“In the Mood for Love” - Not Hate: A Photo Series by Queena Yan

Always be proud of who you are and where you come from - Queena Yan

Words & Interview by Queena Yan

This story is for those who found freedom in breaking traditions by following their heart, but keeping traditional values. I’d like to dedicate this photo series to the brave people who honour their traditions but don’t deny themselves the truth of who they are.

I became inspired to recreate scenes from the famous film by Wong Kar-Wai, In the Mood For Love, in honour of Asians in America & for Pride month. Conveying this iconic imagery with two women instead of a straight couple, empowered what is still not normal within Asian society.

I had the pleasure of capturing Gui Trang and Trish Do’s love for one another, a couple who have been stuck in the US during the pandemic until Vietnam reopens for travel. They found each other while working in New York and have been together ever since. With Asian attacks and hate crimes on the exponential rise, I’d like to dedicate this photo series to those struggling within the Asian community. Always be proud of who you are and where you come from.

How did you both meet?

Gui: We met randomly at an event in Saigon. A month later, we met again in New York - supposedly just a networking meeting. Little that we knew, it was a date! Love at second sight is real, guys.

Trish: I remembered I got introduced to her from a friend as I was moving to the States late 2018 with my family. I went to our "date" thinking it would be brief, and didn't know what to expect. The more we talked, for the first time ever, I felt strongly connected to a person. Then we just hit it off.

How long have you both been together?

Gui: Only two and a half years but felt like we've known each other forever. It's been a puzzle moving back and forth between Saigon, Vietnam, and New York so much. But it was enough time to create a womenswear brand together, and to grow so much in our respective careers as a set designer (Gui) and a fashion influencer (Trish).

Coming from traditional Vietnamese culture, how was it coming out to your parents? Were they supportive?

Gui: My coming out story is probably a long stretch. I was already in NYC when I came out at 16, my family was back home. Gradually for more than ten years, my parents have come around to understand who I am as a person. That effort didn't come without a patient fight, and education from both my parents and me, though we're worlds apart. Now, fortunately, we have such a loving and dynamic relationship. My parents are like my older siblings because we share so much together. They love Trish, probably even more than me.

Trish: It is still in process for me and my family. It was hard since sexuality is not something we talk about. So when I came out, it was a total shock for them. I recalled my mom crying and questioning herself. But ever since coming out, my parents have gotten to see us growing together, and finally starting to accept, and be more open about it. I appreciate their efforts.

How did you both overcome adversity if there was any?

Gui: For the short time that we've been together, it's never been boring. From struggling to stay relevant and active in our own fields, working between the two cities so much, to starting a business together, we've learnt to be each other's massive pillar of support.

Trish: It was crazy that we came to NYC in March 2020 for a two-week trip and have been unwillingly stuck here in the States for a year now due to Covid-19. Before, we were full force in our life and work in Saigon, and that changed drastically. Life's been unexpected, as always.

We cannot stop. Last year, we hustled from running our brand's production in Saigon, to doing a small Vietnamese food pop-up in the summer. We moved four times in the past year, and both survived Covid. It was a thrill ride, nevertheless.

Gui: 2020 granted us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to actually enhance our quality of life, from taking time to pamper ourselves, cooking every day at home, and reflecting on our work identities. Luckily, I got to hop on small but quality set design projects, as Trish thrived in her fashion influencer work as well.

What would you like people to know about your love story?

Gui: That it was actually a lot of small conflicts as we both are creative people, with our own concrete ideas and reasons. When you have two people who know extremely well what they want from home decors, personal style to work visions, it's always going to be a small friction. Trish just doesn't realise that I'm always right. Just kidding. We agree to disagree, we push and challenge each other. But we're on the same page on big life decisions, and that's what matters. It's a blessing.

Trish: People should know that you don't want to live in the same house with another perfectionist. It will drive you crazy. Joking! We're not the stereotype. Gui - cause of her look- is easily assumed to be the tough one, and on the other hand I'm a feminine one. It's actually Gui who needs a lot of pampering and emotional support. I'm a tomboy at heart, decisive, problem solving and risk-taking kind. In most of the conflicts, Gui will be the first to burst out in tears when I'm still there finding reasons and solutions. But that's what I love about us. We don't have to pretend to be things that we're not.

CREDITS:

Photo + stylist + creative direction: @itsqueenayan

Lighting design: @merk_ben

Models: @glamwithtrish @guitrang

Makeup: @glamwithtrish

Designers: @thao.nyc.tailor @Sustainheaux