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Discursive Tensions of Credibility and Performance in Assessing Lesbian Refugee Claims for International Protection

Author

Listed:
  • Loes Verhaeghe

    (YOUCA vzw)

  • Marie Jacobs

    (Vakgroep Vertalen)

  • Katrijn Maryns

    (Vakgroep Vertalen)

Abstract

This article examines how the discursive tensions inherent to processes of categorisation play out in the credibility assessment of lesbian applications for international protection in Belgium. While most research has studied LGBTI applicants as an umbrella category, this article deals with lesbian applicants and the way in which their performance of sexual orientation is measured against normative categories and expectations of the asylum procedure. The article draws on an extended corpus of written judgements published by the Belgian Council for Alien Law Litigation. Using tools and concepts from institutional discourse studies, the analysis reveals how the asylum system is premised on normative and essentialising expectations of what kind of experience qualifies as ‘authentic’ lesbian experience, but also of how this experience ought to be expressed in order to be credible. It is concluded that a more intersectional approach to credibility assessment of asylum applications could mitigate essentialist categorisations and better respond to the individual needs and vulnerabilities of lesbian applicants.

Suggested Citation

  • Loes Verhaeghe & Marie Jacobs & Katrijn Maryns, 2023. "Discursive Tensions of Credibility and Performance in Assessing Lesbian Refugee Claims for International Protection," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 769-790, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:24:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-023-01009-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01009-9
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