Family, friendship, and strength among LGBTQ+ migrants in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative understanding

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how migrants in South Africa identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or with other diverse sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+) describe and understand their pre-migration family experiences and how family and other social relationships facilitated strength during post-migration. We conducted six focus groups, consisting of both morning and afternoon sessions, which included a total of 30 LGBTQ+ migrants (ages 21–42). The following themes were identified using grounded theory: managing family responses during pre-migration: concealing, avoiding, disclosing; the power of (even) one: support during post-migration; “love is a very big thing”: drawing strength from chosen family; and “pulling myself up”: drawing strength from self-reliance. Findings demonstrate that many participants reported experiencing negative responses from family, but some continued to rely on family support after arriving in South Africa. Further, participants often depended on newfound friendships for support as well as their own internal resources. This self-reliance was facilitated in part by participants’ understanding that they could not depend on their families or other people because of the negative responses faced in their countries of origin. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.

A review of two decades of LGBTQ‐inclusive research in JSPR and PR

“…Even when families of origin are accepting, LGBTQ+ individuals may still turn to their chosen family for social support, as often their family members may not be able to provide LGBTQ+-specific support in terms of guidance on coping with discrimination or seeking same-sex relationships (Williams et al, 2016). Chosen families and communities are also critical for supporting LGBTQ+ people who leave anti-LGBTQ+ environments and communities (Alessi et al, 2021). In addition, the support they offer ameliorates the association between family victimization and mental health outcomes (Parra et al, 2018).…”

A Qualitative Exploration of Information and Communication Technology Use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Emerging Adult Migrants Before and After Arrival in the United States

“…One study demonstrated strong positive associations between minority stressors (loneliness and sexual orientation concealment), barriers to integration (lack of English language proficiency and insecure citizenship status) and psychological distress among LGBTQ+ migrants in the United States and Canada (Fox et al, 2020). Without these connections, LGBTQ+ migrants must find other ways to integrate; and evidence has shown they forge new relationships by relying on other LGBTQ+ migrants and community organizations, which can substitute, in part, for the emotional and practical support they may not receive from family and diaspora communities (Alessi et al, 2021; Kahn et al, 2018; Logie et al, 2016).…”

“When you talk it out … you will feel like the burden has somehow gone down, you will feel light”: Social Support Received by Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Western Kenya

“…This study demonstrated the centrality of sexuality-specific support to the provision of beneficial emotional, informational, and instrumental support by groups outside the LGBTQ community, including families of origin, healthcare providers, and others including work colleagues and police. Most research has focused on Kenyan families' responses to learning that their child has a minority sexual orientation and has identified stigmatizing and rejecting behaviors including being kicked out of the family home, deprived of tuition payments and other previously provided economic support, and physical violence [6,39]. While this is not inconsistent with our research, our findings demonstrate variability in the response of Kenyan families; some families of origin are accepting of GBMSM family members or, even if not accepting of their sexual orientation, still provide love and support.…”