Saibaidee, Saibaidee Pinong Pinay...I am searching for the Lao-Americans in this country. I am searching for the local ones here in Los Angeles right here in the Southern California. Where are you? If you are out there, I ask you, I beg you to come on out. I want to hear your voices. I want to know you. I want to bond and share our common experiences together. This is our time. This is our chance to let other people know our rich stories and experiences. Our ethnic identity is so unique and we have so much to offer to others. I want us to shine and be lit up with pride. Be Lao'd, be proud!

I am a Lao-American who was born in Savannakhet, Laos. My family fled to the United States to escape the war torn homeland. We resettled in the state of Hawaii after a short stay in a Thai refugee camp and after the communist takeover in South East Asia during the late 70's and early 80's. Everyone knows that period as the Vietnam War era...many Laotians know that period as the era of change. All over the world the refugees of Laos have been resettled globally. We have been spread like ashes to fend for ourselves. We have survived after 30+ odd years and where are we now. That's what I like to know.

I am an actor living in Los Angeles. Refugee Nation is a collaborative project lead by my partner, Leilani Chan and I, we are searching for stories from the national Lao community to lift up the voices of a community that rarely roars. I want us to roar!

Where in Laos do you come from? What is your story? Let me know. Contact me. I want to know.