Living Hyphen: Entrances & Exits

by Justine Abigail Yu (Editor)

Come in. Get out. Welcome. Goodbye.

Where are you from? How did you get here? Where are you going?

There’s constant movement all around us. Our world is made up of entrances and exits, moments of arrival and departure. Sometimes we cross borders, other times we open a door. But sometimes we simply peer through the window, catching a glimpse of what awaits us on the other side.

We find small openings and slide through them, or stop dead in our tracks hindered by closed gates. We enter a new year, a new age, a new relationship, a new chapter in our lives. But we leave those too. Or are left by them.

Living Hyphen explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians - that is, individuals who call Canada home but who have roots in different, often far away places. Artists and writers from all across Canada hailing from over thirty ethnicities, religions, and Indigenous nations combined, reveal the many ways figurative doorways have shaped their identities.

Edited by Justine Abigail Yu
Designed by Joshua Layton

Contributions from artists and writers all across Canada including:
Aba Amuquandoh
Aeman Ansari
Angela Aujla
Aquil Virani
Asad Chisti
Bushra Saleban
Calvin Santiago
Christina Hajjar
Clare Yow
Daniel Maluka
Erika Barrozo
Erin Kang
Florence Yee
Gelaine Santiago
Hannah Renglich
James Arteaga
Janice Liu
Jasmin Elysia
Jennifer Ha
Joelle Kidd
Julie Mai
Kanwal Rahim
Karen Lahura
Karen-Luz Sison
Kristina Corre
Lance Morrison
Linda Ozromano
Lourdenie Jean
Marius Masalar
Mary Joy Pascua
Micaela Pereira Bajard
Miguel Leandro Gamboa
Natasha Ramoutar
Nimra Bandukwala
Omar Ramirez
Pamela Dungao
Patricia South
Prachy Mohan
Prissy M
Rachel Evangeline Chiong
Robbie Ahmed
Rosel Kim
Samah Ali
Taha Tabish
Tanya Kan
Vanessa Hodja
Victoria Liao
Zaha Cheema

122 pages, Journal

First published October 12, 2018

About the author

Justine Abigail Yu (she/her) is the Founder of Living Hyphen, a publication that explores what it means to live in between cultures as a hyphenated Canadian – that is, an individual who calls Canada home but who has roots elsewhere.

She is an award-winning writing workshop facilitator whose work with Living Hyphen has been featured on international, national, and local media outlets including the Globe & Mail, CTV National News, and the CBC. She was also named a “Changemaker” by the Toronto Star in October 2021.

Reviews

[Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Hyphen: Entrances & Exits is a powerful book about what it means to be Canadian. Developed by Justine Abigail Yu and featuring the works of over fifty emerging creators, this book uses photography, illustration, poetry and short stories to explore issues of identity and belonging. The book is divided into four chapters (longing, (non) conforming, reconciling and bridging) with each text building on the last to trace the journey towards "home".

Canada's narrative about multiculturalism is both omnipresent yet inauthentic. In Living Hyphen: Entrances & Exits , Abigail Yu sheds light on this discrepancy while also demonstrating how to meaningfully and inclusively celebrate diversity. I started by flipping through the book but quickly found myself sprawled out, carefully taking in each creator's work. Each piece felt vulnerable, honest and loving. I am honoured to have been invited to peek into the intimate experiences of people from so many different backgrounds and upbringings and found much similarity through the differences. Looking forward to reading the next edition of Living Hyphen .

*Please note that I have a loose professional connection to the author of this book.*

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Hyphen: I-

Me: 😭💛✨🥺

[Jesse David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really quite wonderful to have a reflection of the lived experience of being a part of the diaspora put together in this way. Not only that, but it is beautifully put together, from the layout to the colour scheme to the illustrations. Well worth it!

[Cynthia B-A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully curated collection of powerful stories and art that really tug on my heart strings, especially being a hyphenated Canadian myself. There are many stories that hit close to home. Every time I open this magazine up, it feels like I’m immersed in an art gallery with really beautiful stories to experience. A great piece for your coffee table and meaningful gift to family/friends!

[Brooke E. Roberts]

I love this magazine. I keep it on my coffee table and pick it up whenever I need a dose of inspiration. Living Hyphen shares stories and perspectives that I wouldn't know or understand without access to without it. Thank you, Justine, for curating such a beautiful and insightful collection of stories.

[Leah Ayliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Filled with a variety of lived experiences across Canada - beautiful stories.

[Leah Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world needs more people to read this. Highly recommended.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful collection of stories! Really enjoyed reading the different relationships to Canadian identity.