HAVE THE UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS

As a woman born of an East Asian minority community in the United States (I’m Korean American), sexual and reproductive health was never talked about. All of us second-generation kids found out about sexual health through school, friends, the internet — you name it, but definitely not our parents.

However, underneath the outwardly conservative and understated culture is a real deeply rooted sense of practicality and family. Our parents came to America from poverty-stricken countries, sometimes with upwards of eight to 10 siblings. They wanted better for their families. They worked harder and planned better. Behind closed doors are many aunts, nieces, cousins and friends that have had to make the tough decision to choose the path of abortion in order to dutifully care for their family and themselves.

There are several ways artists and industry members from culturally conservative minority communities can help address sexual health. One straightforward way is to create open public discussions that allow community members to learn and participate privately. If there are a few bold voices to break the ice, it could help create comfort for those that feel unable to speak for themselves.

In my personal case, I don’t think I want to have children, and these reproductive rights restrictions will not have a huge effect on me due to my privilege living in a blue state. However, what about my less fortunate friends, families and community members living in restricted states? With the amount of sacrifice that it took for us to end up in this country, we should have the right to live our lives conscientiously.