Intimate migrations: exploring the experiences of LGB migrants from Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union in Scotland

Despite a growing body of empirical research focusing on migration and same-sex sexualities, this work has thus far mainly focussed on North America. To date, little empirical research has been conducted on intra-European queer migration, despite very uneven levels of recognition of LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) rights across Europe. This raises questions as to whether transnational migration can be a strategy for enabling non-heteronormative practices and identities, and for accessing sexual citizenship rights.

The proposed project will explore how sexuality may shape intra-European migration through a focus on the lived experiences of LGB migrants who have moved to Scotland from the postsocialist region [Eastern Europe (EE) and the Former Soviet Union (FSU)]. The project's geographical scope is timely, as comparative surveys point to an East/West divide within Europe in terms of policy, legislation and attitudes towards LGB citizens, with the UK ranked among the most progressive European countries and most countries from the post-socialist region lagging behind (FRA 2013). Moreover, since the mid-2000s the UK has experienced high rates of immigration from the region, with an estimated 653,000 Eastern Europeans settling in the UK in the period 2004-2011 (Vargas-Silva 2013:4).

A focus on Scotland as a migration destination can illuminate broader issues related to UK and intra-European queer migration, whilst also presenting a distinctive and interesting case, owing to: i) the significant recent influx of migrants from the post-socialist region to Scotland ii) the higher proportion of European to non-European migrants in Scotland compared to most other UK regions; iii) Scotland's recent shift from a country of emigration to a country with a positive migration balance; iv) Scotland's devolved government and specific demographic and socio-legal context within the UK, despite migration remaining a 'reserved' Westminster matter.

This project will provide an in-depth and nuanced exploration of the lived experiences of LGB migrants, generating significant original data and fresh insights into the role of sexuality in the migration process. The project is interdisciplinary in nature, and draws on empirical, theoretical and methodological insights from sociology, area studies, human geography and anthropology. The research innovatively brings together theoretical frameworks previously used in isolation (intersectionality, transnationalism and personal communities). It combines biographical interviews (phase 1) with visual methods (photo diaries, sociograms) and follow-up interviews (phase 2), in order to capture the complexity of migrants' experiences, multiple belongings and emotional attachments. The research will explore how sexuality affects reasons for migrating, experiences of migration and plans for long-term settlement. It will also contextualise migrants' sense of (dis)comfort, (in)security and belonging within the social networks they cultivate across home and host societies, and consider the role played by sexuality and ethnicity in shaping migrants' 'personal communities' (Pahl and Spencer 2004) and their engagements with them. While foregrounding sexuality and ethnicity, the research will also consider how other factors (such as socio-economic background, gender, nationality, migration status etc) may affect experiences of migration and resettlement.

The research will contribute fresh empirical and conceptual insights to topical debates in sexuality and migration studies on the role played by intimacy, emotions and personal communities in shaping migration and resettlement. The research will also generate findings and outputs of interest to end users from the public and voluntary sector. This will be achieved through a sustained engagement with a range of stakeholders working with LGBT, migrant and minority ethnic communities, or promoting intersectional approaches to equality and diversity agendas.

The project will be of interest and directly benefit a range of stakeholders and research users, primarily from the voluntary and public sector. The project builds on the support of the Glasgow Refugee Asylum and Migration Network (GRAMNet), a research and knowledge exchange network within which the PI and co-I have developed existing collaborations with some of the project's partner organisations (see Pathways to Impact, CVs). The project's impact strategy draws on the collaborative partnership with the LGBT organisation LGBT Youth Scotland, the Minority Ethnic umbrella organisation Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Scotland (BEMIS) and one of Scotland's four Regional Equality Councils, West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC). The project is also endorsed by the LGBT organisation Equality Network, a policy-oriented organisations with links to the Scottish government (see letters of support).
During the development of the proposal, consultation with the abovementioned organisations has highlighted a gap in understandings of the experiences and needs of non-heterosexual individuals from migrant and Minority Ethnic (ME) communities, and highlighted the need to develop collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. Stakeholders' feedback has shaped the project's impact strategy, and collaborative engagement with them will continue through their involvement in the Project Advisory Group (PAG). The involvement of additional stakeholders, both in the PAG and in project-related consultation and public events, will be facilitated by BEMIS and GRAMNet.

Stakeholders will benefit directly from the empirical insights generated by the project; collaborative engagement will be sustained throughout the project through i) the Project Advisory Group, ii) two consultation events; iii) dissemination of key findings through a research report; iv) 'on demand' project briefing sessions tailored to the needs of specific stakeholders; v) a public engagement event open to the general public; vi) the use of the project's website to share outputs and advertise project-related events. Support and expert advice from BEMIS, GRAMNet and Policy Scotland, a Glasgow University-based policy and knowledge exchange hub bringing together academics, practitioners and policy makers, will ensure the impact and uptake of research findings in Scotland and beyond, and provide stakeholders with access to structures influencing policy making. Collaborative work with PAG members will also create opportunities for the research team and voluntary sector staff to develop important transferrable skills in team work, problem solving, and effective integration of research and its practical applications. Cooperation will provide opportunities for personal and professional development for both research (knowledge exchange) and partner organisation staff (research-relevant skills) (see pathways to impact).

While the research is specifically focussed on LGB migrants from the post-socialist region, the project's impact-strategy aims to improve understandings of issues related to migration, sexuality and intersectional equality more generally. Thus, consultation and public engagement events intend to involve, and to facilitate dialogue across, a diverse range of migrant, minority ethnic, faith and LGBT communities. Intersectional discrimination is now recognised in both UK and EU law (Schiek and Lawson 2011); there are, however, growing concerns about the ability of multicultural policies to deal with conflicting equality agendas, and some of these emerging conflicts have been around LGBT and Minority Ethnic/religious rights agendas (Fassin 2010). The immediate benefits of the project will be most clearly felt in the Scotland and the UK, however the project will generate insights in advancing inclusive, intersectional approaches to issues of equality and diversity applicable in other parts of Europe and beyond.