# Voices from the margins: A qualitative study exploring components influencing psychosocial health and wellbeing among gender minority forced migrants

## TL;DR

This study explores the psychosocial health of gender minority forced migrants in Sweden, highlighting challenges like loneliness and the need for affirming healthcare.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the unique psychosocial challenges faced by gender minority forced migrants and emphasizes the importance of peer support and affirming health services.

## Key findings

- Participants showed resilience but faced significant loneliness and barriers to healthcare access.
- Peer support was highly valued as a way to address loneliness and improve wellbeing.
- Affirming health services with empathy and confidentiality were identified as essential for this population.

## Abstract

To explore the components that influence health and wellbeing of gender minority forced migrants residing in Sweden.

Qualitative exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with gender minority forced migrants recruited through a combination of convenience, purposeful and snowball sampling. Guided by the levels in the social ecological model, transcripts were analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process between experts by lived experience, researchers and clinical psychologist.

Participants expressed resilience and hope about their future. Loneliness was a major issue contributing to health burdens and peer support was highly appreciated. Barriers hindering access to health services and judgemental behaviours among health professionals were described. Affirming support through empathy, trust, safety, confidentiality, continuity and respect was highlighted as essential in health services. While societal openness and safety for gender minority individuals was appreciated, participants faced an uncertain asylum process and unmet basic needs.

Gender minority forced migrants show resilience and appreciate the newfound societal safety. However, they find themselves in the margins of society and encounter various multi-layered challenges. Loneliness is a public health concern that could be addressed through peer support, which is highly desired and valued. Ensuring access to affirming health services should be a prioritized area for researchers, professionals, stakeholders and policy-makers.