In some people’s minds, the words “in the closet” conjure up mental images of LGBT people feeling ashamed of their sexual orientation/gender identity and who are in denial.
It’s important to understand that being “in the closet” is an incredibly nuanced and personal experience that could be informed by a person’s cultural background, personality, religious beliefs, family and social relationships, etc.
Is being gay the only closet for gay Asian men? There are many other closets.
There is the closet of hiding certain sexual behaviors for fear of being judged;
The closet of sexual fantasies that have never been explored;
The closet of gender expressions that do not conform to societal norms;
The closet of body and appearance that is created by the ultra-masculine, ultra-unrealistic beauty standards of the gay community;
And more…
We explore these different closets through photographs so that we can present a more diverse representation of the “closet” for gay Asian men. Using light and colors, we show the fear and shame of certain gay Asian men and also their aspirations.
PHOTOGRAPHER
------------------------
Duc Nguyen
Duc Nguyen, also known as Duke Wiin, is a Vietnamese editorial, fashion and commercial photographer based in New York, specializing in people and corporate photography with a style consisting of artistic and energetic imagery. He was Art Director of Resident Magazine New York, his works also were featured on Magazine covers of F Fashion Vietnam, Ellement, GIA, N21, Editorial: Vogue, GQ, Glamour, Harper’s Bazzar Vietnam, Women’s Health, Attitude, DNA, etc. Recently, Duke opened his own studio Duke Wiin Studio.
Duke is especially interested in queer photography and is a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has shot for queer individuals and community organizations. In 2008, his artworks were featured at OPEN Exhibit, the first queer exhibition in Vietnam.
Instagram: @dukewiin @duke.nyc
Website: www.dukewiin.com
CURATORS
--------------------------
Yang Shi
Yang is the NYC Event Organizer of Chinese Rainbow Network, currently in charge of the CRN & GAPIMNY World Pride Event Series. Yang is young professional in international affairs, a gaymer, and a fan of queer arts.
Binh Hoang
Binh is currently the Co-Chair of GAPIMNY and was formerly their Finance Chair. He’s an avid reader, anime enthusiast, tea drinker, and EDM concertgoer. He’s trying to not spend so much time at his laptop.
-------------------------
--------------------------
HOSTS
--------------------------
GAPIMNY is an all-volunteer, membership-based community organization with the mission to empower queer and trans Asian Pacific Islanders to create positive change. We provide a range of political, social, educational, and cultural programming and work in coalition with other community organizations to educate and promote dialogue on issues of race, sexuality, gender, and health. It is only thanks to support from our community that we are able to continue to provide great programming.
--------------------------
Chinese Rainbow Network (CRN). CRN was founded in 1996 by various LGBT Chinese members. In 2015, CRN became the only registered non-profit organization (NPO) in the United States specifically focused on the Asian and Chinese LGBT community. Their mission is to empower the Chinese and broader Asian queer community. CRN recognizes that its members face various forms of discrimination, and familial and societal pressure. CRN therefore works to address the concerns and needs of the LGBT Chinese community, identifying issues important to its members, and working with various other groups to affect change.
--------------------------
Saturday
June 15th
from 3 PM – 6 PM
at The LGBT Community Center
208 W 13 St, New York, New York 10011