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Stevenson, Zalfa (2023) A grounded theory analysis of how the identities (refugee and sexuality) of sexual orientation and gender identity minoritised refugees are influenced by the migration process in the UK. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Background:
This research aims to address how sexual and gender identity minority (SOGI) refugees develop their SOGI and refugee identities as a result of the migration process in the UK. The literature has explored the legal, social, structural and political dimensions related to the lives of this population, with a recent focus on their mental health (Lee et al., 2020). This study employs intersectionality as a theoretical framework to explore the intersecting marginalised identities of SOGI refugees within interconnected and co-produced power systems. Therefore, it examines how SOGI refugees experience multiple forms of oppression and prejudice due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, refugee status, race, ethnicity and class. Intersectionality provides the language and understanding to recognise how the distinct structural systems in the UK, such as the migration policies, the healthcare system, and the queer culture, render the SOGI refugee experience in the UK unique and worthy of research.
Methodology:
This study employs a qualitative method since this topic has not been sufficiently explored or developed. Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) was chosen as this research aims to understand and analyse the interpersonal processes and dynamics regarding how SOGI refugees’ identities develop throughout their migration process in the UK. Purposeful sampling was utilised to recruit six participants to undergo semi-structured interviews. The participants claimed asylum at least once in the UK, were fluent in English and did not present above 10, ‘moderate’ or scores above 0 on question 9 in the PhQ-9 questionnaire.
Results:
Following the CGT’s stages of analysis, five categories were developed, each with three subcategories: Challenges of the asylum system (Negotiating one’s rights, Control and authority, Gaps in the system); Migration hardships (Subjected to discrimination, The struggle to integrate, Unique mental health challenges); Support (Community and support networks, Receiving therapy, Giving back); Building knowledge and experience (Learning about the UK legal system, Exposure to LGBTQ+ culture in the UK, Developing work and education); Developing an identity (Intersecting identities, Safety and freedom, Self-realisation and acceptance)
Discussion:
This research ends with a critical reflection on the implications of this study within the broader literature, its strengths and limitations, and how it contributes to the development of the field of Counselling Psychology within the counselling room and beyond in terms of policy change and social justice.
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