Issues of Sexual Identity in an Ethnic Minority: The Case of Chinese American Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexual People

The chapter demonstrates the formation of sexual identity in the context of a bicultural background particularly in Chinese American culture. The Western model of sexual identity developed into a science from consequent observations and classifications of sexual behavior. Models are used to explain the identity formation of an individual becoming an integrated gay or lesbian, and how monocultural perspective on sexual identities transformed into a multicultural dimension. Sexual identity is also viewed as a political identity, creating a wider flexibility in tackling issues concerning sexual politics. Essential distinctions between Western culture and Asian culture are described in the latter part of the chapter. Research shows that sexual orientation and sexual expression in the Asian context are founded on traditional values of family unity.