The Honest Drink 174 - Lily Lam: A Change Gonna Come
Jun 11, 2025
Lily Lam, a content creator and designer from NYC, dives into the complexities of gentrification in Chinatown, discussing how it impacts cultural identity and community cohesion. She shares her journey as a transgender individual, exploring how transition has influenced her sense of self and family dynamics. The conversation highlights the role of fashion in personal expression, emphasizing authenticity over trends. Additionally, they touch on changing narratives about China and the challenges of navigating identity in a rapidly evolving social landscape.
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A Transnational Childhood
- Lily summarizes a childhood that moved between Ohio, New Jersey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and New York.
- She frames her identity as shaped by living across these cities during formative years.
Gentrification Eats Community Infrastructure
- Gentrification strips community services and cultural anchors from neighborhoods like NYC Chinatown.
- Lily Lam says novelty cafes replace affordable bakeries, harming residents who rely on them.
Between Two Worlds
- Lily describes being
