Gender and Sexuality in Asian America

How and why has the racialization of Asian Americans taken on particular gendered and sexual characteristics? We will examine immigration law, foreign policy, labor markets, and the economy, to understand the material roots behind cultural perceptions of Asian femininities, masculinities, families, and queerness. Finally, we will look at contemporary cultural production to see how Asian Americans are contesting and reshaping gender and sexuality for themselves. Potential topics include bachelor societies, war brides, feminized labor, interracial relationships, family businesses, tiger moms, and incels. This course takes a broad understanding of the term Asian American, and will cover topics relating to West Asians, Central Asians, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and East Asians.