A New Image For Asian Gay Men

Asian Men Redefined 2010 Calendar

There’s a new calendar out there that serves a purpose greater than marking time.

Asian Men Redefined shows the diversity of the Asian gay male community. Long stereotyped as submissive and feminine, or nerdy and unattractive, Redefined presents thirteen Asian men looking confident and giving body body body! It is a bold, new take on what it means to be gay and Asian.

What’s better, Redefined generates funds for the Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center, the oldest North American nonprofit serving the Asian and Pacific Islander communities around the issues of HIV and sexual health.

An article from EDGE Boston provides additional insight into the calendar, now in its fourth year of production.

A quote from the cover model, Guy, on the significance of the calendar: “”I think we need more positive images of Asian men that are not nerdy or computer related…It can put us on the map and empower our image.”

I think all communities of color, regardless of orientation, would do well to take up that message of empowerment. The black gay community in particular faces the same issues of narrow typecasting and lack of visibility. Maybe it’s time for Black Gay Men Redefined.

Kudos to photographer Danny Dan for creating the calendar!