Photo by Cymo Tome on Unsplash
Researchers at The Open University and the University of Greenwich are launching a new study exploring the experiences of migrant and racialised LGBTQ+ parents in the UK.
The project, Care and Belonging among Migrant and Racialised LGBTQ+ Parents in the UK, is led by Professor Umut Erel and Dr Ece Kocabıçak of The Open University, with Dr Olumide Popoola of the University of Greenwich. It addresses a significant gap: the voices of LGBTQ+ parents who are also migrants, or Black, Asian, or from other minoritised ethnic backgrounds, have long been overlooked in both research and public debate.
Drawing on an intersectional approach, the study examines how these parents navigate care, parenting, and belonging in a social and political climate increasingly shaped by anti-migrant, racist, and anti-LGBTQ+ narratives. The research focuses in particular on parents' interactions with schools, health services, welfare institutions, and local communities — asking how these encounters shape their sense of inclusion, exclusion, and recognition.
The project comes at an urgent moment. Far-right and anti-gender movements are increasingly targeting migration, sexuality, and family life, with their influence extending into mainstream policy debate. This study investigates how such developments affect families raising children while navigating multiple, overlapping forms of inequality.
By centring these experiences, the researchers aim to challenge the invisibility of migrant and racialised LGBTQ+ families and generate evidence to inform future research, policy, and practice.
Take Part
The research team is looking for participants to take part in a 60–90 minute interview, conducted either face-to-face or online.
You may be eligible if you:
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Are a migrant, or Black, Asian, or from another minoritised ethnic background
- Are a parent, carer, or play a significant role in raising a child
Participation is voluntary and the study is conducted in accordance with research ethics guidelines. All data will be handled confidentially and used solely for research purposes. This research has received a favourable ethics review from The Open University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC reference: 2026-1234-2).
Additional details are available on the research project page. To express your interest, please contact Dr Olumide Popoola: O.Popoola@greenwich.ac.uk
