National AANHPI Heritage Month: Marsha Aizumi Championed Family Acceptance

Marsha Aizumi dedicated her life to helping families better understand, support, and advocate for their LGBTQ+ loved ones.

A Japanese American author, speaker, and longtime PFLAG leader, Aizumi became a nationally respected voice for transgender youth and family acceptance after her son Aiden came out as transgender. Through her work with PFLAG and other organizations, she helped countless parents move from fear and uncertainty toward understanding, compassion, and affirmation.

Aizumi co-authored the book Two Spirits, One Heart with Aiden, sharing their family’s journey and encouraging deeper conversations about gender identity, acceptance, and unconditional love. Her advocacy centered not only on supporting transgender people, but also on helping families grow alongside them.

Her work had a lasting impact within both LGBTQ+ and Asian American communities, where she spoke openly about the importance of visibility, education, and creating spaces where families could feel supported rather than isolated.

This National AANHPI Heritage Month, PFLAG Los Angeles honors Marsha Aizumi’s legacy of empathy, advocacy, and family support, and the example she set for parents and caregivers everywhere.