Passion, Purpose, and Personal Moments: A Conversation with Our Executive Director

Oasis has a close relationship with the community we serve because our staff largely reflects the identities of our clients—LGBTQ+ individuals who come from immigrant families, or who are immigrants themselves. 

Our Executive Director, Adam Ryan Chang, is no exception. Today, Nina Suzuki and Mateo Sánchez sat down with their supervisor, mentor, and Oasis’ fierce leader. 

Unapologetically and unequivocally showing up as his full self, Adam dives deep into the experiences that shaped him and his passion as he leads Oasis on the quest to bring light into our clients’ lives, the same way Adam found his.

NS: Adam what drew you to do this work — supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers?

ARC: Accounting for the vastness of our world, most queer and trans people know the feeling of ostracization. As a result of their mannerisms, appearances, attractions, or some combination thereof, many have encountered ridicule and persecution. Combine this with (self or forced) isolation; the effects of loneliness can lead to long-lasting mistrust of others, self-doubt, and/or other harm (psychic, spiritual, physical, etc.). This darkness is a part of my experience, but I am fortunate to also experience light in the form of loved ones who choose to accept my uniqueness. Community youth leaders, high school teachers, individuals from seemingly conservative backgrounds, those I thought could never welcome nor embrace me, in fact did. I tell myself, If I am worthy of love and friendship, then so are the tens of millions of other oppressed LGBTQ+ people. I am drawn to this work (ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are not forced back to a place where they are guaranteed to experience harm or threat to their life because of their sexuality and/or gender) because the potential of each LGBTQ+ individual and the gifts of the broader LGBTQ+ community are worth protecting; sexuality and gender deserve liberating, and queer and trans lives are worth celebrating.

MS: How has your background, either personally, professionally, or both prepared you to be Oasis’ Executive Director?

ARC: Social media has introduced me to the concept of the “homosexual audacity” — the belief that queerness empowers one to be capable of doing anything (or perhaps it’s the audacity to attempt anything?). As cliché as it sounds, I think it’s my superpower. Being queer is part of my resiliency. Being a child of immigrants is another. 

I don’t claim to be a specialist in anything. However, I do proudly identify as a “generalist” — having a broad range of skills and multitasking well. Raised by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who were all first generation immigrants, I saw them succeed and fail at their enterprises. As survival required that they adapt to life in the U.S., taking on new names, roles, languages, laws and customs, I also adapted with them, learning to be independent at a young age, serving as a language and cultural interpreter, and parenting younger siblings as the eldest child. Throughout life and work, I’ve slowly learned that I am adept at negotiating and problem solving. Not only that, I’m comfortable with not conforming, which means that I can explore new ideas or ways of thinking with my team, always innovating, always asking what could be improved upon. As a queer person of color, the world oftentimes doesn’t feel safe. But to me, that’s not the same as living in fear. It takes effort, but I choose to be forward looking and accountable to my collective. If the world doesn’t feel safe for me, who else might it not feel safe for? And why? Is my lack of safety connected to anyone else’s? This way of thinking was learned, and taught to me by mentors—Mari Matsuda, Stephanie Wildman, Dina Shek, amongst so many others—whom I deeply respect. 

I often ask myself: What kind of leader would you want to follow? In response, I’d say, I’d want to work with someone who guides, instructs, and informs, not dictates. I would want a leader who values my contributions and acknowledges my hard work. As Oasis’ Executive Director, I find that I am holding a seat that requires bridge building (i.e., creating bonds and links internally and externally). I’ve seen bad leaders hold onto false senses of power, witnessing their own demise, and at times, the implosion of the organizations they were entrusted to safeguard. I still have a lot to learn, but I know enough to not put pride and ego above our mission and the countless people whose lives we inevitably save.

NS: What do you like to do in your free time?

ARC: Write! Between parenting a (currently) nine-year-old and work, personal time to be alone with my creative thoughts is rare, but I am an aspiring novelist and hope to be a published “best-selling” author one day (dare to dream!). I love the idea of a writing retreat, but often settle for a charming cafe (iced chai, extra spicy, with almond milk and a dash of cacao). Always open to recommendations for writing spots!

MS: What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

ARC: For over fifteen years, I was lucky to call Laila (a milk chocolate pitbull-boxer mix) my companion. She passed away in 2022 but is forever imprinted in my heart. I’m still a bit nervous, but I think I’m ready to explore a new addition to the family. Laila and I were honored to be selected for the cover of When Dogs Heal, a compilation of inspiring stories of people living with HIV and the dogs that saved them.

While we reflect on this conversation with our Executive Director, it's clear that his journey is one marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His story is not just about leading an organization; it's about bridging gaps, nurturing community, and envisioning a world where every queer and trans person feels celebrated. 

As Adam looks forward to the coming year—both in his leadership and in welcoming new joys into his personal life—we are reminded that this work is not just a job; it's a calling for some, a mission for all, and a reflection of the deep love we hold for our community.

We are proud to have such a dedicated leader at Oasis, knowing that together, we can continue to protect, uplift, and empower those who need it most. Of course, stay tuned for more details about Adam’s next bestseller! 😉

Want to connect with Adam directly? Email him at adam.chang[@]oasislegalservices.org

Published September 3, 2024