Body Image and the Asian Experience -- Chapter 10: LGBTQ+ Asian body image: U.S. and globally

LGBTQ+ Asians, given their often-marginalized sexual orientations, racial identities, and gender identities/expression, often experience unique societal messages that their appearances deviate from heterosexual/cisgender norms and white beauty standards. Thus, it is important to consider how identity-related factors for LGBTQ+ Asians, existing at the intersection of anti-Asian and anti-LGBTQ+ oppression, may influence their body image. This chapter, therefore, focuses on related literature to identify theoretical psychological constructs and sociocultural phenomena that may affect body image for (1) queer (cisgender) Asian men, (2) queer (cisgender) Asian women, and (3) Asian trans+ people. Common themes throughout this chapter include colonization, racism, colorism, fetishization, homophobia/transphobia, as well as the ways LGBTQ+ Asians find strength, authenticity, and acceptance in their body image. We also highlight areas where researchers can advance the literature on LGBTQ+ Asian body image to elucidate both the etiology of negative body image and the development of positive body image. As LGBTQ+ Asian body image is inextricably linked to larger systems of harm and oppression, we emphasize the importance of incorporating a social justice approach to work in this area to allow LGBTQ+ Asian people to thrive and be fully accepted for their full authentic selves.