the lunar new years event, hosted by dorothy’s friends theatre company at usc, aimed to provide a safe space for international students who are far away from home to be able to celebrate new years in their culture.

being queer is often a topic that is shunned upon in a lot of asian cultures. it is a topic that is rarely discussed, and a lot of people don’t feel comfortable coming out to their family. during lunar new years, it is a tradition for people to gather with their whole family, even their extended family, for meals. it is also common for family members, especially grandparents or family members from the older generation, to ask about your dating status. not being out to your family, it’s awkward when they enforce heteronormative standards and assume that you are dating someone of the opposite gender.

this event is meant to be a safe space for fellow queer asian students at usc to be able to celebrate a holiday close to their heart, whilst leaving behind the parts of the celebration that might have made them feel uncomfortable in the past.