Coming Out of My Skin

Jean-Baptiste Phou's memoir explores the intersectionality of race and sexuality experienced by a gay Asian man living in a white world, examining how perceptions of his body have shaped his relationships and emotional development. It seeks to empower people of sexual and racial minorities to joyfully inhabit their bodies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Born to Chinese-Cambodian parents in France, Jean-Baptiste Phou has pursued a diverse artistic career since 2008. Through his public views and artistic works, he has focused mainly on the experiences of Asians in France. Up until now, he has always been careful not to raise issues of sexuality, in particular, his homosexuality.

In this searing memoir, Phou faces his fears and shame to examine the role his ethnic origin has played in the construction of his sexual identity and his romantic relationships in a predominantly white environment. An astute observer of the various ways in which his body has been perceived, Phou explores how these perceptions have shaped his relationship with himself and others. How does a marginalized person develop emotionally and build, reclaim, and express their sexuality? Drawing on various works of history, sociology, gender studies, literature, and popular culture, Phou sensitively examines various strategies developed in response to this question.

Being gay in a largely straight world is difficult, but being Asian within this sexual minority can be a doubly oppressive experience. Coming Out of My Skin deftly tackles this challenge and aspires for a reconciliation that can empower people of sexual and racial minorities to joyfully inhabit their bodies.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092331