The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how migrants in South Africa identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or with other diverse sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+) describe and understand their pre-migration family experiences and how family and other social relationships facilitated strength during post-migration. We conducted six focus groups, consisting of both morning and afternoon sessions, which included a total of 30 LGBTQ+ migrants (ages 21–42). The following themes were identified using grounded theory: managing family responses during pre-migration: concealing, avoiding, disclosing; the power of (even) one: support during post-migration; “love is a very big thing”: drawing strength from chosen family; and “pulling myself up”: drawing strength from self-reliance. Findings demonstrate that many participants reported experiencing negative responses from family, but some continued to rely on family support after arriving in South Africa. Further, participants often depended on newfound friendships for support as well as their own internal resources. This self-reliance was facilitated in part by participants’ understanding that they could not depend on their families or other people because of the negative responses faced in their countries of origin. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.

这项定性研究的目的是探索南非移民如何识别为女同性恋，男同性恋，双性恋，变性，同性恋，或具有其他不同性取向或性别认同（LGBTQ +）的人，以描述和理解他们的移民前家庭经历以及家庭和其他社会关系促进了移民后的力量。我们进行了六个焦点小组会议，包括上午和下午的会议，其中包括30名LGBTQ +移民（21-42岁）。使用扎根理论确定了以下主题：在迁移前管理家庭的应对措施：隐藏，避免，透露；以及 （甚至）一个人的力量：迁移后的支持；“爱是一件非常大的事情”：从选择的家庭中汲取力量；和“振作起来”：从自力更生中汲取力量。调查结果表明，许多参与者报告说受到了家庭的负面反应，但有些人抵达南非后仍继续依靠家庭的支持。此外，参与者经常依靠新发现的友谊来获得支持以及他们自己的内部资源。参与者的理解是，由于原籍国面临消极的反应，他们不能依靠家人或其他人，这在一定程度上促进了这种自力更生。讨论了对理论，研究和实践的启示。参与者的理解是，由于原籍国面临消极的反应，他们不能依靠家人或其他人，这在一定程度上促进了这种自力更生。讨论了对理论，研究和实践的启示。参与者的理解是，由于原籍国面临消极的反应，他们不能依靠家人或其他人，这在一定程度上促进了这种自力更生。讨论了对理论，研究和实践的启示。