Negotiating space for queer-identifying young people in a refugee organisation: viability, complexities and tensions

Churnjeet Mahn, Ej Milne, Mayra Guzman, Farhio Ahmed, Anonymous Members of RX

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
31 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Abstract There is relative invisibility and silence around the presence, management and support of queer people in mainstream refugee organizations in the United Kingdom. Institutional silencing exists, particularly where visibility or acknowledgement has the potential to disrupt existing structures. At the same time, queer refugees face the risk of exclusion, and may also undertake self-censoring. Drawing on empirical data from an innovative, cross-disciplinary, community-based participatory research project between a United Kingdom-based refugee organization and two universities, this article explores the viability, complexities and tensions inherent in making queer identities visible. While highlighting the potential of arts-based methods to explore inclusive approaches to sexuality, we discuss the limits of this work and the resistance it created. This article is co-authored by members of RX—a collective of young people with refugee backgrounds; two community researchers; a humanities researcher; and a peace-studies researcher.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1477-1493
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Refugee Studies
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online date17 Dec 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • LGBTQ youth
  • refugees
  • young people
  • arts-based method
  • participatory action research
  • community based research

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