BEING LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX (LGBTI) STUDENTS AT A SOUTH AFRICAN RURAL-BASED UNIVERSITY: Implications for HIV prevention

Abstract

Negative attitudes towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) communities exist in South Africa, regardless of the constitutional provision and anti-discriminatory policies. Cases of violence against LGBTI persons due to their sexual orientation have been reported in the media and scientific journals. This study focused on LGBTI students of a rural-based university. It explored and described their experiences in interacting with members and structures of the university community. A qualitative descriptive, exploratory, and contextual design was used and data were collected through individual face to face in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants, who were selected through snow-balling technique. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data.Stigma and discrimination were the mains theme that emerged from the analysis of the interviews. Four sub-themes and various categories were derived from the main theme. Despite the constitutional provisions and the core values guiding any university, LGBTI students are still being stigmatized and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. Stigma and discrimination issues should be incorporated in all HIV prevention activities in universities in South Africa.

Why do we have sex? Reflections from a Stepping Stones participatory action research with youth LGBTI in Johannesburg

“…Most of South African literature on youth and sexuality focuses on risk for ill health with less discussion of healthy relationships and pleasure. The dominant debates on LGBTI youth in South African universities focuses on knowledge, attitudes and practices, stigma and discrimination and HIV risk (Abaver et al 2014, Mavhandu-Mudzusi andNetshandama 2013;Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014;Mavhandu-Mudzusi and Sandy 2015;Arndt and de Bruin 2006;HEAIDS and NACOSA 2014). When discussing homosexual relationships, the focus is on the impact of being 'different' and on homosexual youths' self-worth, distress, stigma, discrimination, HIV and so on (Lane et al 2008;Nduna and Jewkes 2013;Newcomb, Clerkin, and Mustanski 2011).…”

Human Rights Violation: Its impact on the mental well-being of LGBTI students in a South African rural-based university

“…As a result, LGBTI people in Zimbabwe often hide their sexual orientations and deny the same when questioned (Mabvurira et al 2012). This is also the case for other countries in Southern Africa, like South Africa, where LGBTI individuals may sometimes hide their sexual orientations because of fear of prejudice and discrimination (Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014). Such reactions to prejudicial and discriminatory acts may lead to long term stress, which in turn may contribute to the development of mental health problems in this population (Meyer, Dletrich and Swartz 2008).…”

“…Outcomes of range of research studies revealed positive and direct relationships between internalised homophobia, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and anxiety symptoms (Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014;Mavhandu-Mudzusi and Sandy 2015). Thus, LGBTI individuals are considered a high-risk group for mental health problems.…”

“…These discussions are functions of the increasing awareness to demonstrate social inclusion and acceptance for nonheterosexual individuals, as they sometimes experience prejudice and discrimination in their communities (Ould and Whitlow 2011). Lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender and intersex 326 individuals are frequently exposed to victimisation, including rejection, physical assault and sometimes murder (Ould and Whitlow 2011;Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014). These experiences may not only lead to isolation and withdrawal, but they may also result in this population to sometimes hide and deny their sexual orientations (Hyayambwa 2012;Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014).…”

“…Lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender and intersex 326 individuals are frequently exposed to victimisation, including rejection, physical assault and sometimes murder (Ould and Whitlow 2011;Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014). These experiences may not only lead to isolation and withdrawal, but they may also result in this population to sometimes hide and deny their sexual orientations (Hyayambwa 2012;Mavhandu-Mudzusi 2014). In Zimbabwe, for instance, non-heterosexual relationships are considered immoral, criminal and deviant, and they are often criticised in public by religious and political leaders (Mabvurira et al 2012).…”