Photo Series: Becoming Our Mixed Asian Representation
Mixed Asian Media - June 6, 2022
By Nid Lefkoff
My name is Nid Lefkoff, a graduating senior from The Center School (high school, 2022).
For our senior project we had to create something that has the power to inspire or educate our target audience. This project could have been a video, an article, or a lesson that could be taught.
Since I’ve been a photographer for around four years, I definitely knew I wanted to do something that utilized those skills.
After finishing this photo essay project, I’m excited to get it out there to my fellow mixed Asian peoples.
Representation is extremely important and I’m so glad I got this opportunity.
AMELIA BUTZON
She/Her
How do you identify your ethnicity?
I usually just say Caucasian + Chinese.
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
I struggle a lot with how I should identify myself, or if I even “count” as Asian because I’m not very connected to Asian (Chinese) culture. I am usually considered white-passing or “culturally white.”
Is there something about being mixed that you love?
I love (even though it’s not much) the little bits of Chinese culture I carry with me and participate in.
Shoutout anything you want! (your instagram, an organization, etc.)
Shoutout @msu.hna, my school’s muti-cultural student union’s Instagram!! As well as @alliedagainstableism on Instagram, another school club.
IZZIE CHAE
She/Her
How do you identify your ethnicity?
Asian/mixed.
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
I’m half Czech and half Korean, but people never think that I’m mixed. Being mixed, I never really feel fully a part of either part of my heritage. In the U.S. I feel more Korean just because I look Asian and am surrounded by whites, but when I’m with other Asians I don't feel like I am truly Asian.
Is there something about being mixed that you love?
I love both the Czech and Korean cultures and am grateful that I am a part of both.
BRENDA CHIN
She/Her
How do you identify your ethnicity?
Asian (Chinese)/Caucasian.
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
I don't know that is has. I grew up in the 70s/80s and it seemed like there was less attention or emphasis on university + multiculturalism. I also never felt like I was treated differently from my caucasian friends. I also don’t look Asian, even though I’m half.
Is there something about being Mixed that you love?
I like being a mystery! Most people think I’m Spanish, Arab… anything but Asian.
Shoutout anything you want! (your Instagram, an organization, etc.)
CODY CHOI
They/Them
How do you identify your ethnicity?
Half Korean American/half white.
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
I don’t feel like people can put me in either side so I’m free to be me
Is there something about being mixed that you love?
I love that I am uniquely me, and learning more about it.
Shoutout anything you want! (your instagram, an organization, etc.)
CECIL UY FREDRICKSON
They/Them
How do you identify your ethnicity?
Half-Asian, (Chinese-Filipino).
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
I’m somewhat white-passing, so my race wasn't a subject brought up by others durning my childhood, at least not to my face. Instead, I would hear stories from my mothers side of the family (particularly from my grandparents) about what life was like growing up in the Philippines during a time of war and immigrating to the U.S. Knowing the sort of things they went through has definitely affected my view of the world, for both good and bad. It’s given me an appreciation for the privileges I have, and I couldn't be more proud of all the things my grandparents were able to accomplish in the face of many hardships.
Is there something about being mixed that you love?
A lot of things! Specifically, I love being able to connect with people through Filipino culture. And call me shallow, but I like the genetics I was dealt. Thanks for giving me good skin, Mom!
Shoutout anything you want! (your instagram, an organization, etc.)
@Zanzi0n I make art! :D
NICK KURAMOTO
He/Him
How do you identify your ethnicity?
Nick describes his ethnic identity as “Japanese +.”
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
“Not at all.”
Nid Lefkoff
He/Him
How do you identify your ethnicity?
I identify as a Very Mixed Asian. A more in depth explanation of my ethinic identity would be a mix of Pakistani, Mongolian, Iranian, Kazakh, and Afghan.
How has being mixed Asian affected you growing up?
For a lot of my life I actually didn't know anything about my ethnic identity because I am an international adoptee. Growing up I was always asked, “What are you?” and I always said I was just Russian, followed by a lot of racist experiences I couldn't understand. When I began to learn more about my international adoptee identity, I especially wanted to look into my ethnic identity. I took a DNA test and that’s when I learned it all!
Is there something about being mixed that you love?
I love being able to learn about so many different cultures. I feel like I can fit into so many different communities because of how mixed I am.
Shoutout anything you want! (your instagram, an organization, etc.)
If you like my photos you can check them out @i.nid.pics on Instagram.