195: Saying 'I Love You' Doesn't Fix Anything — By Wanda

195: Saying 'I Love You' Doesn't Fix Anything — By Wanda

What do you really mean when you say “I love you”? In this letter, Wanda (aka “Woke Woe”) replies to Nance (Episode 193 [https://www.tfawletters.com/p/193]). She acknowledges their fast friendship, activism, and the busyness that ultimately took Nance away, leaving Wanda with many unanswered questions. If someone saying ‘I love you’ still left you feeling unloved, this letter is for you. Letter 195 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is the Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

194: I Don't Miss You, But I Hope You're Doing Well — By Sofie's Ate

When’s the last time you blew up on your family — and was it really about them? In this letter, an older sister writes to Sofie, her younger sister. Despite the older sister being raised to raise Sofie, they were often mistaken for twins growing up because of how much they enjoyed being sisters. Even as their paths diverged — different colleges, different cities, and a decade apart — they still felt fondly about each other. At least, that’s what the older sister thought. When Sofie returns home, the older sister begins to see who her younger sister has become: a social justice warrior returning to save her oppressed mother. Soon enough, the older sister realizes who Sofie is saving their mother from. If you ever grappled with a family member coming home completely changed from childhood, this letter is for you. Letter 194 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

193: I'm So Sorry I Just Got So Busy — By Nance

Reflect on past relationships that have grown distant, and ask yourself: Did I play a role in this? In this letter, Nance writes to Wanda, the loud-and-proud president of a Filipino student organization who felt like the big sister she never had. Even though she was too nice to say no, Nance found purpose and belonging with Wanda and the organization's members. But when the activism began to feel more than she could keep up with or express, she did what she’s always done when things get overwhelming. If you ever got too busy to say what you really wanted to say, this letter is for you. Letter 193 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

192: You Don't Know Me Just Because I'm Filipino, Too — By Claire

Who was the last Filipino person you were excited to meet — and did you ever stop to wonder if they wanted to connect that way? Claire’s new friend invites her to a dinner party, a refreshing change from the Filipino parties she’s used to. That is, until she meets Marco. The moment he finds out she’s Filipino too, the evening takes a sharp turn toward assumptions, unsolicited opinions, and questions she didn’t anticipate having to answer. Claire thinks very carefully about her response the next time her friend invites her to another party. If you’ve ever felt stereotyped by another Filipino, this one’s for you. Letter 192 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

191: I Am More Than the Gender I Was Assigned at Birth — By Robin

How has rejection redirected you to reclaiming and expressing who you really are? In this letter, Robin writes to Lolo G, their late grandfather, who loved them deeply. But his love was expressed with gender expectations about how a girl should move, dress, speak, and carry herself. It was in Robin’s young adult years that they discovered the language and pronouns to voice who they really are, who they’ve always been. Then, before their 30th birthday, they’re ready to come out to their grandpa and family. If you’re finally ready to show and tell everyone who you really are, this letter was written for you. Letter 191 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our PRIDE Month special and Summer edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]