LGBTQ migration refers to the movement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals across international borders or within a single country. Many migrate to escape discrimination, legal restrictions, violence, and social stigma–such as homophobia and transphobia–related to their sexuality or gender identity. Others seek greater social acceptance, legal protections, or economic opportunities. LGBTQ migrants often face social exclusion, violent retaliations, and socio-economic challenges in their home countries. Globally and domestically, many LGBTQ individuals attempt to leave discriminatory regions in search of more inclusive environments.
History
Background In various countries throughout the world, homosexuality and being transgender are subject to legal restrictions. , 71 countries criminalized homosexuality, with at least five countries and some regions in others imposing the death penalty for it. Additionally, in 47 countries and certain regions of others, individuals were not legally permitted to change their gender. Thirty-seven countries effectively criminalized being transgender, while 13 explicitly did so.
The legal status of LGBTQ individuals has influenced migration patterns, with some choosing to relocate to other countries. In addition to legal restrictions, social factors such as discrimination and violence by family members, communities, or authorities contribute to migration decisions.
LGBTQ individuals may seek to move to countries with more inclusive legal frameworks and social environments.Wood, S. (2016) "Migration, Mobility, and Marginalisation: Consequences for Sexual and Gender Minorities", IDS Policy Briefing 118, Brighton: IDS Some migrate through educational or employment opportunities, marriage, or other legal pathways, while others are asylum seekers. Under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, individuals may qualify as refugees if they face persecution in their home countries based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinions.
In some Western nations, LGBTQ individuals from countries with restrictive laws are recognized as belonging to a vulnerable social group. However, migration patterns vary, and not all LGBTQ individuals relocate due to persecution. While many countries have anti-discrimination laws and policies, LGBTQ migrants may still encounter legal, economic, and social challenges.
By region
Oceania
In the early 1900s, homosexuality was a legally recognized basis for deportation in Australia. The country began allowing homosexual immigration in the 1980s, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017.
LGBTQ individuals in Australia continue to face discrimination in multiple areas, including sport.
LGBTQ populations in Australia are commonly found in urban areas, a trend observed in many countries where urban centers are often regarded as more inclusive. Data from Australia and New Zealand indicates that LGBTQ parents are more likely to reside in suburban or rural areas. Children of LGBTQ parents living in these areas have been reported to experience higher rates of homophobic bullying at school compared to those living in urban areas.
North America At the beginning of the 20th century, homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder and was used as a basis to prohibit queer individuals from immigrating to the United States and Canada. Canada permitted homosexual immigration in 1991.
Mexico and Central America Studies on LGBTQ migration in the Mexico-Central America region indicate that LGBTQ individuals are particularly vulnerable to violence stemming from homophobia or transphobia, as well as risks such as physical and sexual violence. Many have experienced these threats throughout their lives, resulting in trauma. During migration, some LGBTQ individuals, particularly queer men and trans women, engage in or return to sex work, which increases their exposure to violence and risks to their physical and emotional well-being.
LGBTQ migrants may also encounter social inequalities such as racism, xenophobia, and economic oppression during their migrations. Some trans women adapt their gender presentation to appear more masculine during migration, affecting their gender expression, which was often a factor in persecution in their countries of origin.
In legal and bureaucratic processes, LGBTQ migrants may face homophobia, transphobia, and administrative systems that are not adequately equipped to address their specific needs. Transgender individuals, particularly trans women, frequently experience sexual violence and discrimination in shelters, where they may be denied accommodations that align with their gender identity. While some shelters cater specifically to LGBTQ migrants, restrictions on aspects such as social interactions, relationships, and expressions of affection may limit civil liberties.
Canada
Research conducted in the 2010s on LGBTQ immigrants to Canada indicates that support groups specifically designed for African and Caribbean LGBTQ immigrants provide various benefits, including improvements in mental health, employment opportunities, and housing stability.
United States The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was the first U.S. policy to explicitly prohibit "sexual deviates" from entering the country and required the Immigration and Naturalization Service to deport individuals classified under this category.Pickert, Jeremiah. "Immigration for Queer Couples: A Comparative Analysis Explaining the United States' Restrictive Approach ." A Worldwide Student Journal of Politics. (accessed October 20, 2013).
Since "sexual deviance" was considered a medical condition, sexual minority immigrants were barred from entering the United States for an extended period. In 1994, a policy change allowed sexual minorities to be recognized as members of a particular social group that could face persecution in their home countries, making them eligible to seek asylum in the United States.
In the United States, judges and immigration officials require that homosexuality must be socially visible in order for sexual persecution to be a viable complaint. Additionally, homosexuality must be regarded as a permanent and inherent characteristic for U.S. immigration authorities to recognize it in asylum cases.Gay Lesbian Equality Network. 2011. "Immigration Provisions in Ireland." The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews LGBTQ refugee and asylum claims in immigration courts. The complexity of legal procedures can make it difficult for asylum seekers to effectively represent themselves.
Europe
Europe generally has legal protections and policies that support LGBTQ rights, though attitudes and levels of acceptance vary by country. This variation has contributed to a perceived divide between countries with more inclusive policies, often associated with Western Europe, and those with restrictive laws or less social acceptance.
LGBTQ asylum seekers in European countries may face challenges in proving their sexual orientation or gender identity to qualify for asylum. Until 2010, many LGBTQ asylum seekers were advised to return to their home countries and conceal their identities.
In the European Union, transgender citizens have the right to free movement. However, in practice, they encounter legal and administrative barriers that limit their ability to fully exercise this right within the Union.
Great Britain
Legal protections against sexual orientation-based discrimination in employment were introduced in the UK in 2003. However, homophobia and transphobia continue to present difficulties for LGBTQ migrants.
Many Irish LGBTQ individuals have historically migrated to Great Britain, particularly London and other large urban areas, in search of employment and a more accepting social environment.Ryan-Flood, Roisin (2009). Sexuality, Citizenship and Migration: the Irish Queer Diaspora in London: Full Research Report ESRC End of Award Report, RES-000-22-2612. Swindon: ESRC Irish LGBTQ immigrants may experience vulnerability due to the absence of family support networks, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination.
Africa
Uganda
The period leading up to and following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014, saw an increase in LGBTQ Ugandans fleeing the country, with at least 400 seeking refuge in Kenya. Initially, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees prioritized the resettlement of LGBTQ Ugandan refugees in Kenya. However, as the influx of refugees continued, responsibility for their support shifted to Kenyan LGBTQ organizations, which often lacked the resources to fully address the refugees' specific needs.
Asia
LGBTQ rights in Asia are limited, with individuals facing discrimination, marginalization, and, in some countries, criminalization, including the death penalty. LGBTQ migrants from Asian countries make up a significant proportion of asylum seekers. A minority of Asian countries have legal protections and policies that support LGBTQ rights. Within the region, LGBTQ individuals migrate from less tolerant areas to more LGBTQ-friendly locations, both within their home countries and internationally.Taiwan
In 2017, Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in East Asia to do so. This legalization has made Taiwan a destination for LGBTQ migrants from other Asian countries seeking a more inclusive legal and social environment.Chang, Hsin-Chieh. (2019). Marriage Migration in Asia: The migration of LGBTQ persons for reasons of marriage between Asian countries.
Palestine and Israel
Compared to its Middle Eastern neighbors, the Israel has more LGBTQ-supportive policies for Israeli citizens and accepts LGBTQ asylum applicants. Although Israel ratified the UN Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1951, it has not explicitly adhered to its provisions. Nonetheless, some LGBTQ individuals from the Middle East have migrated to Israel.
Israel does not grant asylum to Palestinian LGBTQ individuals, citing the position that "there is no systematic persecution based on sexual orientation in the Palestinian Authority".
Some critics argue that Israel's stance on LGBTQ rights has been used to divert attention from its human rights violations against Palestinians, a practice known as homonationalism or pinkwashing. Anthropologist Sa'ed Atshan describes pinkwashing as the portrayal of Israel as a safe haven for LGBTQ individuals to attract tourism and international support. Critics suggest that while cities like Tel Aviv-Yafo are often portrayed as LGBTQ-friendly, the broader Israeli context is strongly divorced from the experiences and goals of queer communities across the rest of the Middle East and North Africa.
Nepal and the Philippines
Most families of LGBTQ emigrants from Nepal and the Philippines indicate that, although most emigrants' families do not approve of their lifestyles, remittance payments (i.e. when the person who left the country sends money back to their family) are a proven aid to breaking down the controversies surrounding their gender and/or sexual nonconformity.
Turkey Turkey is both a country of origin and a country of asylum for LGBTQ refugees. The exact number of arriving or fleeing LGBTQ asylum seekers in Turkey is unknown since the state does not provide migration statistics concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. However, academic researches show that LGBTQ asylum seekers arrive in Turkey from North and Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Middle East.Who is "Queerer" and Deserves Resettlement?: Queer Asylum Seekers and Their Deservingness of Refugee Status in Turkey, Mert Koçak. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19436149.2020.1704506 LGBTQ refugees escaping from Turkey established a solidarity group in Austria.
Current trends of migration