Opportunities and Challenges: Identity Development and Lived Experiences among Chinese Immigrant Young Gay Men in Toronto

This grounded theory study sets out to explore identity development and lived experiences among Chinese immigrant young gay men, with a focus on their migration journey and intersectional social locations. Eighteen Chinese gay men who were aged 18-28 and had moved from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan to Canada participated in semi-structured individual interviews conducted in either Mandarin or English. Findings indicate that these gay men migrated to Canada for an array of reasons, citing “living in a LGBT-friendly country” as only one of many factors. Recent socioeconomic and cultural changes in Chinese societies have led many participants to revise their original perception of “the West is better.” On the other hand, the increasing acceptance of homosexuality in Chinese societies is noted throughout the interviews. Situated in this socio-cultural context, the participants’ current state of ethnocultural identity is found to be in-between, consisting of constant transitions between Canadian culture and Chinese culture over time and across contexts. Their sexual identity generally followed a linear progression and achieved a uniform and settled state with selective, pragmatic disclosure. Yet, various interpersonal and environmental factors were highlighted to bear upon their process of self-identifying as gay. Several themes regarding intersectionality emerged from the data. First, study participants do not experience conflicts between their sexual and cultural identities. Second, the intersectionality is context-specific. While rejecting the ubiquitous existence of intersectional oppression, study participants have experienced a certain form of marginalization that occurs in the context of disclosing their gay identity to their Chinese friends/families and finding a dating partner within a gay community. Third, participants consider the label of “double minority” oversimplified and derogatory, indicating that their intersectional identities can serve as a source of social support. Based on the research findings, implications for social work theory, research, and practice are discussed.Ph.D