Hey, I am Mengia –
– a Swiss-born anthropologist of gender, sexuality, and human rights (PhD) and certified relationship coach who has lived and worked across Europe, the United States, and India. My own experiences of migration, belonging, and home deeply shape how I understand relationships, intimacy, and care. I currently divide my time between Bristol (UK) and New York City (U.S.) and I share a home with my two beautiful teenage children.
I bring both professional and lived experience in navigating relationships and intimacy and in particular polyamory and non-monogamous relationships. I know what it can feel like to care deeply for someone who is also loving others, to move through moments of deep insecurity, and to sit with the uncertainty that can arise when relationship structures don’t follow familiar scripts. I have experienced the emotional stretch of staying open while also needing grounding, and the challenge of communicating needs and boundaries in ways that feel honest and sustainable.
I am also Adjunct Full Professor of Anthropology and Law and Society at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (City University of New York) and the co-founder of the Queer European Asylum Network. As part of the network, I collaborate with activists, practitioners, and international organizations to advance the rights and protection of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum.
“Drawing on my personal, activist, and research experience, I believe that our most intimate lives are powerful places from where we can explore our vulnerabilities and joys—and, through them, access our power and voice for transformation.”
Qualifications
Certified ICF-Accredited Professional Coach at PCC level, OPTIMUS Coach Academy
Trained Couples Relationship Coach, with Dr. Alexandra Solomon
PhD in anthropology, gender, and legal studies, University of Zurich
MA in anthropology, international law, and east asian art history, University of Zurich