Linda Trinh Continues to Bridge the Gap for Asian Stories in Manitoba

Linda Trinh Continues to Bridge the Gap for Asian Stories in Manitoba

By Angela Almeida

For many people of Asian descent, childhood meant reading stories that didn’t reflect a reader’s lived experience. Authors like Linda Trinh are helping bridge that gap, making Asian representation something that continues to grow in literature for all ages – a crucial step in the right direction.

Trinh, an award-winning Vietnamese Canadian author, is known for her fiction and non-fiction literature for children and adults. An active member of the Manitoba Writers’ Guild (MWG), she is making a meaningful impact on the writing community.

“I think the Guild has done a really good job in creating a sense of community in Winnipeg and Manitoba,” said Trinh. “I have been fortunate enough to have benefited from some of their programs over the years… being part of the mentorship program years ago really gave me the confidence and also the skills to help push my writing into publication.”

Celebrated every May, Asian Heritage Month is a time for us to learn more about the rich history and culture of Asian communities. For Trinh, it’s important to remember that representation is nuanced, and there is always room for improvement.

“It’s important to spotlight Asian experiences,” she said. “But it’s also a great time to highlight… what work still needs to be done in terms of advocacy, challenges, discrimination, and racism that is still happening in Canada.”

The author encourages young aspiring Asian writers to figure out what success means to them – to “follow your dreams and work on what you want to be your passion.”

This Asian Heritage Month, join the MWG in celebrating Asian stories, supporting local voices, and building the kind of community Trinh describes – you never know what connections you might make.