Name: Soohee (수희) Lee (they/them)

First KATCH event: 

My first KATCH event was seeing Ed Epopski’s comedy set, Case 84 Adopted in the USA!!

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?

I was adopted to Chillicothe, Illinois, at 4 months old. I moved to Roodhouse, Illinois when I was 5, a small rural town in southwest Illinois. I spent the majority of my childhood living in that town. Now I live in Central Illinois, calling Peoria my current home!

Tell us about yourself: 

I am a 23-year-old Midwestern Korean adoptee! I currently work as a barista at Zion Coffee Bar where I get to make drinks and toast. I’ve been able to get in touch with my heritage through making Korean-inspired seasonal menu items. I enjoy taking hikes, spending time with loved ones, making art, and finding new music.

You’ll likely KATCH me:

Slinging coffee at the cafe, listening to music, or spending time relaxing with friends.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KATCH community?

The KATCH community were the first Korean adoptees I ever really met in person. It was relieving to find myself around people who I didn’t have to explain so many complexities in relation to my identity. As an adoptee, you can often feel like no place feels like home, but I find myself most understood in my adoptee identity with people like the KATCH community.

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:

I’m an out-of-town person, so I don’t believe I know the best places, but every time I visit the city, I love stopping by Nabala Cafe! I also enjoy Drip Collective, Dark Matter, and Colectivo Coffee.

Find me/Social Media/Podcast title: 

IG: @s0upielee