Social Supports Among Vietnamese American Gay Men

Abstract

Vietnamese American gay men are a relatively new sub-group among minority groups in America today. In many Asian cultures, an identification as gay may be perceived as a rejection of Asian cultural values. This study examines some of the cultural and familial characteristics which may suggest unique burdens and the need for additional social supports as perceived by 20 self-identified Vietnamese American gay men who have “come out.” Most respondents reported use of support systems within the gay and lesbian community, rather than dependence on traditional sources of support in the Vietnamese American community, such as family members or religion.