'It's about being safe and free to be who you are': Exploring the lived experiences of queer migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marnell, John; Oliveira, Elsa; Khan, Gabriel Hoosain
• Other Names: Reddy Vasu guest-editor.; Sandfort Theo guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Sexualities. Volume 24:Number 1/2(2021)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Identity -- migration -- participatory research -- queer -- LGBT -- South Africa; Sex -- Periodicals; Sex customs -- Periodicals; Sex (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 306.705
• DOI: 10.1177/1363460719893617
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-4607

Abstract

This article presents findings from three arts-based studies conducted by the African Centre for Migration and Society, in partnerships with Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action and the Sisonke National Sex Worker Movement. Drawing on participant-created visual and narrative artefacts, the article offers insights into the complex ways in which queer migrants, refugees and asylum seekers living in South Africa negotiate their identities, resist oppression and confront stereotypes. It reveals the dynamic ways in which queer migrants, refugees and asylum seekers forge a sense of belonging in spite of concurrent vulnerabilities and structural discrimination. It also reflects on the benefits and limitations of using participatory arts-based research with marginalised groups.