East Asian American Asexualities: Navigating Stereotypes and Decentering Sexuality in the United States

Project Title

East Asian American Asexualities: Navigating Stereotypes and Decentering Sexuality in the United States

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

I am exploring the intersections of asexual and East Asian American identities regarding the experiences of stereotypes in everyday life and how that connects to how sexuality is racialized and race is sexualized. East Asian American women have been historically stereotyped as hypersexual, while East Asian American men are commonly desexualized. Therefore, East Asian Americans who experience little to no sexual attraction are uniquely affected by racial stereotypes in distinct and potentially unexpected ways. Through in-depth interviews, I aim to get an understanding of how the forces of sexualization, racialization, and stereotyping interact and how that affects our conceptions of sexuality, sexual attraction, and the use of sexuality in a history of racial control. 

Why is your research important? 

There is little academic literature about Asian American sexualities and asexualities, while studies on the intersection of the two are extremely scarce. Research about Asian American asexualities brings more attention to an understudied group whose experiences hold value. These experiences can also help uncover broader connections between race, gender, and sexuality that were previously unknown, benefitting Asian American studies and the sociology of sexualities. 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

Over the summer, I conducted a literature review synthesizing previous research connected to my topic, while this semester, I have worked toward conducting in-depth interviews. My process is primarily individual, done in my dorm or quietly at Mudd. However, I also appreciate any chance I get to discuss with fellow researchers and make connections between our projects, which deepens our understanding of both our own research and each other’s. 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

Thus far, my research has affirmed the connection between racialization and sexualization, where a supposed “normal” sexuality has allowed those with “abnormal” sexualities, namely BIPOC and asexual people, to be discriminated against on the basis of not confirming with white and allosexual conceptions of sexuality. Because of the limited prior research on my topic, I hope that the in-depth interviews I am beginning to conduct will result in additional contributions to the field. 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

Over the summer, I participated in Oberlin Summer Research Institute's Summer Research Symposium, where I shared my literature review findings. In October, I presented at Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship’s Midwest Regional Conference at Northwestern University. I hope to continue sharing my research, especially with the communities I am learning about, in ways that benefit them directly.

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

While taking the course Sociology of Sexualities with Professor Greggor Mattson, I read Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s book, The Hypersexuality of Race, which discussed the historical basis of the ongoing hypersexualization of Asian women on screen. This led me to want to explore how those who do not experience sexual attraction may react to and internalize sexualization, which prompted me to apply for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. More personally, I have many Asian American and asexual friends who have separately talked about their experiences of sexual assumptions; their stories greatly influenced my desire to pursue this research. 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

I love making connections within different texts and finding ways that different concepts, theories, and ideas have similar roots and unexpected similarities. I also enjoy sharing my research with friends and having them contribute their thoughts and perspectives. I am very much looking forward to interviewing people and learning about their unique stories and understandings of their identities.

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

Working with my mentor has been an integral part of my research project, both academically and emotionally. Professor Mattson’s extensive experience developing research projects and conducting sociological in-depth interviews has guided my project, methods, and methodology. Emotionally, he has helped me stay grounded, realistic, and hopeful during the process, and I am grateful for his mentorship.

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

Research has enabled me to improve my analytical skills, public speaking, and ability to create connections with others. I have learned more about myself and how I find motivation, handle stress, and learn new material. I feel more confident discussing complex concepts and expressing myself verbally, and I look forward to growing more in the future. 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

Even if you think you are not ready or do not have the skills to begin research, do it anyway. Jumping into the deep end (or beginning a new, potentially long-term research project) is quite scary, but your peers and mentors will be there for you when you land.