A Study of the Influence of Gender Experience on Gays’ Identity when Studying Abroad

[[abstract]]本研究旨在了解男同性戀在台灣以及海外留學之性別經驗，探究留學之性別經驗對其同志認同影響。據此，本研究試圖探討（1）男同性戀在台灣的校園環境、家庭環境以及社交經歷之性別經驗；（2）男同性戀留學時期校園環境、社交經歷之性別經驗；以及（3）男同性戀留學期間經歷之性別經驗對其同志認同之影響。 本研究以半結構式訪談了解五位男同性戀在台灣與海外留學時期，發現在台灣同學視同性戀多為貶抑詞、男同性戀普遍對他人存有不信任感。在海外留學時，較無同志活動的校園環境、男同性戀對當地人際互動感到自在。據上述發現歸納出以下結論，包含（1）出國留學理由與期待影響同志認同、（2）種族議題影響融入當地的因素、（3）同志認同階段影響其與家人的關係、（4）留學之性別經驗正面強化其同志認同、（5）留學之性別經驗看見同志自在生活的可能性。最後，基於研究發現，針對台灣同志教育與相關政策、台灣中小學與大學以及後續研究提出建議。[[abstract]]The aims of the study are to understand the gender experience of Taiwanese homosexual men when in Taiwan and when studying abroad, and to investigate the influence of those experiences on their gay identities. Based on the aims, the study discusses (1) the gender experience of male homosexuals in Taiwanese schools, families and social interactions, (2) the gender experience of male homosexuals in schools and social interactions abroad, and (3)the influence of gender experience of their studying abroad on their gay identity. The study adopts qualitative research methodology, using the semi-structural interview with five Taiwanese male homosexuals. It is found that the term “homosexual” is taken negatively by Taiwanese students, and the male homosexuals interviewed generally distrust people around them. And when they studied abroad, there weren’t many activities for homosexual in school, and they felt comfortable when interacting with the locals. According to the discoveries above, the results are concluded as followings: (1) the reasons and expectations of studying abroad affect development of gay identity; (2) the racial issue, culture and language are the key factors for them integrating with locals; (3) the phases of their gay identities influence the relationship with their families; (4) the gender experience when studying abroad strengthen their gay identities; (5) the gender experience when studying abroad provides Taiwanese male homosexuals a possibility to have comfortable gay life. Based on the findings, the suggestions are offered to relative authorities for future regulation and policies relating, to Taiwanese schools and universities, as well as to future researchers.[[note]]碩