Gaetano DI NAPOLI
Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, Palermo, 90144, Italy.
e-Mail: gaetano.dinapoli@unipa.it ; gaetanodinapoli03@gmail.com
Education
Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Continuing Training (LM-57)
Current Positions
PhD Student in Health Promotion and Cognitive Sciences
PhD project title and a short abstract
PhD project title
Homonegativity and Double Stigma: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Ethnic and Sexual Minorities. Underlying Educational, Psychological, and Social Processes.
Abstract
In Italy, public debate on migration tends to focus on issues such as social integration, access to services, and economic conditions. However, one area that remains largely unexplored is the double stigma experienced by homosexual migrants. This condition often goes unnoticed, likely due in part to the persistence of discriminatory laws still in force in many countries of origin (Zecena, 2019).
This study aims to explore levels of homonegativity among first-generation migrants and second-generation youth, also taking into account the role of gender and religious affiliation.
The concept of homophobia refers to a set of negative and discriminatory attitudes towards sexual minorities, whose identities and rights—particularly their sexual orientation—are frequently denied. Many of these individuals live in hostile and judgmental environments, which deeply affect their sense of self and psychological well-being (Meyer et al., 2021).
Despite the increasing multicultural nature of today’s societies, scientific literature on attitudes toward homosexuality among migrants in host countries remains limited. Most research has focused on issues such as pre- and post-migratory trauma (Crepet et al., 2017; Steel et al., 2017), cultural shock (Oberg, 1960), or language-related and educational aspects, such as language erosion in adults (Wong & Fillmore, 1991) and second language acquisition difficulties (Cummins, 2000; Liddicoat & Taylor-Leech, 2014; Di Napoli et al., 2023).
It is therefore crucial to examine how experiences of discrimination affect the psychological well-being of homosexual migrants, as well as the resilience strategies they develop. From a psycho-pedagogical perspective, it is equally important to foster greater awareness, understanding, and respect for diverse sexual, gender, and cultural identities among helping professionals—particularly those working in migration and education. This would contribute to building more inclusive and flexible environments, capable of truly supporting the integration of those involved.
Supervisor: Prof.ssa Cinzia Novara
Main research areas of interest
Family, migrants, multilingualism, LGBTQIA+, ethnic and sexual minorities,
Researcher ID
IRIS: https://iris.unipa.it/cris/rp/rp61869
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7037-5893