it's felt just like being rejected for any other trait.
Before I discuss my opinion, I want to point out that this is why I don't think white gay men will ever understand why it's such an issue for racial minorities. The rare guy who actually rejects you for your race (though I'm speaking from an American and UK standard only as I have never lived in China) will feel just like a regular rejection because 9/10 men will never reject you for being white.
Now let's look at some numbers. Let's say 3-10% of the male population is gay. Pretty sucky numbers when wanting a partner, right? Now imagine 90% of those men don't want you because of your race. Now think about how many of the men left will actually click with you physically and emotionally. But so is life and I've grown to accept that.
White men have trouble empathizing or understanding this sentiment. I get it.
I do think racial preferences are shaped by the media and culture in general, but I do not believe that person is racist for having preferences. I don't care anymore if someone isn't into a certain race, but I do care about whether they're an asshole about it or not. That's more important to me.
Whether it's racist or not, the truth is that it's lonely being a gay racial minority and it's tough and lonely enough just being gay in general! The guy who I'm currently seeing (my one and only and maybe future boyfriend?) was the first guy out of many who didn't reject me for my race. Sometimes I wonder if I actually like him or if I was just so overwhelmed by the fact a guy was actually into me. He is 50 and I am not sexually attracted to him. He calls my dick a spring roll and reminds me how much he likes my "Asian pussy" every time we fuck.
And you know what? This is what I have to accept because it's all there is on offer for me in this small, shitty town at the moment and I am so lonely and horny that I don't care.
So my comment here is supposed to be somewhat humorous, but yeah. I guess the takeaway is that go ahead and have your preferences, but don't be an asshole about it.