Dr Thomsen’s seminar showed me that research, regardless of its specificity, does not exist in a vacuum. Initially, his research on the sexual identity of Korean men living in Seattle seemed abstract to me, in grounding his study in his lived experiences and those of his subjects, existing knowledge and societal themes the story is unique but also relatable.
The value of this work is in giving men a voice to express their sexuality when their society does not allow them to do so. The creation of “Narratives of Convenience” (NOC) by these men to hide their gay sexual identity show this.[1] Without this study, these men would not have a platform to tell their story. Additionally, the creation of NOC in managing social constructs is a common theme for minority cultures which also have to suppress their identities to fit in. Giving a voice to the vulnerable and voiceless is always valuable.
Another unique aspect of this research is the different cultural frameworks at play. The study shows the value of researching a particular group as a non-western cultural outsider. The need for NOC shows that this topic is highly sensitive for the participants and one which the critical lens of a western scholar may not be best placed, as seen in the writings of Edward Said’s Orientalism. The researcher is well-placed, however, to tackle minority issues; being raised in Samoan culture with a more open itulagi or worldview to other minority cultures and peoples. Samoa’s cultural practice of fa’afafines shows this, a person who is born male but raised as a woman, emphasising a more open culture. By being able to connect with these vulnerable men as a cultural outsider, the researcher shows there is value in analysing from that position.
[1] Thomsen, “Coming-Out in the Intersections: Examining Relationality in How Korean Gay Men in Seattle Navigate Church, Culture and Family through a Pacific Lens,” 14.
