Study published: Psychosocial health and wellbeing among gender minority forced migrants

A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Public Health explores the psychosocial health and wellbeing of gender minority forced migrants in Sweden, for example transgender and non-binary persons. The study found that gender minority forced migrants face various multi-layered challenges and share experiences of marginalization and displacement.

To the left: Maria Gottvall, Senior Lecturer at the Red Cross University College and associate researcher to U-CARE. To the right: Tommy Carlsson, Associate Professor at the Red Cross University College and associate researcher to U-CARE.
Eight study participants from diverse backgrounds were interviewed in the study. The participants expressed resilience and hope, but also reported significant struggles with loneliness, an uncertain asylum process, and unmet basic needs. Peer support emerged as an important source of comfort and community, helping to mitigate some of the isolation they experience.
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ccess to health services was another important issue. Participants highlighted barriers such as judgemental attitudes from health professionals and a lack of continuity in care. They emphasized the importance of affirming support through empathy, trust, safety, confidentiality, continuity and respect.
This study highlights the need for peer support networks and improved access to inclusive healthcare services. It calls on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize these areas to support the wellbeing of gender minority forced migrants.
Read the full article
Read the full article ‘Voices from the margins: A qualitative study exploring components influencing psychosocial health and wellbeing among gender minority forced migrants’. It is written by Maria Gottvall, Rummage Isaac, Osszián Péter-Szabó, Ronah Ainembabazi, and Tommy Carlsson.