Calling All Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ Immigrants: Your Voice Matters!
Hey Habibis! 💖 We've got something really important to share with our amazing community. Reha Atakan Cetin, a PhD candidate at the University of Florida, is conducting a groundbreaking research study focused on the experiences of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers navigating online dating platforms in the U.S. Think apps like Taimi, Grindr, and Bumble – but with a deeper look at how they shape identity, connection, and community building in immigrant contexts.
What's the Study All About?
This research explores how these dating apps are either empowering or hindering queer immigrants in the U.S. – a space where identity formation and societal bias intersect in complex ways. The study focuses on:
- How Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ individuals are forming their identity online
- How they are integrating socially through these apps
- The challenges they face along the way
If you’re part of this community, your experiences could help paint a clearer picture of what it's like to navigate love and identity as a queer immigrant. By sharing your story, you contribute to groundbreaking academic work and could even help shape future community support initiatives!
Who Can Join?
Here’s what Reha is looking for:
- LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as Middle Eastern
- Non-U.S. citizens (this includes refugees, asylum seekers, and those on work or student visas)
- Ages 18-65
- Anyone who has used dating apps
If you're a U.S. citizen, unfortunately, you're not eligible for this study. But you can still share this with your non-citizen friends who might be!
What’s Involved?
It's super simple to participate. Just two steps:
- Survey – Fill out a short survey with some background info about your immigration status and dating app use.
- 45-Minute Interview – Share your experience in a casual 45-minute interview (you can even do it online if you’re not in Miami!).
These interviews will dive deep into how dating apps have impacted your identity, how you deal with societal biases, and whether these digital spaces are helping you find a sense of community. Your story is a piece of the larger puzzle we're trying to solve!
Why Should You Participate?
- Your Voice is Powerful – This is your chance to get your story heard in a study that’s truly about YOU and your community.
- You’re Making a Difference – Your participation could help change how we think about online dating and social integration for queer immigrants. Plus, it could inspire new support initiatives for the community.
- Total Anonymity – Your privacy is a top priority. Your identity will remain completely confidential and anonymous throughout the entire process.
- No Pressure – You’re in control. You can stop participating at any point if you’re uncomfortable, no questions asked.
Ready to Get Involved?
Know someone who might be interested or want to take part yourself? Hit up Reha Atakan Cetin at rcetin@ufl.edu. This is a rare opportunity to share your story and help shine a light on the experiences of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ immigrants in the U.S. – a group that doesn’t get nearly enough visibility!
Author: Reha Atakan Cetin
PhD Candidate in Sociology
University of Florida