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In immigration and sexuality research there is new and emerging literature that understands the convergence of these two topics . However , scholarship primarily examining Latina lesbian immigrants is not as visible . This thesis examines the lives of Latina lesbian immigrants residing in Texas and California to understand greater meanings of immigration , sexuality and citizenship . Ten Latina lesbian immigrants participated in in -depth interviews , answering questions about growing up , sexuality , migration , citizenship and meanings of home .
The research questions asked the following : What affect does immigration have on the sexualities and sex lives of Latina lesbian immigrants ? How does their age of migration impact their sexualities ? How do these women define and conceptualize citizenship ? How do immigration and sexuality converge in the lives and on the bodies of Latina lesbian immigrants ? The interviews revealed that the age in which the women migrated and their resettlement in urban areas contribute to their conceptualizations of a “sexually open” United States and a not -as -queer -friendly home country . Second , the women interviewed categorize citizenship in local and global ways . While some saw citizenship as part of every day practice , others found it to be connected with a sense of global community . Migration also developed a consciousness surrounding citizenship , as many of them were confronted with the concept upon migrating to the United States . Finally , immigration and sexuality unfolds in my participant’s lives in contradictory and non -linear ways . While many of the women felt a connection to their local gay and lesbian communities in positive ways , their lives are met with adversities in other ways that are affected by their immigrant status – including inability to obtain a driver’s license and obligations to become United State’s citizens . The women also conceptualize home in fluid and unfixed ways . Home and the body collapse when discussing migration , citizenship and nation .
The research presented attempts to offer a conversation about the historical and current relationship between immigrants and LGBT people . It is also my objective to further conversations about multiple levels of oppression and how Latina lesbian immigrant women use their circumstances to gain a better awareness of themselves , and hopefully improve their rights and living conditions as human beings . |
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