Despite repeated calls from scholars to challenge heteronormative assumptions in migration studies, much research still tends to disregard the significance of sexuality and gender in shaping migration pathways and settlement experiences. This is particularly true of studies of labour and family migration and student mobility in Europe. While the past years have seen a burgeoning body of work analysing the legal frameworks for LGBTQI+ refugees, the same interest is not carried to other types of migration and exile. Moreover, most of the existing work in this area focuses on North America, with far less research conducted on migration by LGBTQI+ individuals to or within Europe. More research is needed to better understand the experiences of LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers.
To advance research on migration and sexuality, we seek empirically informed contributions that examine, among others the following themes:
- What role does sexuality and gender play in motivating transnational mobility?
- What are the life aspirations of LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees? And to what extent does emigration influence these?
- How do social class, ethnicity, age, migrant status and relationship status shape the experience of LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees?
- What are the social opportunities and constraints in both the country of origin and of settlement that shape the migration journey of LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees?
- How do sexuality and gender affect the processes of settling in a new country?
- How do LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees interact with the ethnonational diaspora and other migrant and refugee groups already present in the country of settlement?
- How do LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees respond to anti-refugee and anti-migrant sentiments and media portrayal in Europe?
- How do LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees claim belonging and respect in a new country?
- How do LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees influence queer activism nationally and transnationally?
Please send a 250 words abstract, with name, affiliation and contact details of the author(s) to Sarah Scuzzarello at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Tunay Altay This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 29th November, 2022.