Since 1994, increasing numbers of persons are fleeing persecution based upon their nonconformity with traditional gender roles. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 14 men and women from Islamic societies persecuted in their countries for resisting gender-role norms and, ultimately, gaining asylum in the United States. Findings suggest that “gender role outlaws” in resettlement may be alienated from families and more traditional coethnic others by their alignment, or perceived alignment, with Western constructs, and may also be marginalized by mainstream communities. Ultimately, findings contrast with received knowledge that family and coethnic affiliation is possible and positive for Muslims in resettlement and point to the need for alternative sources of social support. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Social support resettlement Asylum seekers Gender LGBT Muslims

gender role resettlement policy refugee Islamism asylum seeker homosexuality United States