THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - June 2026
By Jon Oaks
PRIDE, VISIBILITY and FINDING COMMUNITY
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities while also recognizing the ongoing work of creating spaces where people can live openly and authentically. For many Korean adoptees, questions of identity and belonging are familiar territory. Long before many adoptees begin exploring sexuality or gender identity, they are often already navigating questions about race, culture, family, and where they fit in the world.
One of the themes I continue to hear from adoptees is the importance of community. Whether it is finding other Korean adoptees, connecting with Korean culture, or finding LGBTQ+ spaces that feel welcoming and affirming, there is something powerful about realizing that you are not alone in your experiences. Pride Month serves as a reminder that identity is not something that must be hidden or explained away. It can be celebrated, shared, and embraced.
For LGBTQ+ Korean adoptees, that journey can involve multiple layers of self-discovery. Some adoptees may have grown up in communities where discussions of adoption, race, or LGBTQ+ identities were limited. Others may have found support early in life. Regardless of where someone is on their journey, Pride Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the value of authenticity, community, and belonging.
To LGBTQ+ adoptees within our community: thank you for sharing your stories, your perspectives, and your experiences. Your visibility helps make our community stronger and more inclusive. Pride Month is not only a celebration of how far society has come, but also a reminder that everyone deserves a place where they can feel seen, valued, and supported.
KOREAN HERITAGE NIGHT AT CHASE FIELD
I was fortunate enough to attend the Arizona Diamondbacks' Korean Heritage Celebration on June 1 at Chase Field in Phoenix during a matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans who purchased the special event ticket package received an exclusive Korean Heritage-themed Diamondbacks cap featuring the Korean flag, along with a commemorative poster. Before the game, attendees enjoyed traditional Korean dance performances on the concourse, while a K-pop performance on the field helped energize the crowd prior to first pitch.
As evidenced by KCCNYC's outing to the Yankees game earlier this year, Korean Heritage Nights have become an increasingly popular tradition throughout Major League Baseball, providing opportunities for Korean-Americans, Korean adoptees, and those interested in Korean culture to connect through a shared love of baseball. These events often feature specially designed merchandise, community partnerships, and recognition of Korean contributions to local communities.
As a Korean adoptee, events like this carry a special significance. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, in the 1980s and 1990s, I do not remember seeing Korean culture represented in mainstream American life in any meaningful way. Korean Heritage Nights at professional sporting events simply did not exist, and opportunities to connect with Korean culture were often limited. If someone had told me then that Major League Baseball teams across the country would one day host Korean Heritage celebrations, I would have had a hard time believing it.
The popularity of Korean culture today reflects a remarkable shift over the past two decades. The global success of K-pop artists such as BTS and BLACKPINK, the popularity of Korean dramas and films, Korean cuisine, and growing interest in Korean language and culture have helped introduce millions of people to Korea in ways that were difficult to imagine a generation ago. For many adoptees, seeing Korean culture celebrated publicly and enthusiastically can be both meaningful and affirming. It serves as a reminder that our heritage is not something hidden in the background, but something that is increasingly visible and appreciated around the world.
SUMMER 2026 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This summer includes several opportunities for Korean adoptees and the broader community to connect through cultural events, social gatherings, and community-building activities across the country.
June 11 – The Greater Seattle Korean Association (GSKA) , in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle and the City of Tukwila, will host a South Korea World Cup Kickoff Game Watch Party at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Washington. The event will feature a live screening of South Korea's match against the Czech Republic, K-pop performances, music, food, and family-friendly activities. Organizers expect more than 1,000 attendees.
June 13 – Also-Known-As New York (AKA-NY)]will host its Annual Friends & Family Picnic at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. The free event will include food, activities, raffles, and opportunities for adoptees, friends, and family members to connect. RSVP is required.
June 27 – The Association of Korean Adoptees San Francisco (AKASF) will host its Annual Picnic at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Friends and family are welcome to attend for an afternoon of food, games, and community connection. Additional details will be announced soon.
July 18 – The Association of Korean Adoptees Los Angeles (AKA-LA) will host a Noreabang (Karaoke) Night, providing adoptees and community members an opportunity to gather for an evening of music and socializing.
August 13 – AKA-LA will host a Korean Heritage Night outing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate Korean culture while attending a Major League Baseball game alongside fellow adoptees and community members.
September 19 – AKA-LA's Chuseok Beach BBQ will return toHuntington Beach. The event will celebrate Korea's harvest festival through food, fellowship, and community gathering in a beach setting.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
As I reflect on Pride Month, Korean Heritage Night at Chase Field, and the many events taking place across the adoptee community this summer, I am reminded of something I could not have fully appreciated as a child growing up in Flint, Michigan: community matters. The opportunities available to Korean adoptees today, from heritage celebrations at Major League ballparks to adoptee gatherings across the country, would have been difficult for me to imagine decades ago.
While every adoptee's journey is unique, I am grateful to be part of a community that continues to create spaces where people can connect, celebrate their identities, and support one another. This summer, consider attending an adoptee gathering, cultural event, or community celebration, or simply reach out to another adoptee. Small connections often grow into meaningful friendships and stronger communities.
