KhuGay

podcaster / poet

BIOGRAPHY

KuGay is a passionate community organizer, youth worker, and emerging artist whose life and work are deeply shaped by her identity as a refugee and advocate for social justice. A graduate of Bethel University with a degree in Social Work, KuGay has committed herself to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth and historically underrepresented communities—particularly those navigating displacement, generational trauma, and systemic inequities.

Her creative journey began with poetry and spoken word, using personal experience to give voice to issues of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation. Her early works, including “Ta Blut! Thank You!”, “Shared Instead,” and “Kawthoolei,” mark the beginning of her exploration into storytelling as a healing and empowering tool. KuGay’s writing is both reflective and activist—honoring her roots while inspiring others who share her lived experiences.

Through her involvement with Asian Youth Outreach (AYO), a program fiscally sponsored by the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), KuGay has become a mentor and leader for Asian American youth. She is especially interested in using podcasting as a way to amplify community voices, document refugee stories, and cultivate cross-cultural understanding. Her connection to In Progress developed through her mentorship with Hlee Lee-Kron, where she is further honing her storytelling and digital media skills.

In addition to her creative work, KuGay has served as a worship vocalist at Bethel University and has participated in powerful public performances, including the Black & Yellow: Asian Solidarity event and the Multi-Ethnic Protest in Washington, D.C., where she delivered spoken word pieces addressing the crisis in Burma/Myanmar.

She is currently developing new projects in photography, poetry, and digital storytelling with the intention of supporting and inspiring youth in her community to find and share their own voices.

Qualifications

KuGay has experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms and is comfortable using mobile tools, including Galaxy Note, for creative content development. She has foundational experience in poetry writing, spoken word performance, public speaking, and photography. Her work in youth programming has given her strong facilitation, mentorship, and leadership skills, particularly in cross-cultural and trauma-informed environments. She is currently building skills in podcast production and digital storytelling.

SKills

  • Microsoft Office

  • Google Suite

  • Galaxy Note photography

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