Trans and non-binary Latin American migrants in London

Presented by the Gender and Sexual Diversities Research Group (which sits under the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre), the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, and external collaborators.

Trans and non-binary Latin American migrants in London: An intersectional analysis of migration and psychological well-being

To celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, join us to discuss Dr Sebastian Cordoba’s ongoing research with trans and non-binary Latin American people living in London.

Abstract:

This study explores the experiences of trans and non-binary Latin American migrants in London, addressing a gap in research on queer migration and well-being outside the US context.

Using semi-structured interviews and 'walking interviews' with seven participants, this research examines the participants’ migration motives, gender resocialisation, and interactions within queer and Latin American communities in London.

A thematic analysis, guided by intersectionality and minority stress theory as theoretical lenses, produced four key themes: (1) Latin American culture and family dynamics: tradition and hostility contributing to distancing; (2) migration as a catalyst for gender identity exploration; (3) intersectional challenges in London: transphobia, xenophobia, and psychological well-being; and (4) queer integrations: support systems, activism, and the need for intersectional thinking.

The study emphasises the challenges of identity navigation, the systemic barriers faced by participants, and the psychological impact of these intersecting forms of oppression. It highlights the need for tailored support services for trans and non-binary Latin American individuals in healthcare, employment, and community support. It also advocates for more comprehensive, culturally sensitive, intersectional research and policy development approaches.

Cordoba, S., Ojeda Caro, S., & Fiorini, G. (in press, 2025). Trans and non-binary Latin American migrants in London: An intersectional analysis of migration and psychological well-being. Journal of Homosexuality.

About the author:

Dr Sebastian Cordoba is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at London Metropolitan University. His areas of research expertise broadly relate to the psychologies of language, gender, sexuality, and health.

Specifically, he is interested in how gender and sexual minorities (i.e., LGBTQ+ people) experience and enact their identities in the social world. His research interests are inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from sociology and linguistics and employing mixed methods designs.

He has authored several papers published in esteemed journals, including Gender Issues and Journal of LGBT Family Studies. He has also published a book in 2022 entitled Non-Binary Gender Identities: The Language of Becoming (Routledge).

His current research focuses on the experiences of LGBTQ+ Latin American migrants living in the UK. He co-leads the Gender and Sexual Diversity Research Group at London Metropolitan University, emphasising intersectional and inclusive research approaches to gender and sexuality. He is also the co-chair of the International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience UK Regional Network.

This event will take place on our Holloway campus in the Rainbow Room (BPLG-03).

The Gender and Sexual Diversity Research Group is an interdisciplinary and collaborative research hub which applies an intersectional, holistic and inclusive approach to researching and theorising gender and sexual diversity, identities, experiences, expression and inequities.

The Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre is a home for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary scholarship that explores migration, diasporas, nations, regions and localities through the lenses of diversity and inequality.

If you are London Met staff or student, please use your London Met email address to register.

Please contact the Research and Postgraduate Office if you have any questions about this or any of our other events - rpo@londonmet.ac.uk.

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