Acculturation Experiences Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Immigrants in Canada ψ

• Published in: The Counseling psychologist Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 296 - 332
• Main Authors: Fuks, Nate, Smith, Nathan Grant, Peláez, Sandra, De Stefano, Jack, Brown, Tyler L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.2018; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Acculturation; Bisexuality; Clinical research; Coping; Cultural change; Cultural identity; Culture; Gays & lesbians; Gender; Gender identity; Grounded theory; Heterosexism; Homosexuality; Identity formation; Immigrants; Immigration; Lesbianism; LGBTQ people; Noncitizens; Sexual development; Sexual orientation; Sexuality; Transgender persons; Canada; sexual identity; gender identity; qualitative research; ethnic identity; grounded theory
• ISSN: 0011-0000; 1552-3861
• DOI: 10.1177/0011000018768538

In the current study, we used a grounded theory methodology to understand the acculturation process of LGBT immigrants in Canada. Results revealed two parallel themes: Cultural Identity Development and Sexual and Gender Identity Development. Heterosexism and cissexism in the culture of origin was a central phenomenon in the development of the cultural, sexual, and gender aspects of LGBT immigrant identity. Moreover, LGBT immigrants’ culture of origin and Canadian culture influenced their sexual and gender identity development before and after immigration. Results suggest that many LGBT immigrants assume a Western orientation as a coping response to heterosexism and cissexism in their culture of origin, even before immigration occurs. The current study identified the perceived challenges and advantages that LGBT immigrants experience during the acculturation process as well as various acculturation outcomes. We discuss clinical implications and future research directions in light of the results.