Opinion: Embracing Armenian+ Identity in the Diaspora

An Armenian-American parent argues for greater inclusion of multicultural Armenians in diaspora communities, responding to criticism of an Armenian+ character in an upcoming Pixar film. The author, who lived in Hong Kong and now resides in California, describes experiencing xenophobic comments questioning the "Armenian-ness" of people with mixed heritage. Drawing on her experience at KZV Armenian School in San Francisco—which serves a growing population of Armenian+ students—she contends that gatekeeping Armenian identity fractures community unity. The piece advocates for shifting diaspora narratives toward inclusion, emphasizing that cultural identities are not mutually exclusive and that Armenian+ members deserve full belonging. The author cites poet Paruyr Sevag to support her argument that Armenian pride can coexist with multicultural heritage.