Sexuality, ethnicity and language: Exploring Chinese Filipino male homosexual identity

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of sexuality and ethnicity in the lives of a group of South-East Asian gay men. Data derive from an exploratory study conducted in Manila involving semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews with self-identified homosexual Chinese Filipino men. Findings suggest that the men shared a strong sense of being Chinese while also being conscious of their double marginalization as homosexual and as part of an ethnic minority. Ethnicity was found to play a key role with respect to sexual partnership, influencing choice of partners and age and class status of their ideal mates. Chinese gay men's use of Fukkien was identified as a key marker of their identity both as gays and as Chinese Filipinos. Further research is needed to explore further the relationship between sexuality and ethnicity, as well as how class and age influence present and prospective sexual relationships.