Jimmy O. Yang

Certain stories, like my mom leaving when I was 15-years-old to go back to China because she didn't quite assimilate like we did, that was a moment that was very sad in my life.

I always have to brace myself when I visit my parents. My mom often greets me with a slew of nonconstructive criticisms: 'Jimmy, why is your face so fat? Your clothes look homeless and your long hair makes you look like a girl.' After 30 years of this, my self-image is now a fat homeless lesbian.

My Chinese name is Man Shing which means 'ten thousand success.' It's a name that's sure to set me up for failure.

When I quit my internship and started doing standup to pursue my dreams and do that full time - I feel like that's when I 'Americaned.'

I obeyed my parents' rules inside our Chinese household while I pursued my dreams in the American world outside.

Growing up, my dad was 'get a real job, don't go pursuing your dreams, that's how you become homeless.' So, do I pick my family or do I pick my own happiness, and how much does my own happiness depend on my family?

I don't read in Chinese very well. Google Translate helps with that. It's cool that I can upload a photo and translate the text from it.