Att bedöma sexualitet - En kvalitativ studie baserad på nio beslut av Migrationsverket i HBT asylärenden

Sammanfattning: In many parts of the world, people within the lgbtqi+ community are forced to leave their countries and flee to a new one. This is a consequence of legislation and societal norms that criminalize and expose the group to threats and violence. Because of this, individuals from all over the world seek rescue in Sweden and therefore apply for asylum based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The following study aims to analyze how the Swedish Migration agency is making their assessments in decision making regarding lgbtqi+ asylum cases. Through a qualitative document analysis of nine cases where all the decisions were denied by Migrationsverket, this study examines how the Swedish migration agency assesses whether it is likely that the applicant belongs to the lgbtqi+ group that risks persecution. The study uses queer theory and cultural historical activity theory as its theoretical framework. The findings of the study showed that the agency’s terms for sexuality, internal process, organization and openness and language were of great importance when it comes to how credibility is assessed. Throughout the decision making the assessment is shown to be made based on western stereotypes and beliefs of sexuality. It’s shown that the decision makers are expecting qualities of the applicant based on previous notions instead of individual circumstances. The applicants are also expected to be able to describe their internal process of being lgbtqi+ and how they have experienced living outside the sexual norm.