Exhibit Opening—Seen and Unseen: Queering Japanese American History Before 1945

ONLINE EVENT―Seen and Unseen: Queering Japanese American History Before 1945 is the first-ever exhibit focused on Nikkei (Japanese Americans) who were involved in intimate same-sex relationships or defied gender roles in the early 20th century. Queer Nikkei are virtually non-existent in Japanese American history, but this exhibit brings them into view. Drawing from recent research by scholars in history, cultural and literary studies, Seen and Unseen brings to light a hidden past when same-sex relationships and female impersonation were accepted parts of Japanese immigrant culture, and how queer Japanese Americans expressed themselves as the Nikkei community came to mirror white American fears of same-sex intimacy and gender nonconformity. Seen and Unseen will open on October 11, 2020 to coincide with National Coming out Day, and run through Feb 19, 2021. Seen and Unseen: Queering Japanese American History Before 1945 is hosted by J-Sei and co-curated by Amy Sueyoshi and Stan Yogi. Sunday, October 11, 2020 4– 5 pm PS Go here to register.   Seen and Unseen: Queering Japanese American History Before 1945 is supported by a Humanities for All Quick Grant.