By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
A School of Social Work speakers' event held Oct. 2 gave a unique opportunity to hear from comedian and actor Joel Kim Booster, who shared his personal journey as both an Asian American and a gay man in the entertainment industry.
In a conversation with Dr. Kirk Foster, dean of UTA's School of Social Work, Booster talked about the challenges he faced growing up and finding his place in the world, both personally and professionally.
Booster explained how he originally moved to Chicago to become a playwright and actor, but quickly became frustrated by the limited and stereotypical roles offered to Asian actors. This frustration eventually led him to try stand-up comedy, where he found a way to share his own story and use humor to connect with others.
He stressed the importance of pushing for more than just token representation in the media, encouraging the audience to support diverse voices and stories.
One of the key takeaways from the event was Booster’s hope that people would see the universality in his experiences.
“I hope that people can take away and find some of the universal truth in it, but also, it will leave them with questions that they will seek out the answers to themselves,” Booster said.
The evening was a powerful mix of humor and reflection, leaving the audience with much to think about.
Throughout the year the School of Social Work promotes meaningful conversations with differing representation, and Booster’s talk was a great example of this effort.
Later this month, Tuesday, Oct. 22, the School of Social Work will host comedian Punkie Johnson as the next featured speaker at Texas Hall. Social Work Associate Professor of Practice Dr. De’An Roper will interview Johnson about her life and career.
This free event will provide a chance to explore important issues around LGBTQ+ identity and representation. Make sure to save the date for what promises to be another insightful and engaging conversation. Doors open at 6 p.m.
