China Journal of Social Work
Volume 10, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 23-38

Queer-friendly nation? The experience of Chinese gay immigrants in Canada (Article)

Poon M.K.-L.* , Li A.T.-W. , Wong J.P.-H. , Wong C.
  • a School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, Canada
  • b Regent Park Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
  • c Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
  • d AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

In the past decade, the People’s Republic of China has become the leading source country of immigrants to Canada. However, little is known about the experience of Chinese gay immigrants in Canada. Using narratives collected through a qualitative study, we show the way in which Chinese gay men construct their experience of immigration in Canada. Unlike the national discourse that claims Canada is a friendly nation for members of the LGBTTQ community, the experiences of Chinese gay immigration present a different story. As racialised gay men, they continue to be subjected to social violence in Canada–albeit differently from what they experienced in China. The analysis demonstrates the complexity of social marginalisation experienced by these men, the understanding of which is essential for social workers to engage in practice with them that is socially transformative. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Chinese Marginalisation Social inequality Gay men Immigration

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018731304&doi=10.1080%2f17525098.2017.1300354&partnerID=40&md5=ea23f989e1068e3eb61f5359355da3a0
DOI: 10.1080/17525098.2017.1300354
ISSN: 17525098
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English