Reflections from University Students in a South African Gay and Lesbian Society

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the experiences of 20 gay and lesbian students and their involvement in a gay and lesbian Society at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. This study occurred under the theoretical framework of McCarn and Fassinger's (1996) model of sexual minority identity formation. Participants ranged in age from 20-31 years old and included 17 men and three women. Eighteen were White, 1 was Colored, and 1 was Euro-Asian. Participants discussed positive and negative effects of belonging to the Society, counseling services available on campus, patterns of victimization, and cultural norms regarding gay men and lesbians in South Africa. Recommendations for counselors, staff, educators, and administrators are provided.

A Quantitative Inquiry into South African Undergraduate University Students’ Perceptions of Religiously Sanctioned Homophobia

“…A variety of factors inform homophobia in South Africa, including intolerant African cultural traditions, heteronormative gender socialization and beliefs about reproduction; however, research suggests that religion is the major contributing factor (Graziano, 2005;Maake, 2019;Mavhandu-Mudzusi et al 2015;Nkosi & Masson, 2017;Smuts et al 2015;Vincent & Howell, 2014). Religious arguments are often used in African communities to justify punitive policies that advocate for intolerance of sexual identities that are non-heteronormative (Epprecht, 2013;Msibi, 2011).…”

HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, Women Who Have Sex With Women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations in South Africa: A Mini-Review

“…Furthermore, South Africa was the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalize same sex marriage [ 6 ]. Under this legislative framework, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people have a certain degree of visibility and protection in South Africa compared to many other countries around the world [ 7 - 9 ]. However, reports of hate crimes, violence and discrimination towards LGBT people remain persistent [ 10 ], suggesting a disjuncture between legislation declaring the right to equality and the realities of everyday life.…”

'So I decided not to invade straight black men's space': exploring heteronormative spaces on campus

“…This is possibly related to the fear of further victimisation as well as the general sense that nothing will come of reporting and drawing attention to oneself. Researchers working in this area have argued that many South African universities remain spaces of exclusion for many LGBTI students (Gibson and Macleod 2012;Graziano 2004Graziano , 2005Msibi 2009). Furthermore, the intersections of race, class, gender and sexuality must be recognised as significant to how homophobia and discrimination within university spaces are experienced for many LGBTI students (Hames 2007).…”