ABSTRACT
In focusing on queer border crossers, this chapter explores what happens when these two inherently unstable signifiers 'queer' and 'border' intersect. It outlines some of the significant victories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) struggles for the recognition of gender and sexuality as grounds for migration and asylum seeking. The chapter shows that while there has been progress, particularly in immigration law in the past few decades, recognition of LGBTI asylum seeker claims has been troubled. It examines the practices of the law and activist responses in two domains: the practices around 'credibility' of LGBTI applicants for migration and asylum. The chapter argues that although such practices may be viewed as 'pragmatic complicities' supporting individual claimants, they legitimate the reification of identity politics and a homonationalist consolidation of power. It concludes with reflections on the contradictions and tensions wrought by the pragmatic complicities with LGBTI immigration and asylum law.
