Justinian Huang: On Queer Identity and Asian Representation in Literature

05/14/24 • 20 min

Join Dr. Stephanie J. Wong as she hosts an enlightening conversation with Justinian Huang, the author of the groundbreaking novel "The Emperor and the Endless Palace." In this episode of the Color of Success Podcast, we dive deep into the layers of intersectionality in identity, culture, and love through the lens of Justinian's personal and professional experiences.

About Justinian Huang: Justinian Huang, a former film executive turned novelist, shares his journey from shaping stories in animation to penning his debut novel. Born to Taiwanese immigrants and having spent significant time in China, Justinian’s rich cultural heritage deeply influences his writing. His experiences as a queer Asian man bring a vibrant authenticity to his characters and stories, exploring themes of love, identity, and acceptance.

Episode Highlights:

1. Justinian discusses his personal challenges and triumphs as a queer Asian man, reflecting on family reactions and societal expectations. The inspiration behind his novel, rooted in a historic love story from the Han dynasty, highlights the universal themes of love and acceptance. From Film to Fiction:

2. Insights into Justinian’s transition from a successful career in animation at companies like Sony Pictures Animation and DreamWorks, to writing his novel.

3. How storytelling in animation influenced his approach to writing fiction, focusing on universal themes with culturally specific narratives.

4. Justinian opens up about the therapeutic aspects of writing and the mental health implications of living between cultures. The discussion also covers how his novel serves as a medium for exploring personal and collective identities.

5. A look at the "spiciness" of his novel, delving into its erotic elements and how it challenges and redefines perceptions of Asian masculinity.

6. Justinian reflects on his experiences with social media post-publication, the pressures of public perception, and the importance of authentic representation.

Justinian Huang's "The Emperor and the Endless Palace" is available for purchase on major book-selling platforms and as an audiobook featuring talented AAPI actors. https://a.co/d/cQRhRTm

Subscribe to the Color of Success Podcast on your favorite platform, and don't forget to check out Dr. Stephanie J. Wong’s memoir, "Cancel the Filter," available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Share your own "cancel the filter" moments with us! https://a.co/d/a9RJEMM

Episode Highlights:

2. Insights into Justinian’s transition from a successful career in animation at companies like Sony Pictures Animation and DreamWorks, to writing his novel.

3. How storytelling in animation influenced his approach to writing fiction, focusing on universal themes with culturally specific narratives.

5. A look at the "spiciness" of his novel, delving into its erotic elements and how it challenges and redefines perceptions of Asian masculinity.

6. Justinian reflects on his experiences with social media post-publication, the pressures of public perception, and the importance of authentic representation.

Justinian Huang's "The Emperor and the Endless Palace" is available for purchase on major book-selling platforms and as an audiobook featuring talented AAPI actors. https://a.co/d/cQRhRTm

Previous Episode

Breaking Barriers: The Doctor's Perspective on Asian-American Women's Health

In this episode of the Color of Success Podcast, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong welcomes Dr. Sophia Yen, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Pandia Health.

Dr. Yen, a seasoned expert with over two decades in medicine, dives deep into women's health issues, focusing on menstrual health, menopause, and acne solutions.

From the inception of Pandia Health to the revolutionary approach to birth control and beyond, Dr. Yen shares her journey and the transformative health services her company offers to women across various stages of life.

Tune in to uncover the barriers to traditional healthcare solutions and the innovative ways Pandia Health is addressing these challenges, ensuring women have access to necessary health services seamlessly.

Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong Guest: Dr. Sophia Yen, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Pandia Health

Episode Highlights: 1. Origin and Mission of Pandia Health: Dr. Yen shares her personal and professional motivations behind creating a women-founded, women-led birth control delivery service.

2. Insight into the challenges of accessing reproductive healthcare and how Pandia Health addresses these issues.

3. Expanding Services Beyond Birth Control: Overview of Pandia Health's expansion into treatments for acne and menopause, emphasizing holistic care throughout a woman's life.

4. Menstrual Health Innovations: Discussion on making menstruation optional and the health benefits associated with fewer menstrual cycles.

5. The relationship between hormonal changes and mental health, with a focus on the effects during periods and menopause.

6. Entrepreneurial Challenges and Achievements: Dr. Yen's experiences navigating the venture capital world as a woman of color and strategies for overcoming systemic barriers.

7. Educational Outreach and Advocacy: The importance of comprehensive sex education and Dr. Yen's efforts to change healthcare policies to better serve women's needs. Conclusion:

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Visit https://www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com/ for additional resources and episode archives.

Pick up your copy of Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color: https://a.co/d/iSfK7pW

Learn More: To learn more about Pandia Health and to explore their services, visit pandiahealth.com.

Connect with Dr. Sophia Yen on social media for regular updates on women's health issues and advancements. https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophiayen https://www.instagram.com/pandiamenopause/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pandiahealth https://www.instagram.com/pandiahealth/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pandiamenopause https://www.facebook.com/pandiahealth/ https://twitter.com/pandiahealth https://www.youtube.com/pandiahealth

Pandia Health https://www.linkedin.com/company/pandia-health/

Dr. Sophia Yen: https://www.instagram.com/drsophiayen www.pandiahealth.com/periodsoptional TEDx talk on the bottom

Next Episode

Conversation with Abigail Hing Wen, Author of Loveboat Taipei

Host: Dr. Stephanie J. Wong

Guest: Abigail Hing Wen, AI Tech Leader, Film Producer, and New York Times Bestselling Author

Episode Summary: In this special episode, Dr. Stephanie J. Wong sits down with Abigail Hing Wen, the multifaceted AI tech leader, film producer, and New York Times bestselling author of "Love Boat Taipei." Recorded live at a special event, this conversation touches on Abigail's inspiring journey from practicing law to becoming a full-time writer and content creator. They discuss the cultural significance of the Love Boat program, the process of adapting her novels into films, and the themes of identity, neurodivergence, and mental health in her work.

Key Topics:

Meet Abigail Hing Wen: Abigail's background in law, her transition to writing, and her work as an AI tech leader and film producer.
Love Boat Taipei: The history and cultural impact of the Love Boat program, and how it inspired Abigail’s bestselling novels.
Writing Process: Abigail’s approach to storytelling, character development, and the challenges of adapting her books into a 90-minute film.
Fan Questions: Insights into Abigail’s creative process, balancing professional and creative pursuits, and advice for aspiring writers.
Mental Health and Neurodivergence: The importance of representation in literature and film, and how Abigail incorporates these themes into her work.
Advice for Writers: Encouragement for aspiring authors to write authentically and to navigate the complexities of sharing personal stories.
Q&A Session: Audience questions about the writing journey, cultural identity, and maintaining resilience in the face of criticism.

Quotes:

"When you bring all aspects of yourself to the table, you are just so much stronger for it." – Abigail Hing Wen
"Write what only you can write. If you can't think of someone else who's done this, then there's something uniquely you." – Abigail Hing Wen

Resources Mentioned:

Abigail Hing Wen's Books: "Love Boat Taipei," "Love Boat Reunion," "Love Boat Forever"
Upcoming Novel: "Kissing Codes and Conspiracies" (Releases August 13, 2024)
Dr. Stephanie J. Wong's Memoir: "Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Working Mother of Color"

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