Exploring the Psychosocial Wellbeing of LGBT Refugees: A psychosocial case study of the United Kingdom and South Africa

The purpose of this research is to examine the psychosocial wellbeing of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) refugees and asylum seekers living in the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa (ZA). This is accomplished by exploring the links among emotional, identity and legal needs within the greater scope of psychosocial wellbeing. The research follows a conceptual framework based on psychosocial theory, queer theory and concepts introduced in refugee studies. The issues faced and the psychosocial wellbeing of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers are elicited through the use of a hands-on visual methodological approaches. Very few studies have focused on exploring ‘real life’ exposure as a qualitative measure to evaluate psychosocial wellbeing. So, the views of 60 LGBT refugees, of various ethnic origins, religious backgrounds and length of stay in the UK or South Africa, were explored. The data collected through semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation shows the ‘real life’ of the participants. The comparative data shows that for LGBT asylum seekers (as distinct from refugees) socio-economic factors, identity recognition, documentation and freedom are key components in their psychosocial wellbeing. On the other hand the data also highlights that LGBT refugees face similar problems to non-refugees or the local community, with the exceptions of support, healthcare and housing. The research concludes by arguing that, the legal process, safety, belonging, identity and psychosocial strengths boost the promotion, maintenance and development of psychosocial wellbeing of LGBT Refugees and that there are distinctive programmes needed to focus on the particular needs of LGBT refugees.