Queer mobility refers to the movement of people who identify as LGBTQ+ across international borders for personal or professional reasons. This can include traveling to attend Pride celebrations, pursuing same-sex relationships abroad, seeking healthcare services unavailable at home, or fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Queer mobility is shaped by many factors beyond just individual choices. Economic privilege and access play significant roles in determining how and where individuals are able to move.
Privilege and economic access
Privilege and economic access are often linked. Those with more money have greater freedom to travel, live, and work wherever they choose. They also have better access to resources that support their safety and comfort while moving, such as private transportation, housing, security, legal assistance, and cultural familiarity. These advantages allow them to navigate new environments more easily than those without these resources. In contrast, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face discrimination and barriers when attempting to move internationally. They may be unable to afford plane tickets, visas, or immigration fees, or find themselves excluded from certain destinations due to language or culture differences.
They may not have the networks or connections needed to navigate a foreign society effectively.
Impact on ethics of global queer mobility
The disproportionate impact of privilege and economic access on queer mobility raises ethical questions about what it means to be a responsible citizen and tourist. While everyone deserves to explore and engage with other cultures, it can be problematic for wealthy individuals to take advantage of power imbalances and exploit local communities.
They may participate in "gaycation" vacations that profit off of LGBTQ+ spaces without contributing financially or politically. This reinforces existing inequalities and can damage local economies. On the other hand, poorer individuals may be forced to rely on unsafe or unethical methods to cross borders, putting themselves at risk of harm and abuse. It's essential to consider how our individual choices affect broader social structures and systems when traveling abroad.
How do privilege and economic access shape the ethics of global queer mobility?
The concept of privilege refers to certain advantages that an individual may have over others based on their social position. Economic access is related to the ability to afford resources necessary for traveling and relocating to different parts of the world. Therefore, individuals with more privileges and financial means are better equipped to navigate through the world in search of opportunities, while those who lack these benefits might face barriers that prevent them from exploring new possibilities.