Similarly, the reliance on cultural explanations to explain unsafe sexual behavior among gay API men and API MSMis problematic given the diverse backgrounds of men who fall under this umbrella category. Despite prevailing stereotypes that Asian and Pacific Island societies are more sexually conservative and less open to alternative forms of sexual expression than other racial groups, the history of homosexual behavior in Asia and the Pacific Islands reflects a different picture. In fact, Wong, Chng, Ross, and Mayer (1998)suggested that many Asian and Pacific Island cultures traditionally condoned same-sex sexuality.