Mengia H. Tschalaer

Mengia H. Tschalaer is an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, specializing in socio-legal anthropology. Her research focuses on queer asylum seekers, intersectionality of gender/race/religion, and human rights. She holds a PhD from the University of Zurich and has led EU-funded projects on LGBTQI+ asylum dynamics. Tschalaer has contributed to policy reforms through organizations like the Queer European Asylum Network and consultancies with IOM/ORAM.

Education:

• PhD in Socio-cultural Anthropology, University of Zurich (2013)
• Lic. Phil. (BA/MA equivalent) in Social & Cultural Anthropology, University of Zurich (2007)

Research Interests: Explores how Western human rights frameworks impact marginalized groups, particularly queer refugees and Muslim women. Key themes include asylum policy biases, racialized victimhood, and queer temporalities in migration. Her work challenges stereotypes in asylum adjudication and advocates for intersectional legal reforms.

Grants/Awards:

• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship (2018–2020)
• Federal Foundation Magnus Hirschfeld Grant (2023)

Professional Roles: Co-founder of Queer European Asylum Network; affiliated with Migration Mobilities Bristol and IMISCOE. Taught courses on law, gender, and migration at John Jay, Barnard, and Hunter Colleges.