Empowering New York’s Asian American Community Since 1989

Christina Mui'S
New York City

“Christina describes her childhood in a way that is filled to the brim with warmth and life—memories of food, Coney Island and delis take up most of the illustration. Most of the composition was intended to be dynamic while centering Christina as much as possible. I am also intrigued by all the sights, sounds and overall visuals that Chinatown has to offer; it’s a perfect combination for someone who loves to incorporate mass amounts of detail in their work.”

—Deborah Lee, Illustrator

Get Christina's poster as a gift with a donation to Hope Against Hate. Digital downloads start at $25 and printed posters start at $150. All contributions, regardless of amount, fund critical programs that keep Asian Americans safe in New York City and beyond.

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About Christina Mui

Christina Mui is a first-generation Chinese American and native New Yorker who grew up in Bensonhurst and now considers Chinatown home. During her formative years, she was active in helping shape the community for the better. Today, she describes her intersectional identity—being a queer female and member of the AAPI community—as full of beauty and lightness.

WHERE AM I REALLY FROM?

“The question reveals more about the person asking than the person being asked. It tells me that the asker is unable to interact on a personal level unless they have a geographical reference point. Where I’m from doesn’t define who I am or what I love or the potential of who I can be.”

—Christina Mui

Gallon of Milk



"Growing up, it was typical for my parents to send me to the corner deli with five bucks to pick up a Chinese newspaper and a gallon of milk for them. I enjoyed chatting with the shop owners and other locals there. You can meet people from all walks of life at the deli.”

Chinese School



“Our parents really tried to make Chinese school happen for my brother and me. It was not pleasant. Zero stars.”

Wide-Brimmed Hat



“There is a distinct brown, wide-brimmed, feather-lined hat that is a personal signature style of mine.”

LGBTQ+ Colors



“I live at the unique intersection of being gay, Asian, and female. Having friends that also identify similarly is such a unique perspective. It’s fun to code-switch—when I’m at home, I try to communicate with my parents in broken Chinese. Respecting my elders and family values is key, but at the same time, I’ve had to negotiate coming out to them. It's both overwhelming and invigorating.”

Biking

“I love biking. As a native New Yorker, it’s not uncommon to get your driver’s license well into your twenties. I didn’t get my license until I was 22 or 23, and that’s because I had to for my job. 
There’s no reason for you to own a car if you’re a New York City resident. You can get around perfectly fine on a bike, especially in the last couple of years. The city has been taking measures to make the city more bike friendly. It’s a free and fun and quick way to get around. If the weather is nice, I’m usually on a bike.”

Pastries



“The city is about the food and the pastries. If I go without Chinese pastries for too long, I go through withdrawals. Mott Street has great Chinese desserts and tofu pudding, and some newer bake shops that have hot dog buns and lava croissants. Sometimes I’ll even pick up a roast duck and take it home.”

MEET THE ARTIST

Deborah Lee

Deborah Lee is a Brooklyn–based Korean American illustrator whose art is lush and vivid, often steering her compositions into the magical and surreal. She loves to incorporate mass amounts of detail in her work, which made crafting a visually rich travel poster out of Christina’s story the perfect challenge.


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HOPE AGAINST HATE

MAKE A DONATION

Combat AAPI hate with a donation to Hope Against Hate today, and get a limited-edition travel poster. Digital downloads start at $25 and printed posters start at $150. All contributions, regardless of amount, fund critical programs that keep Asian Americans safe in New York City and beyond.
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