Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the experiences of queer migrants from the Global South, with regards to the challenges and opportunities they encounter in the Icelandic context as well as their sens of bonging and exclusion.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines queer migrants' experiences of living in Iceland, with a focus on queer migrants from the Global South. Significant legal advancements have taken place in Iceland in recent decades regarding queer people and general attitudes towards same-sex sexualities have also improved quite extensively. At the same time, the number of international migrants who have taken up residence in Iceland has increased considerably, while the dominant outlook towards immigrants is still frequently based on nationalistic notions. Furthermore, since 2006 it has been almost impossible for people from outside of EEA to enter Iceland for the purpose of work except as specialists. The paper applies theories of belonging to examine upon queer migrants' subject-positions in society and theories of racialisation to query on how migrants may experience exclusion and 'foreignism'. Participants in the study are individuals of various national origins who identify themselves as having same-sex sexualities and are first generation migrants from the Global South living in Iceland. The findings show how queer migrants employ transnational practises and how they have experienced exclusion and belonging in the past and at present date. Moreover, they show how living in a society such as the Icelandic one, can open up for new paths and practices in regard to participants' sexual orientation.