Identity

The following two papers cover some of my work on migration and queerness, focusing on the intersection of held identity

After doing a research paper on the intersection of queerness and migrants, I came to a lot of conclusions and patterns derived from the media I was looking at that pertain to the intersection of these held identities and between those who hold one and not the other. One strong theme I found throughout media articles and narratives discussing this intersection is the disconnect between a painted accepting narrative of not only the two identities, queer and migrant separately, but together as well. It is this breakage of an illusion and the false promised sanctuary that drive many of the narratives seen by those holding these marginalized identities and can lead many folx into making a journey that ends with an oppressive and dangerous situation after having fled from one such situation. In my paper I discuss how the rhetoric put out by countries and many of the initiative and narratives they promote create a false sanctuary in their country when conditions for undocumented migrants and asylum seekers are all but affirming and are often met with phobic attitudes. It also highlights this disconnect between how these identities are treated in isolation and how their intersection and nuance is a completely different reality, for example, queer cis white citizens are afforded rights and privileges that queer gender-non-conforming migrants are simply not afforded like identity affirming health care. Even within migrant paths and communities, the intersection of queerness is met with false sanctuary. Queerness is met with additional dangers on the migrant path from identity-based violence that is present in nations along their path as well as the community, when often there is often a narrative of collective effort among migrants.

I think that the power of these papers is bringing to the forefront how reorienting oneself through an intersectional lens can lend itself towards conversations about how false narratives of protections can be made when speaking broadly about identities, which can translate to many research outcomes as well. When the US says that it wants to protect LGBTQ rights, does that extend to queer folx who also hold the migrant identity, or to queer folx who identify beyond the "LGB"? The findings of my paper indicate no, and showcase a false narrative of monolithic protections for a group who is anything but a monolith. I think this showcases how an issue such as this can cause similar conclusions elsewhere, the absence of an intersectional and nuanced lens can lead to dangerous situations and conclusions as well as misinformation.