The displacement of LGBTIQ+ populations is an increasing global concern that remains underexplored in academic research. These individuals experience unique forms of violence, discrimination, and persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). At every stage of displacement—from drivers of flight to seeking refuge, navigating dangerous transit routes, and attempting to integrate into new communities—LGBTIQ+ persons face disproportionate risks. Their marginalized identities intersect with challenges such as legal barriers, lack of access to safe shelters, and inadequate social protection, making their experiences even more complex.

This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary scholarship to illuminate the multifaceted challenges LGBTIQ+ displaced populations encounter, while also identifying strategies to improve protection mechanisms, support systems, and policy responses. By focusing on both internal and transnational displacement, this issue will create a space for advancing discussions on the needs of LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement contexts.

We welcome contributions addressing one or more of the following issues:

● Empirical data from the Global South: Much of the existing research focuses on high-income countries, leaving gaps in understanding the experiences of displaced LGBTIQ+ individuals in low- and middle-income countries. While this issue is not limited to a specific region, contributions with Global South perspectives are particularly welcomed.

● Legal barriers and inconsistent asylum procedures: The legal recognition of SOGIESC as grounds for asylum varies significantly, leading to inconsistent outcomes. Many countries fail to adequately address LGBTIQ+ persecution in their asylum frameworks, resulting in challenges proving claims of sexual or gender-based persecution. Additionally, since LGBTIQ+ relationships and chosen families may not be legally recognized, successful applicants may not include partners, non-biological children, or chosen family members as beneficiaries. The cis-heteronormative legal structure also poses challenges for LGBTIQ+ migrants, as they often face harmful stereotypes and bias from adjudicators questioning the validity of their identities.

● Intersectional vulnerabilities: There is insufficient analysis of how race, ethnicity, class, age, and other factors intersect with sexual orientation and gender identity to compound vulnerabilities for LGBTIQ+ displaced populations. In particular, there is a need to better understand aspects related to the protection and mental health for LGBTQI+ refugee children.

● Long-term integration: The literature lacks sufficient exploration of how LGBTIQ+ displaced populations navigate integration processes in host countries, especially in places where LGBTIQ+ rights are not recognized or protected. Longitudinal approaches on social isolation, discrimination, and difficulties accessing employment, healthcare and housing remain underexplored.

● Resilience and agency: Many studies focus on victimhood narratives, paying less attention to the resilience and agency of LGBTIQ+ refugees in shaping their own integration processes. More research is needed on how these individuals build networks of support and advocate for their rights in host communities.

● Internal displacement: There is insufficient evidence of the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ persons fleeing persecution, violence, or discrimination within their own countries, especially in conflict-affected regions or areas with high levels of organized crime.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

From Flight to Integration: Challenges and Resilience of LGBTIQ+ Populations in Forced Migration