Inherited Resistance with Rohan Zhou-Lee
Episode description
Rohan is a queer/non-binary Black Asian writer, dancer, trumpeter and community organizer in New York City. They founded the Blasian March, a Black-Asian-Blasian grassroots solidarity organization, which has been featured on major networks including CNN, NBC Chicago, USA Today, and WNYC.
We talk about racial assumptions and identity — I especially loved learning about their gender identity being Firebird. As a longtime organizer, Rohan shares their thoughts on how we have been conditioned to view activism as something angry, dangerous, and reactive when to protest is an act of direct democracy. They emphasize the importance of joy-based resistance so that we don’t burn out and give up on the movement for liberation, including showing up for Palestine.
Rohan shares about their time at PWI — predominantly white institution — and their experience being excluded from both the Black and Asian communities. Through all their traumas and challenges, their joy in self and life simply radiates.
Please enjoy the luminous — Rohan.