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 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/
Gum Saan Journal 2022:
Resisting Racism: We Are in This Together
This was the issue we never wanted to do. George Floyd’s murder and the anti-Asian hate incidents – coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Los Angeles Chinese Massacre – made it too clear that the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California has an activism responsibility. In this issue, our leaders and friends analyze the continuity of systemic racism.
https://gumsaanjournal.com/volumes/resisting-racism-we-are-in-this-together/
Gum Saan Journal 2021:
The Eagle and the Dragon: Charles L. Leong, Journalist
For fifty years, Charles L. Leong was an English-language news reporter, editor, publisher, and author. Born in 1911, Charles grew up in Pajaro in Monterey County. Charles founded Chinese Press with William Hoy in 1940 – before both were called to serve in World War II. Like most pioneers, Charles’ work is exemplary, and this issue proudly shares some of his writings. This issue also includes an interview with his life partner, Molly Jow Chun Leong – who refused to marry when the prospective mother-in-law pinched her “as if buying a pig”. Molly was born in Isleton, and we join the celebration of her 100th birthday.
https://gumsaanjournal.com/volumes/special-edition-2021-the-eagle-and-the-dragon/
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
info@chssc.org