Abstract
This qualitative study explored the unique experiences of individuals in same-sex binational relationships. Same-sex binational couples are comprised of two LGB individuals in a romantic relationship but who have different citizenship statuses and are from different nations as well. There are an estimated 24,700 same-sex binational couples in the U.S. (Gates, 2013). To date, there has only been one psychological study on same-sex binational couples focusing on individuals who immigrated to Canada in order to remain together as a couple (Kassan & Nakamura, 2013). This dissertation study expands the literature by examining the experiences of twenty-three LGB individuals in binational relationships living in California who were dealing with uncertain futures because of the Defense of Marriage Act. Participants consisted of 12 females and 11 males, with ages ranging from 20 – 72 years. Thirteen of the participants were U.S. citizens, while the remaining 10 were from Austria, Brazil, Netherlands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico and New Zealand. The impact of immigration struggles on participant's relationships, mental health and well-being were explored. A phenomenological approach was utilized to analyze the data. Results revealed that participants faced numerous immigration challenges when trying to obtain legal routes to remain together as a couple such as, discrimination, financial and employment stress, uncertainty about present and future, negative impact on support systems and mental health problems. Implications for counseling practice and future research are presented.