Richard T. Chu

Richard T. Chu is a Five College Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He specializes in Chinese diasporic communities, Philippine history, U.S. imperialism, and gender/sexuality studies. His research examines ethnic identity formation under colonial and postcolonial contexts, focusing on the Chinese and Chinese mestizos in the Philippines.

Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (2003), he has taught at UMass since joining in 2006. His work includes three major books, edited volumes on LGBT studies in the Philippines, and peer-reviewed articles analyzing transnational histories and diasporic networks.

Research interests span colonial policies, racialization processes, and cultural hybridity. His recent projects explore U.S. imperial policies toward Chinese communities in the Philippines (1898–1908) and global diasporic connections of Chinese populations.

• Publications: Over 20 books/articles, including The Chinese and Chinese Mestizos of Manila (2010) and More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit (2021).
• Awards: Fulbright Scholar (2016), UMass Civic Engagement Fellowships, and multiple grants for transnational research.
• Courses: 'Race, Empire, and Transnationalism,' 'Philippine Cultural History,' and 'Asian/Pacific/American History.'

His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary social issues, emphasizing marginalized voices and colonial legacies. Collaborations include co-editing special journal issues and leading interdisciplinary initiatives on diaspora studies.