Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In the world of human rights activism and transgender advocacy, few figures stand out with as much determination and impact as Pauline Park. A transgender woman, Korean-American adoptee, and prominent activist, Pauline Park’s journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her work spans various areas of social justice, from LGBTQ+ rights to transgender inclusion, and her story is one of both personal transformation and public advocacy. The 2012 documentary Who Is Pauline Park?, directed by Jamerry Kim, gives an intimate look into Park's life, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and emotional complexities that have shaped her as an individual and as a tireless fighter for human rights.
Pauline Park’s story begins in Korea, where she was born in 1960. She was adopted at a young age by European American parents, a decision that would define much of her life’s trajectory. Raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Park grew up in a predominantly German and Polish Catholic neighborhood, an environment that often contrasted with her own sense of self. She recalls the unique cultural experience of growing up with a mix of Korean heritage and European American influences, humorously noting how her upbringing involved a fusion of culinary traditions, including kielbasa, sauerkraut, and what she refers to as "a bland, non-spicy German version of kimchi."
Her early years were marked by the struggle to reconcile her identity as a Korean-American adoptee with the expectations of the largely white community she was raised in. As a child, she was faced with the emotional complexity of being both "other" in a foreign land and also part of a family that, while loving, did not fully understand her cultural background. These experiences would later become key elements in her advocacy for marginalized communities.
Park's intellectual journey took her to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy. Her academic prowess continued with an M.Sc. in European Studies from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and later, a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. One of her proudest accomplishments during this time was being awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to France, marking her as the first student from any University of Illinois campus to receive the honor. This scholarship allowed her to research the Maastricht Treaty on European Union, an experience that also brought her into contact with important political figures, including Senator William Fulbright himself.
However, while her academic career seemed to follow a clear path, Park’s personal identity was still undergoing significant transformation. She began to grapple with her gender identity in her 30s, a process that would prove both difficult and liberating. Her transition at the age of 36 was a pivotal moment in her life, not only because of the personal journey it entailed but also due to the public position she would take as an advocate for transgender rights in the years that followed.
Park’s activism has been closely linked to her own journey of self-discovery and the desire to bring about systemic change for transgender people. In 1997, she co-founded Queens Pride House, a center serving the LGBT community in Queens, New York. She also played a foundational role in Iban/Queer Koreans of New York, a group that highlighted the intersection of Asian-American and queer identities. It was during this time that Park’s leadership skills and advocacy for both the Asian-American and transgender communities came into full bloom.
In 1998, Park co-founded the New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA), which would go on to become the first statewide transgender advocacy organization in New York. Park's leadership within NYAGRA was instrumental in securing funding and mobilizing resources to support transgender rights, particularly in the realm of healthcare and legal protections. One of the organization's landmark achievements was leading the campaign for the New York City transgender rights law (Int. No. 24, enacted as Local Law 3 of 2002), a piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination based on gender identity and expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations. This victory was followed by the drafting of implementation guidelines by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
Beyond legislation, Park has also been deeply involved in campaigns aimed at improving the lives of transgender individuals. One of her key achievements was her involvement in the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which was signed into law in 2010. The law prohibited bullying and harassment in public schools based on gender identity or expression, marking a significant victory for transgender youth. Additionally, Park served as the coordinator of the working group that drafted the New York City Dignity in All Schools Act (2004), which laid the groundwork for DASA.
In 2005, Park became a groundbreaking figure in the LGBTQ+ movement when she was named the grand marshal of the New York City Pride March, becoming the first openly transgender person to hold this prestigious title. This recognition was a clear marker of her influence and dedication to advancing the cause of transgender rights, and it solidified her status as an iconic figure in the movement.
Park's advocacy extends beyond the borders of the United States. In 2012, she was part of the first U.S. LGBTQ delegation to Palestine, a trip that explored the intersections of queer and Palestinian rights. This trip became the subject of a short documentary titled Coming Full Circle: The Journey of a Transgendered Korean Adoptee, which highlighted Park's work as both a transgender activist and a global advocate for human rights.
At the heart of Park’s personal and activist journey is a deep longing for belonging. As a transgender woman, a Korean-American adoptee, and a globally-conscious activist, Park has spent much of her life searching for a sense of home — not just in the literal sense, but also in terms of community and identity. This search for belonging is poignantly captured in her exploration of her Norwegian adoptive roots, a journey that seeks to connect her to the biological family she never knew, and perhaps to a greater understanding of who she truly is.
In her personal reflections, Park often speaks of the complexities of identity. She recognizes that while identities can give us a sense of purpose and place in the world, they can also limit and even betray us. In her words from an interview with Monika Kowalska for her blog Heroines of My Life, Park expressed:
"I don’t think I have a gender identity disorder; I think society has a gender identity disorder."
This statement encapsulates much of Park's philosophy — that societal expectations of gender are flawed, and that true liberation comes from transcending these rigid boundaries. Her work and activism reflect this perspective, aiming not only to create a better world for transgender people but also to challenge and deconstruct the very systems that perpetuate discrimination and exclusion.
Pauline Park’s influence has been widely recognized. In 2012, she was named one of the 50 Transgender Icons for Transgender Day of Remembrance, and she was also included in The Most Influential LGBT Asian Icons list by the Huffington Post. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, but perhaps more importantly, it has earned her the respect and admiration of those whose lives she has touched through her advocacy.
Park’s story, as told in the documentary Who Is Pauline Park?, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of one individual’s commitment to making the world a better place. Her journey continues to inspire countless people, both within the transgender community and beyond, to challenge the norms of society and fight for a world where all people can live authentically and without fear of discrimination. Park
Pauline Park's story is one of courage, persistence, and unwavering dedication to justice. From her personal transformation as a transgender woman to her tireless work as an advocate for transgender rights and human rights at large, Park’s life is a shining example of what it means to live authentically and fight for the rights of others. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of activists and individuals who seek to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
In reflecting on her journey, Park’s life reminds us of the power of identity — not just the labels we are given, but the identities we forge for ourselves in the process of challenging the world’s expectations.
via: paulinepark.com
Image credits: YouTube
My interview with Pauline Park: Heroines of My Life
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