Where do I belong? Sense of belonging in LGBTQ+ second-generation youths.

While many migration literatures have considered how race and sexual identity comes into play in sense of belonging, little studies have explored how LGBTQ+ second-generation immigrants experience belonging. Second-generation immigrants from the Netherlands were specifically selected as the country self-identifies as free thinkers when it comes to LGBTQ+ freedoms. This in turn can contrast with many migrant minority’s values and ideologies which are often anti-LGBTQ+ sovereignties, causing tensions in belonging amongst these youths. This paper then aims to investigate how identifying as LGBTQ+ may affect belonging. In order to do this, a qualitative semi-structured interview was conducted with seven participants. The interviews were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis in an attempt to provide a comprehensive representation of how these youths experience and navigate their various attachments. After analyses of the interviews, the results revealed that belonging is multi-faceted and varies per individual. It appeared that everyone experienced multiple belongings as they identified with their Dutch, country of origin and sexual identity. As a result of these multiple belongings, these youths also experienced tensions in belonging. This was particularly the case for those who come from conservative family backgrounds because their sexual identity is not deemed acceptable in their religious family homes. These youths therefore navigate their various identities by means of engaging in transnational practices and other coping strategies, such as, social media, communities and music. A conclusion was therefore drawn from the findings that belonging and identity in LGBTQ+ second-generation youths is a complex and fluid sentiment, established and negotiated through communication and different contexts.