Asian LGBTQ+ Sexual Health: an Overview of the Literature from the Past 5 Years

Abstract

The goal of this review is to provide an overview of recent research about the sexual health of Asian LGBTQ+ in Asia and the Asian diaspora. This includes research about sexual health communication and health care, attitudes and values, and mental health among LGBTQ+ Asians. HIV/AIDS risk and prevention among gay men, men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women dominates the current research landscape. Studies on sexual health care and communication have shown that Asian LGBTQ+ individuals are often reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation to healthcare providers and to family due to relatively conservative family values and homonegative attitudes throughout Asia and the Asian diaspora. This may be related to internalized homophobia and transphobia, experiences of sexual violence, and poor mental health outcomes for many Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. While many studies have recently been conducted examining Asian LGBTQ+ sexual health, there are gaps in the literature about sexual minority cisgender women, transgender men, adolescents, and asexual individuals. Future research should also take a more holistic approach to Asian LGBTQ+ sexual health, rather than primarily focusing on disease risk.