The Dominant Value System of Chinese Gay Males in Family, Couple, and Community Relationships: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT The number of Chinese gay males in Asia and overseas is approximately 27 million; however, the study of family, couple, and community relationships regarding this population is lacking. This study aims to explore knowledge about the dominant values of Chinese gay males in three relationships. Based on the lens of social learning theory and symbolic interactionism, the research question is “What are the social schemas which Chinese gay males learned and contributed back to their family, couple, and community relationships?” This qualitative research includes data collection through semi-structured interviews 60–90 minutes in length with 14 Chinese gay male participants in Asian countries and data analysis through a phenomenological approach. In findings, the dominant value system of this group is composed of the following: (1) masculinism; (2) exam-oriented education; (3) status-oriented interaction; (4) indirect communication; and (5) enmeshed relationships. The results also included their cultural conflicts, the cognitive biases in their societies, and the interplay of family, couple, and community relationships. This study attempts to strengthen the cultural competence of therapists working with Chinese gay male clients.