Nicky, the oldest child in a wealthy, traditional Asian family, was physically abused by her parents — and the abuse escalated after she came out to her family. Nicky’s parents cited Chinese tradition and Buddhist teachings to justify the beatings, but Nicky can see how their particular interpretations of cultural and religious traditions stem in part from their own history of abuse. When she was placed in a foster care facility, Nicky’s peers continued to abuse her, and her social workers did nothing to address this persistent bullying and harassment.
