The Politics of Desire ;Understanding Japanese Gay Men's Sexual Exclusion Behavior through Cyberspace

This paper explores sexual exclusion phenomenon among Japanese gay men through their use of online dating applications.Drawing on concepts used in previous studies, ' the thesis focuses on "sexual racism" and the "`no femmes" trend in order to provide clear examples ofthis complex issue.In addition, I intend to problematize how biologicat desire and personalization are commonly invoked to justify discr{minatery preferences and behavior during their sexual partner seeking activities.For this research purpose, a content analysis of 1 OO Japanese gay men's online profiles was conducted to examine how these men engage in active sexual exclusion practices through their profile-writing.Also, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore this issue further with ten self--identified Japanese gay men and one bisexual man who currently use or have used online dating appEications.AnaEysis of these different types ofdata reveals how sexual preferences ,are influenced by existing racial and gender inequalities in Japanese society.In conclusion, sexuat exclusion behavior is related to people's fear and anxiety oflosing their taken-for-granted status and privileges, and the current particular situation in which Japanese gay men reEy heaviEy on cyberspace for sexuat encounters contributes to intensifying the sexual exclusion phenomenon.