For example, my partner of 18 years is Asian. I can’t count the number of times non-Asian gay men mentioned that gay Asian males don’t seem to like other Asians romantically, which in my experience is not true. Conversely I think the general LGBT community does not really understand the Asian community because some of our values are quite distinct, in particular in regard to family values. Thus, it would be somewhat selfish of an individual to break away from living a “normal” way of life and bring negative attention and shame to the whole family. Also many Asians do not think of individuals as such but each person is part of a larger extended family. In a sense, they (at least the older generation) do believe being LGBT is partly a personal choice. This conservatism, however, varies in degree depending on the age and Asian national ethnicity involved.
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The Asian (and Chinese) community’s view about LGBT people is a conservative one that is, why can’t they do what others do. How do you think the Chinese community (or larger Asian community) views LGBT people? How do you think the LGBT community views Chinese and the larger Asian community? How do you think both communities view aging? Because of the Asian culture’s intensive need to “belong,” they would rather sublimate their real selves in order to “fit in.” I think the need to be accepted overcame their need to be themselves. Most Asians of my generation felt they had to follow what their families and peers expected of them. I am not surprised by your inability to find many, if any, LGBT Asians to speak to. Do you find that this community is visible? Why or why not? I n researching for this article, I had a difficult time finding older Asian American or Pacific Islander LGBT people (especially woman) to speak with. Perhaps it’s my personality, but for many years I haven’t felt any pressure to “conform” to societal expectations.
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I do, however, realize that this may not be true of many gay Asian males because we are of the generation that feels compelled to adhere to the “norm” that is, to get married and have children to carry on the family name. How would you say your life is as an older Chinese gay man?Īs an older Chinese gay male, I personally find life is wonderful because I am true to myself. Furthermore, Asian-born and even some American-born Asians, feel they have to conform to the straight stereotype because Asian culture imposes a strong group consciousness it’s difficult to act different from the “norm.” The closeted gay Asians, of course, may tend to avoid calling attention to themselves and thus be reluctant to access services that provide assistance to seniors. On the other hand, many older gay Asians have not come out of the closet because we were raised in an era where being gay was not accepted. My partner and I are financially secure, have two homes (one in the East Bay and another in San Francisco), relate well with each other, have an extensive support network and have good health. Personally speaking, I do not have many issues faced by many in the elder gay Chinese/Asian community. Read his experience as a gay Chinese man and his views on the broader older LGBT AAPI community.Īs an older Chinese gay man, what do you think are some common issues you (and your community) face? Retired since 2002, Dion was a middle school teacher for over 34 years in San Francisco and was married in Canada in 2006 to his partner, Benjamin Aquino, Jr.
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When using a search engine such as Google, Bing or Yahoo check the safe search settings where you can exclude adult content sites from your search results Īsk your internet service provider if they offer additional filters īe responsible, know what your children are doing online.Dion Wong is a 69-year-old Chinese gay man.
![old gay men 69 old gay men 69](https://i0.wp.com/hyperallergic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/loving-12.jpg)
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