Marsha Aizumi

Marsha Aizumi (May 28, 1947 - December 18, 2025) was an American author, educator, and LGBTQ+ activist. She co-founded the first PFLAG chapter for Asian-Pacific Islanders.[1]

Activism

Aizumi was motivated to improve schools for LGBTQ youth after seeing the harassment her transgender son faced. She founded the first PFLAG chapter for Asian-Pacific Islanders.[2] The chapter began hosting events for specific ethnic groups, with Aizumi leading projects for the Japanese community such as the 2014 and 2016 Okaeri conferences.[3][4] With the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Aizumi created the Courageous Conversations initiative to educate school district officials on LGBT youth issues and bullying.[2] In 2012, she co-authored a book with her son.[5] In 2015, Aizumi received a VH1 Trailblazer Honor for her allyship to the transgender community.[2]

Aizumi wrote a column called "A Mother's Take" for the Pacific Citizen, the national newspaper for the Japanese American Citizens League.[6]

Personal life

Marsha Ogino was born in Cleveland, Ohio.[1] Aizumi and her husband adopted Ishinomaki-born Aiden Aizumi as a baby.[5] Her child first identified as a lesbian before transitioning from female to male.

Selected works

  • Aizumi, Marsha; Aizumi, Aiden (2012). Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance. Peony Press. ISBN 978-0-615-68171-9. OCLC 840932684.

References

  1. 1 2 Obituary, Rafu Shimpo (2026-01-16). "Marsha (Ogino) Aizumi". Rafu Shimpo. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  2. 1 2 3 "Dennis And Judy Shepard, PFLAG Parents, Accept Honor At Logo Trailblazer Honors". LOGO News. June 23, 2015. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  3. ↑ Ryan, Hugh (April 2, 2016). "In California, A 'Welcome Home' For The Japanese-American Queer Community". NPR. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  4. ↑ Yamamoto, J.K. (October 13, 2016). "Okaeri's Ripple Effect". Rafu Shimpo. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  5. 1 2 Nakamura, Ryoko (October 3, 2012). "From Fear and Confusion to Love and Acceptance". Rafu Shimpo. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  6. ↑ "Longtime P.C. Columnist Marsha Aizumi Dies – Pacific Citizen". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
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