Toward Social Inclusion: Participatory Action Research (PAR) with Older Gay Men in Hong Kong

Abstract

<p>Gay & Grey is a self-help mutual support group for older (60+) gay men in Hong Kong that was established in 2014. The group was a direct outcome of participatory action research (PAR) conducted by the second author. This chapter employs PAR to examine the growth of Gay & Grey over the past 2 years. It analyzes the process of participation and transformation among various parties, ranging from Gay & Grey’s core members to volunteers, allies, researchers, social work and medical professionals, and the general public, leading in the direction of social inclusion. Through a number of examples such as Gay & Grey’s 5th anniversary celebration, a postcard project, a video project, and a fundraising event for a film premiere (<em>Suk Suk</em>), the chapter demonstrates the power of PAR to not only enhance individual empowerment but also to transform public awareness and understanding of aging sexuality. The chapter concludes that PAR has the transformative potential to achieve the goal of social inclusion even under various societal and structural constraints.<br></p>