Teaser:
Within migration studies, (homo)sexuality has rarely been a topic of analysis, especially in European research. Through an intersectional approach, Wim Peumans tries to question the heteronormativity of migration studies. In an ethnographic study, he describes the lived experiences of gay and lesbian immigrants in Belgium. He looks at the role played by the sexuality of the participants in their migration decision. He also examines the place of Belgium and more generally Europe within their gay imagination, and how their sexual identity has changed throughout the migration process.
Said [...] from Belgium's intercultural organisation, Merhaba, which targets gay Muslims, told EUobserver [...] "Being both Arab and gay for instance, we wish to be accepted for being both. In whatever the EU undertakes, we expect a global approach. You cannot fight one phobia with another."