In a journal titled, “Notes on Queer ‘N Asian Virtual Sex” written by Daniel C. Tsang, he essentially shares his observations of the gay, bisexual, and queer demographic on tthe Bulletin Board System (BBS). Some of those observations include constructing an online identity in contrast with their real one, most prominently in their ethnic/racial identification, the lack of privacy on the BBS, etc. What is particularly interesting is that most of these findings can be applied today, such as using a server to find other folks to find affection, romance, etc.
Of course, we don’t typically hear of these narratives or this diaspora within the diaspora because as Tsang states, “Gay society in North America, organized and commercial, is framed around the young middle-class white male” (Tsang p. 124). What can be interpreted from this is that in order to be identified as openly gay, it has to fall under a white narrative or perspective otherwise it doesn’t exist or it isn’t as valid. So, I would assume that BBS or other methods would allow for them to have their voices heard without the judgement. It just goes to show that a diaspora like this does exist, but because they don’t fall in line with a lot of other narratives, they become misconstrued and marginalized.
Question: Is there a broader study out there that is more updated and similar to this text written by Daniel Tsang? I think it’d be pretty interesting to see what these numbers are now especially considering today’s social climate.
Photo Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/looking-love-tinder-lesbians-must-first-swipe-past-parade-straight-ncna1047721
Source: Tsang, Daniel C. “Notes on Queer ‘N Asian Virtual Sex.” Amerasia Journal, vol. 20, no. 1, 1994, pp. 117–128., doi:10.17953/amer.20.1.24j7n8631p57m276.
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