The process of adapting to the host country can be a stressful process, requiring psychological and socio-cultural adaptations. When individuals enter a new community, they face many challenges in terms of adjusting to a new language, different customs and unfamiliar norms. These challenges may result in mental and/or general health problems (George, 2015). LGBTQ Farsi speakers may face additional obstacles due to a combination of racist and heterosexist/transphobic discrimination and violence (Ahmady, 2018).  LGBTQ Farsi speakers may also need to unlearn the heterosexism and transphobic they learned in their home country in order to develop a more positive sense of self. Typically, as people from intersectionally oppressed identities, these individuals may face difficulties regarding housing, employment, language, finances, and navigation of the refugee claim process. In the absence of a safe environment and often facing social isolation, many LGBTQ asylum seekers are unable to process trauma and mental health issues both in the country of origin and in Canada (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, 2015). The goal of this study is to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ Farsi speaking immigrants, in order to promote antiracist and LGBTQ+ affirmative services. We hypothesize that the above-defined social and individual factors will be associated with the mental and physical well-being of LGBTQ Farsi speaking immigrants.

We will conduct anonymous surveys and semi-structured interviews about their sexual orientation and gender identity, cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices, education and ways of learning, relationships and their impact, and their experiences as a LGBTQ+ immigrant in Canada.