Negotiating Space for Queer-Identifying Young People in a Refugee Organization: Viability, Complexities and Tensions. (17th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahn, Churnjeet; Milne, Ej; Guzman, Mayra; Ahmed, Farhio
• Is Part Of: Journal of refugee studies. Volume 34:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 1477
• Page End: 1493
• Publication Date: 2019-12-17
• Subjects: lesbian -- gay -- bisexual -- queer (LGBTQ) -- refugees -- young people -- arts-based methods -- Participatory Action Research -- community-based research; Refugees -- Periodicals; Refugees -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Forced migration -- Periodicals; 305.906914
• DOI: 10.1093/jrs/fez101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-6328

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.