Big Asian Energy Lessons on Living Beyond Asian Fetishization with Kaila Yu
Aug 19, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Kaila Yu—author, musician, and former pin-up model—dives deep into the implications of fetishization faced by Asian women. She shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to rebellion through modeling and music. Kaila reveals the distressing intersection of trauma and her career, the impact of social media on her success, and the ongoing prevalence of fetishization. With candid insights, she examines historical roots and calls for authentic representation over stereotypes, pushing for a narrative that transcends objectification.
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Path From Rebellion To Music
- Kaila Yu accidentally discovered pinup modeling after finding an Asian Playboy model in high school and chasing that lifestyle in college.
- She transitioned from modeling to music through MySpace and touring, which broadened her platform.
Drugs As Escape From Trauma
- Kaila used ecstasy to escape low self-esteem and the trauma she'd suppressed, which made her feel suddenly loved and confident.
- Drug use became a coping mechanism after sexual assaults she had buried.
Visibility Amplifies Fetishization
- Fetishization emerges strongly when visibility increases, like online modeling attracted many fetishizing messages.
- Being seen as an Asian woman often becomes being seen as a category, not an individual.
