
The Way Out
Justice in the Queer Search for Refuge
University of California Press
Published on 13. January 2026
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-520-39175-8 (ISBN)
Description
The global refugee regime has shifted under our feet. Over the last forty years, international asylum practices have expanded to include the queer and trans displaced. At least thirty-seven countries now recognize LGBTIQ refugees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, with some states providing specialized support. Yet amid this expansion, backlash has intensified against refugee protection as well as the hard-earned rights of LGBTIQ people. In this disquieting context, the protection of LGBTIQ refugees remains partial and exclusionary.
The Way Out examines the complexities of queer and trans displacement around the world. Centering personal narratives of LGBTIQ refugees, the book exposes the shortcomings of an international protection regime that is unable to address the harms that drive displacement. Rebecca Buxton and Samuel Ritholtz's analysis of the stakes of queer and trans inclusion in accounts of displacement justice offers a vibrant example of theory brought to life.
The Way Out examines the complexities of queer and trans displacement around the world. Centering personal narratives of LGBTIQ refugees, the book exposes the shortcomings of an international protection regime that is unable to address the harms that drive displacement. Rebecca Buxton and Samuel Ritholtz's analysis of the stakes of queer and trans inclusion in accounts of displacement justice offers a vibrant example of theory brought to life.
Reviews / Votes
"Addressed to scholars of human rights, migration, political philosophy, gender studies, and international law, yet remains accessible to non-specialist readers thanks to its strong narrative dimension. A significant contribution. . . . It combines political theory, lived experience, and critique of international institutions with unusual coherence." * Pianeta Libri News * "A trenchant analysis of the forces surrounding queer displacement." * Kirkus Reviews *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Berkerley
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-520-39175-8 (9780520391758)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2026
Naval Institute Press
€28.99
Available for download
Persons
Rebecca Buxton is Lecturer in Social and Political Philosophy at the University of Bristol.
Samuel Ritholtz is Research Fellow in Politics at All Souls College, University of Oxford.
Samuel Ritholtz is Research Fellow in Politics at All Souls College, University of Oxford.
Content
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Home
2. Persecution
3. Flight
4. Assessment
5. Containment
6. Reunion
7. Sanctuary
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
About the Cover
Notes
Works Cited
Index
Preface
Introduction
1. Home
2. Persecution
3. Flight
4. Assessment
5. Containment
6. Reunion
7. Sanctuary
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
About the Cover
Notes
Works Cited
Index