Sexiled in Mexico City: Urban Migrations Motivated by Sexual Orientation

Abstract

Migration processes have been studied primarily from an economic or work-related standpoint. We analyse the extent to which sexual orientation becomes a key factor in the decision, made by men who are attracted to other men, to move to Mexico City. A qualitative study was carried out based on in-depth interviews and participant observation. With this data, we analysed: (a) the men's motivations and strategies for moving to Mexico City; (b) the process of coming out; (c) the role of support networks in the city; and (d) the perception of their place of origin, having completed the migration process