Students work on their thesis for weeks, months, sometimes years. Once completed, their work is often relegated to a dusty drawer. The Thesis Tales column is devoted to highlighting student research. In episode six: Joost van Ommeren (24), Master's student in European Borders, Identities and Governance, conducted research on norms in queer spaces for refugees in Nijmegen.

Can you briefly explain what your thesis is about?

‘I did research on the concept of homonormativity within the queer community. This term is derived from the concept of heteronormativity, which refers to the idea that heterosexuality is seen as the norm in our society. Homonormativity means that norms are also created and imposed within the queer community, based on the models and patterns of the heterosexual norms.’

‘In my research, I applied this concept to queer spaces in Nijmegen that specifically target LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. Queer spaces are physical, virtual, or symbolic spaces designed to promote safety, inclusivity, and community building within the LGBTQ+ community. I explored what norms apply in these spaces and how they affect the level of inclusivity.’

Could you name an example of such a queer space?

 ‘I did research at COC, a queer organisation in Nijmegen. Once a month, they organise the Cocktail Project, an evening for all queer asylum seekers and refugees in the Nijmegen region. Sometimes it is an informal evening, with activities such as karaoke or board games, but they have also hosted a professor who came to speak about discrimination and the organisations you can contact in the Netherlands if you experience discrimination.’

Why did you choose this topic?

‘We often talk about refugees or migrants as if they are a single homogeneous group, but they are not – they are individuals, with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Society should be more sensitive to individual needs within minority groups. Queer refugees face very different challenges from queer native Dutch. In an asylum centre, they often live with people who do not accept their queer identity. On top of that, they usually come from countries where they had to hide their identity, which has a big impact on how they can and dare express themselves here.’

Where does your interest in this topic come from?

‘Before coming to Nijmegen, I completed a Master’s in Conflict Studies and Human Rights in Utrecht. As part of that programme, I had to read an article on the importance of queer perspectives on migration. That was a huge eye opener for me. I myself am queer and I have fortunately never experienced anything discriminatory. I felt as if, by writing this thesis, I could use my privilege to do my bit for more inclusivity and attention to queer refugees in the Netherlands. I noticed that the refugees I spoke to during my research also felt more seen because of it.’

How did you experience writing your thesis?

 ‘I’m usually quite a perfectionist, but because of all the negative developments in the world – such as the far-right political victory in the Netherlands – I was better able to put the pressure around my thesis into perspective. There were simply more important issues at play, which made it easier for me to let things go.’

‘The thesis also involved an internship, which was not very intensive, so I didn’t really see the point of it. However, I did get good feedback on my writing throughout. When I got the final grade, I was very happy.’

What can students learn from your process?

‘That you should not wait for your supervisor. Once you have handed in something in and are waiting for feedback, you have to use that time for other things. It is a matter of taking initiative yourself.’

Joost’s thesis can be found via this link.