Sexuality and the Rise of China: The Post-1990s Gay Generation in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China

In his book "Sexuality and the Rise of China," Travis S. K. Kong explores the evolving meanings of same-sex identities, communities, and cultures for young Chinese gay men in contemporary Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. He conceptualizes coming out as relational politics and the queer/tongzhi community and commons as an affective, imaginative means of connecting, governed by homonormative masculinity. Kong criticizes the globalization of sexuality by emphasizing inter-Asia modeling, referencing, and solidarities and debunks the essentializing myth of Chineseness, decolonizing Western sexual knowledge, and demonstrating the differential meanings of Chineseness/queerness across the Sinophone world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his groundbreaking book, "Sexuality and the Rise of China," Travis S. K. Kong delves into the intricate and evolving landscape of same-sex identities, communities, and cultures among young Chinese gay men in contemporary Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. Through the lens of transnational queer sociology, Kong explores the profound interplay between personal biographies and the rapidly transforming social institutions in these three societies. By conceptualizing coming out as relational politics and the queer/tongzhi community and commons as an affective and imaginative means of connection, governed by homonormative masculinity, Kong sheds light on the complex dynamics at play. He challenges the notion of monogamy as a form of cruel optimism and envisions different versions of homonationalism emerging in each location. Through a meticulous tracing of the alternately diverging and converging paths of being young, Chinese, gay, and male, Kong unveils how Western and emerging inter- and intra-Asian queer cultures shape queer/tongzhi experiences.

Most significantly, in the context of the rise of China, Kong critically interrogates the globalization of sexuality by advocating for inter-Asia modeling, referencing, and solidarities. He debunks the essentializing myth of Chineseness, decolonizing Western sexual knowledge, and demonstrating the diverse meanings of Chineseness/queerness across the Sinophone world.

This book is a vital contribution to the field of queer studies, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between sexuality, culture, and society in China and beyond. It will be of interest to scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and experiences in Asia.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478019862