In 1973, at the tender age of 21, Kitty Tsui Kit-fan, a creative writing student at San Francisco State University, made the brave decision to publicly identify as a lesbian. This revelation was not greeted with acceptance from her family, friends, or the Chinese-American community she was part of as a political activist. Instead, she found herself isolated and rejected.
At the time, the feminist landscape was dominated by white, middle-class perspectives, leaving Tsui to grapple with her own sense of identity as an Asian lesbian in the context of a larger women’s liberation movement. Initially, she felt she was alone in her experience, even becoming a subject of exoticization and eroticism due to her unique intersection of identity. However, she remained steadfast on her own path.
As the years passed, more women of colour joined the feminist movement and Tsui discovered the burgeoning gay rights movement. This vibrant, diverse community, despite suffering from rampant discrimination, was also a source of immense celebration and resilience. It was within this context that Tsui’s voice emerged, contributing significantly to queer culture and becoming an influential figure within it.
In 1979, she co-founded Unbound Feet, the first Asian-American women’s performance group aimed at challenging stereotypes about Asian women. It served as a critical platform, giving voice, visibility, and validation to the Asian-American LGBTQ+ community.
Her work also extended into the literary domain. In 1983, Tsui authored The Words of a Woman Who Breathes Fire, the first known book published by an openly Chinese-American lesbian. Through her writings, she explored themes of racism, sexism, and homophobia, making significant contributions to the discourse on race and gender.
Tsui’s impactful work earned her numerous accolades, including the Phoenix Award for lifetime achievement from the Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community in San Francisco and an induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame at San Francisco State University.
Even in her 70s, Tsui continues to be an active writer and advocate. The COVID-19 pandemic provided her with the opportunity to pen her next two books, Nice Chinese Girls Don’t and Battle Cry: Poems of Love and Resistance. Her writing continues to inspire individuals to fully embrace and express their authentic selves.
Tsui’s accomplishments extend beyond writing and activism. In the 1980s, she found success in the world of bodybuilding, earning medals at the Gay Games, which became further symbols of empowerment.
Today, Tsui’s impact is recognized not just in the US, but also in her birthplace, Hong Kong. An exhibition celebrating her influence coincides with the 50th anniversary of her coming out and showcases her wide array of work. Curated by the team of TA magazine, a Hong Kong-based non-binary community zine, the exhibition honors Tsui’s honesty, integrity, and inspiring influence on the global LGBTQ+ community.
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