The Economic Integration of LGB Immigrants: The Role of Social Networks

Canada has significant settlement services for its immigrant population, as well as progressive policies and anti-discrimination laws to improve the quality of life of its lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population. This makes Canada an attractive destination for LGB immigrants. Despite migrating to achieve social and economic integration, qualitative studies in the US and Canada show that LGB immigrants feel isolated from the LGB community, their ethnic community, and the general population. Because studies have shown that social networks can facilitate positive economic outcomes for immigrants by providing informational, material, economic, and psychological support, whether LGB immigrants are deprived of these resources is a cause for concern. This study uses data from the 2008 and 2013 Canadian General Social Survey to asses the extent to which LGB immigrants are disadvantaged compared to their heterosexual Canadian-born, heterosexual immigrant, and LGB Canadian-born counterparts with regards to their employment and income in Canada, and whether these differentials may be due to differences in the compositions of their social networks. As the first study comparing the employment rates, incomes, and social networks of LGB immigrants to those of their heterosexual and/or native-born peers, this study will provide insight to support evidence-based policymaking and practitioners who provide services to LGB people, immigrants, and LGB immigrants.