Citation

Poon MKL. J. Gay Lesbian Soc. Serv. 2000; 11(4): 39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J041v11n04_03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Same-sex violence against gay men of Asian descent is a subject frequently neglected by researchers and social workers. However, they may be more vulnerable to intimate violence, especially with a Caucasian partner, due to the accentuated socio-economic differences between them. Lack of culturally and sexually specific services available often leads them to feel helplessness and, therefore, to accept the violence. As a result, their experience of violence will continue. In this article, six risk factors leaving gay Asian men prone to intimate violence in Asian-Caucasian relationships will be explored, which include: (1) homophobia in Asian cultures, (2) issues of professional assistance and social support, (3) the dominant idea of beauty and Asian images in Western countries, (4) age differences, (5) income disparity and its implications in relationships, and (6) cultural values of family. Following that, recommendations and challenges to implementation of them will be outlined.