The term "diaspora" refers to a group of people who have left their homeland due to political persecution, warfare, natural disasters, or other factors and settled in different parts of the world. This can include LGBT individuals and groups, as they may face discrimination and violence in their home countries due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Being part of a diasporic community also means belonging to multiple geographies and cultures, which can create a sense of being "in-between."
For many LGBT persons living in diasporic settings, this feeling of being between places and communities is familiar. They may feel like they do not fully belong to any one place but instead exist in a liminal space where they must navigate between different cultural norms and values. This can be challenging, especially when it comes to issues related to sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, and relationships.
In some cultures, same-sex relationships are taboo or illegal, while in others, homosexuality may be socially accepted but not openly discussed. In such cases, LGBT persons may struggle to find safe spaces for expressing themselves sexually and romantically. They may also face pressure from family members or other members of their community to conform to traditional values and expectations around marriage, children, and gender roles.
Despite these challenges, many LGBT persons in diasporic settings work to create their own queer communities and networks that allow them to connect with others who share similar experiences. These communities may take on unique forms depending on the specific context, but they often provide support, friendship, and validation for people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone.
Diasporic LGBT persons may use technology, social media, and other digital platforms to stay connected with their home countries and cultures while also building new identities and communities in their adopted homes.
They may participate in online discussions about LGBT rights and activism, attend virtual events hosted by international organizations, or follow news and trends from multiple geographies simultaneously.
Being "in-between" can be a complex experience for LGBT individuals living in diasporic settings.
By embracing this sense of liminality and creating new connections and communities, they can find ways to navigate between different cultural norms and values while still maintaining a sense of belonging.
In diasporic settings, how do LGBT persons map belonging to multiple geographies, cultural histories and queer communities—what does it mean to be ‘in‑between'?
LGBT persons who live in diasporic settings often struggle with mapping their identity to multiple geographies, cultural histories, and queer communities due to feelings of being "in-between" these various identities. They may find themselves feeling like they don't belong to any one place or community and feel caught between cultures. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from both their home countries and the communities they live in.