Lunar New Year insights: Nikki Phinyapincha’s perspective

Proud myGwork member and Founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, Natthineethiti (Nikki) Phinyapincha, shares the significance of Lunar New Year and how she plans to celebrate the occasion this year.

What does Lunar New Year mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?

Nikki: Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and connection for me. It’s not just a celebration of traditions but a moment to embrace the values of family, hope, and prosperity. Growing up in a Thai-Chinese family, Lunar New Year was filled with rituals that highlighted respect for our ancestors and gratitude for the opportunities they paved for us.

However, as an LGBTQIAN+ individual, Lunar New Year also brought its challenges. Family gatherings, though filled with joy, often came with questions like, “มีแฟนหรือยัง?” (Do you have a partner yet?), “ทำไมถึงยังไม่แต่งงาน?” (Why aren’t you married yet?), or “ลื้อเป็นลูกชาย ลื้อต้องแต่งงานสืบทอดวงศ์ตระกูลนะ” (You’re the son; you must marry to carry on the family name). These questions, while seemingly harmless, carried the weight of expectations tied to heteronormative traditions and familial duties. They often left me and my friends feeling conflicted between staying true to myself and meeting my family’s expectations.

Over the years in the past, I’ve worked to bridge the gap between my identity and my family’s traditions. My celebration now includes honoring both my born family and my chosen family – both of whom play essential roles in my life. By creating moments of dialogue and understanding, I’m hopeful that Lunar New Year can become a space where all members of the family, regardless of identity, feel celebrated and valued.

How do the values of Lunar New Year – renewal, family, and prosperity – influence your life or work?

Nikki: The essence of Lunar New Year is deeply intertwined with my personal and professional life. Renewal reminds me to continuously grow, adapt, and challenge the norms that limit inclusion and equality. Family, though complex, inspires me to cultivate deeper understanding, whether it’s through fostering bonds within my own family or building inclusive workplaces that feel like chosen families for others.

Prosperity, for me, is not just financial. It’s about creating a sense of freedom, fulfillment and dignity – for myself, my loved ones, and the communities I serve. In my work with Transtalents Consulting Group, I channel these values into building pathways for LGBTQIAN+ empowerment and leadership, helping others find pride and success in their unique journeys.

In your opinion, are younger generations celebrating Lunar New Year differently to older generations? If so, how and what traditions do you want to keep alive?

Nikki: Yes, I see a shift in how younger generations celebrate Lunar New Year. While older generations often emphasize traditional rituals and family obligations, younger generations are reimagining the celebration with a more modern and inclusive approach. For example, instead of strictly following formal ceremonies, many now use the occasion to connect with friends, reflect on personal growth, or give back to their communities.

What I want to keep alive, though, is the sense of gratitude and respect for our roots –especially the practice of honoring our ancestors. It’s a tradition that transcends generations and reminds us of the sacrifices made to bring us to where we are today.

How do you celebrate Lunar New Year as part of or an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

Nikki: As part of the LGBTQIAN+ community, Lunar New Year has become a space for reclaiming joy and authenticity. Beyond the traditional rituals, I celebrate by fostering connections with my chosen family and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome.

I also take this opportunity to advocate for greater understanding within families. For LGBTQIAN+ individuals, questions around relationships and marriage can often feel like barriers to fully belonging. Instead of avoiding these conversations, I try to turn them into moments of education, helping families see that love, pride, and prosperity come in many forms – not just the ones rooted in traditional roles.

It’s my hope that by celebrating with openness and authenticity, we can inspire families to embrace diversity, transforming Lunar New Year into a celebration where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued.

5. Would you like to add any final thoughts?

Nikki: For me, Lunar New Year is a celebration of resilience – honoring our heritage while paving the way for a future that embraces diversity. It’s a time to celebrate not just who we are, but who we aspire to become.

You can find out more about Nikki's work at here, and connect with Nikki here.