Gum Saan Journal is the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California’s (CHSSC) annual publication. We explore the historical, cultural, and humanistic aspects of Chinese American experiences – particularly relating to Southern California – as well as contemporary issues of relevance to the Chinese American community.
Gum Saan Journal 2025:
Chinese in the Asian American Movement
The 1960-70s was a tremendous time to move forward the issues of racial and gender equality. In this issue, we delve into the personal experiences of five Chinese American activists: Steve Louie, Eddie Wong, Dr. Kenyon Chan, Dr. Sam Chan, and Judge Diane Tan (Ret.).
https://gumsaanjournal.com/volumes/volume-47-2025-chinese-in-the-asian-american-movement
Gum Saan Journal 2024:
Our Lives and the Southern California Chinese American Oral History Project
In 1984, our Chinese Historical Society published our first book: Linking Our Lives: Chinese American Women of Los Angeles. This was a collaborative project with UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center. In this issue, authors, production volunteers, and readers discuss how the book touched their own lives. Special thanks to Dr. William Gow, guest editor, and the support of William Wong and Samuel Yee.
https://gumsaanjournal.com/volumes/vol46-2024-linking-our-lives/
Gum Saan Journal 2023:
Our Queer Family
In 2008, California’s Proposition 8 showed a schism in our community; some Asian Americans voted to ban same-sex marriages. Now, the 2023 Respect for Marriage Act offers federal protection to same-sex and interracial couples. For this issue of Gum Saan Journal, we asked some Chinese American LGBTQ+ to share their own stories. This issue is long overdue…
We also have a submission from Calvin Yee about his father’s path as a pioneering insurance broker.
https://gumsaanjournal.com/volumes/volume-45-2023-our-queer-family/
Behind the scenes:
Our goal at the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California (CHSSC) has always been to share our legacy with all. Poet Joy Kogawa said, we “burst with telling” when for so long, as marginalized Americans, our history has been neglected, maligned, and silenced.
For more information about the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California 南加州華人歷史學會, its monthly programs, its digital resources and archives, its current newsletters, or its other activities, visit our main website at chssc.org
– Susie Ling, Editor