Date of Graduation

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Migration Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Migration Studies

First Advisor

Karina Hodoyán

Abstract

Mexico has historically been known as an emigration or transit country. In this context, civil society organizations have played pivotal roles in addressing the voids in support for migrants. Among these organizations, Casa Frida Refugio LGBT stands out as a significant service provider, specifically for LGBT+ migrants. This study engages in a qualitative case study analysis of the organization Casa Frida, drawing from interviews conducted with nine LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees, personal observations, and Casa Frida’s website and social media accounts. The research seeks to answer two central questions: Firstly, what role does an LGBT+ specific service provider like Casa Frida play in the personal development of LGBT+ migrants along the Mexican migration corridor? Secondly, how do civil society organizations such as Casa Frida shape the migration plans and outcomes of LGBT+ migrants in Mexico, especially within the framework of U.S. border externalization? Findings from the study illuminate the transformative role of Casa Frida in the lives of LGBT+ migrants. The research reveals that Casa Frida facilitates a shift in migration destination preferences among LGBT+ migrants, with Mexico emerging as a viable and even preferred destination. Moreover, the migrants express heightened levels of comfort and a newfound willingness to freely express their gender and sexuality after leaving Casa Frida. These insights underscore the crucial significance of specialized civil society organizations in providing holistic support and fostering empowerment among queer migrant communities. Considering ongoing debates surrounding migration policies and border externalization, this research contributes valuable perspectives to the discourse on inclusive support mechanisms for LGBT+ migrants in Mexico.

Download

Share

COinS