Alt Facts

In light of Sean Spicer's alternative facts about the inauguration,

Here are some alternative facts about myself:

When I was born, I was the largest baby on record. 

I was so big

The doctor didn't spank me

For fear that he would have gotten his ass kicked. 

I entered this world with blonde hair, blue eyes, a Tommy Hilfiger polo, and a pair of boat shoes. 

All you see now is an attempt at assimilating to a culture I've always wanted to call home.

I'm fluent in 3 languages. 

Brazilian

Comic sans,

and Pig Latin.

My favorite rush hour movie is the third one. 

Harold and Kumar were never my role models. 

I don't mind paying extra for guacamole. 

And I've never felt ashamed for the shape of my eyes. 

My favorite color is white. 

Or nude

Or skin

Depends on the box

I'm trying to fill in that day 

Actually, who am I kidding? 

I don't see color. 

I see opportunity. 

Everywhere. 

All the time. 

Because this world is just a series of locked doors I was given all the keys to. 

Alternative fact

I've never been called a chink. 

Asked what your pet tastes like. 

Seen a quick burn light up a crowd at my expense. 

I've never paid for my problems in blood or my fair share of taxes. 

I love the IRS.. 

And I still believe in this country. 

That this country believes in me. 

In my right to be here. 

We, who history missed. 

The ones that escaped the exclusion,

But banned nonetheless.

From our own stories. 

From the few boxes we are allowed to fill. 

Racist though they may be. 

Every movie poster

Where our faces turn Scarlett.

Read as replaceable. 

Changed like good business. 

Like common sense. 

Like we don't owe you anything just for being here.  

Actual fact

Matt Damon doesn't believe you need diverse writers for a movie as long as you have a few black and brown bodies on the screen. 

Alternative fact

I don't need diverse role models in my life as long as there are a few Asian people on the tv. 

Actual fact

I was born with a full head of black hair.

My eyes, brown and open wider than any child in the hospital. 

Fact

I still rewrite the parts of myself that don't sit well with a white audience. 

Alternative fact

I cast myself first now.  

I'm proud of the person I have become. 

Fact 

This country will cut you out of a dream that it sold with your name on it. 

Label you too other for your own blood, but still accept your skin as payment. 

So I have a secret for you, America. 

I found it atop of a temple, shrouded in mist. 

I brought it with me all the way from China. 

Rolled it up into one of those scrolls you like so much. 

I'll give it to you if you promise to believe me.

It says, 

"I'm half the things I want to be and all the things I'm trying to get rid of. "

Keep it. 

Truth is, 

I think it was meant for you. 

Small beginnings

It's been a long time in the making, but today on my 27th birthday, I'm finally ready to share my website!

I would have finished it much sooner if it wasn't for the crippling doubt that's often plagued me as an artist. There's a part of me that's always comparing myself to others, questioning the relevance of my work, and scrutinizing why I do this. It's like there's this voice at all times saying,

 "You've got a lot of nerve with this whole artist business, kid. Give up. That's not you, and everyone else knows it" 

So I guess this first post is about silencing the voices that don't belong. This is me saying, I'm here, and I believe in myself. 

A huge thank you to anyone who has ever supported me as an artist. To all my teammates and coaches, I'm in your debt. To the vibrant Bay Area open mic and slam community, my endless gratitude for constantly push me to redefine myself as an artist. I wouldn't be anywhere without all of you. 

Who knows where I go from here, but you know what they say about big things...