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The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel
Gathering scholars, activists and tourism professionals with expertise in intersectional social justice, DEI, sustainability, and decolonial theory for conversations surrounding the ethics of travel, we’re here to move a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel and to think critically and deeply about how travel can uplift global communities, protect natural ecosystems, and be a source of growth for travelers.
Here at RISE Travel Institute we are committed to empowering travelers and travel professionals through education. Our programs, research, Experiential Journeys, scholarships, and free resources are all aimed at bringing you closer to a more responsible and ethical travel experience. Learn more by visiting RISETravelInstitute.org
The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel
Love, Loss, and the Hidden Stories Behind Immigration – with Michael Luongo
In this heartfelt episode of The RISE Traveler, host Amy Hager speaks with writer and academic Michael Luongo again to explore the moving true story behind his New York Times Modern Love essay.
Michael opens up about his late husband, Wing-Ho “Harry” Chow, an undocumented and closeted gay man who lived with him in New York for over two decades. When Harry was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their decision to marry became an act of both love and necessity — allowing Michael to care for him, navigate hospital bureaucracy, and preserve his dignity in his final days.
Together, Amy and Michael reflect on grief, compassion, and the human realities behind immigration and identity. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that storytelling can break down prejudice and help us see one another with empathy.
Through this intimate dialogue, The RISE Traveler continues its mission to promote conscious, inclusive travel — and a more just world for all.
The New York Times: Modern Love
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