“You have to choose between habaar or duco” A case study of Swedish Muslim Gay Men of Somali Origin

Abstract: This study aims to explore the lived experiences of Swedish Muslim gay men of Somali origin in Stockholm Sweden. A group that has not been specifically researched in the previous study within the Swedish context. The study demonstrates how various identities such as ethnicity, sexuality, religion and citizenship intersect with each other. The thesis highlights how these identities are negotiated and managed with family and relatives, in white spaces and gay scenes. Intersectionality is utilized as a theoretical framework which pays attention to the ways of which all forms of discrimination overlap and create a unique and distinct kind of oppression for a group of people. The specific approach is taken in this thesis is group-centred and intra-categorical complexity which aim to give voice to voiceless people, to highlight their unique experiences to better understand inequality. A qualitative research methodology is adopted involving individual interviews with nine men. Given the intersecting identities of the participants who are Swedish, Somali, Muslim and gay men appear to have three dimensions such as religious, ethno-cultural and colour, integrated with a gay identity. First, this group of men do not disclose their sexuality with their family or relatives. Second, the findings of this research demonstrate that Swedish Muslim gay men of Somali origin face oppression from people with whom they share race, ethnicity and religious backgrounds because of their sexuality. Third, the group are discriminated against in the labour market because of their ethnicity and religion. Finally, the group experience oppression and racism from the gay scenes about their race and ethnicity. This research shows that race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and citizenship are not separate identities but build on each other and work together.