Understanding the Experiences of Immigrant Sexual Minority Women through a Cultural Identity Model

There are an estimated 79,200 same-sex couples in the United States with at least one partner who is not a U.S citizen. While there are currently 25 countries that recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes, the U.S. is not one of them. The majority of same-sex binational couples are unable to pursue permanent residency as a couple in either partner's country of origin. Many sexual minority immigrant women face challenges related to their relationships, communities, and the immigration system. This article addresses the unique issues faced by immigrant sexual minority women in the U.S. through a multicultural-feminist framework. A case example will be presented and conceptualized using a cultural identity model.