A Qualitative Exploration of Information and Communication Technology Use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Emerging Adult Migrants Before and After Arrival in the United States

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to facilitate LGBTQ+ emerging adult development as well as international migration. Nonetheless, few studies have examined pre- and post-migration ICT use among LGBTQ+ emerging adult migrants. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted online interviews with 37 LGBTQ+ individuals (ages 20–25) who migrated from various countries to different U.S. states. Constructivist grounded theory was used to identify four themes: In and out: Balancing identity exploration with identity concealment when using ICTs in the country of origin; relying on ICTs to prepare for migration to the United States; using ICTs to find housing, work, and friends in the United States; and drawbacks of using ICTs in the United States. ICTs facilitated identity development and eased integration but exposed participants to harassment and scams. Findings indicate that closely investigating ICT use can enhance developmental and migration theories, improve research, and inform programs and services.