: A Nikkei LGBTQ Gathering, the first-ever conference focused on LGBTQ+ Japanese Americans. Since then, Okaeri has continued to offer inclusive, culturally-based programs to the Nikkei community, as too many LGBTQ+ Nikkei are still estranged from their families and communities.

The name Okaeri reflects the belief that no matter how long or how far you have traveled from the JA community, you can always return home and be welcomed, as it references the Japanese terms tadaima (ただいま) “I’m home” and okaeri (お帰り) “welcome back/welcome home.”

Learn more about our history, programs, resources, and how to get involved!

“No matter how long or how far you have traveled from the JA community, you can always return home and be welcomed.”

- Marsha Aizumi, Founder of Okaeri