Sexuality, migration and identity among gay Iranian migrants to the UK.

Homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Iran and, under certain circumstances, carries the death penalty. Many gay and lesbian Iranians emigrate to avoid persecution. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this chapter examines the identities and experiences of 25 self-identified gay Iranian migrants to the UK. The analysis revealed three themes: (1) “Being gay in Iran: A social and psychological struggle”; (2) “Capitalising on being gay in Iran”; and (3) “Migration: A psychological ‘cue’ for re-conceptualisation.” The chapter outlines some of the socio-psychological struggles experienced by individuals, and shows how their perspectives may be shaped by their migratory experience, which in many cases provides a new lens for viewing their sexuality.