"Health of Immigrant LGBTI +s: The Case of Ankara/ Turkey"

Abstract

Purpose: While all immigrants generally have more health problems than the Turkish local population, LGBTI+ immigrants have more vital risks arising from a special situation that we can call layered stigma. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the factors that affect the psychological, social and physical wellbeing of immigrant LGBTI+s.Methods: In this study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 50 self-identified LGBTI+ immigrants living in Ankara who migrated from different countries. LGBTI+ people, who were reached through various internet networks, were first asked factual questions. Finally, risky behaviors and some health information were collected and analyzed with advanced statistical techniques. Results:In Turkey, where LGBTI + locals are also discriminated against, LGBTI + immigrants are disadvantaged in terms of both residence permit and social security, and they continue their lives mostly in the status of trans person and sex worker. Immigrant LGBTIs in the sample are not homogeneous in terms of both gender and sexual orientation, and they came from different countries. They have intersectionally different health statuses. Although they do not engage in very risky behaviors regarding their health, the fact that many of them have a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV are some signs that their health is limited. Conclusion: ImmigrantLGBTI+s in the research sample are subject to layered stigma depending on whether they are both outsiders and LGBTI+. The most important predictor of their psychological and social well-being and general health is emotional labor, namely commercialization of feelings.