Gallachoir, ‘Queering Bodies’, 2023

Gabhan O Gallachoir, ‘Queering Bodies: Study on Queer Refugees Asylum and Post-Migration Settlement in Finland and Sweden’, Master’s Thesis, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Finland, Spring 2023

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the challenges queer forced migrants and asylum seekers face in establishing new lives in Finland and Sweden. Little research exists on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) refugees entering Nordic countries. This study explores SOGI asylum seekers’ challenges in navigating the asylum process and asylum interviews in Finland and Sweden.

Method: Through recorded and unrecorded interviews with SOGI asylum seekers and experts working in this field, statements from Finnish and Swedish police and immigration authorities, a thematic analysis was conducted to establish emerging themes SOGI asylum seekers experience in both Sweden and Finland.

Results: The study identified critical issues facing SOGI claimants, primarily the exposure to aggression and violence within the reception centres, psychological stressors and trauma SOGI asylum seekers experience in navigating the asylum process. In addition, the criteria models used by immigration authorities fail to provide SOGI refugees international protection and expose ‘legal violence’ on those it intends to protect. State institutions such as Migration and Police agencies fail in their obligations to provide information and build trust with SOGI claimants.

Keywords: queer, asylum, refugee, displaced, violence, DSSH, PTSD, SOGI, police, immigration authority, sexual orientation, gender identity