A study into the spiritual development of high profile gay men in South Africa - as seen through the lens of logotherapy

Abstract

Following the heuristic research method of inquiry and using in‐depth interviews as the vehicle of investigation with five gay South African men; ‐who have either attained a high standing in gay society or have achieved a high level of functioning ‐ the real life experiences of these men were investigated. The premise was that their experiences would be similar in terms of rejection and non‐acceptance in a prevailing homophonic South African society. The core investigation was to plot the spiritual development they underwent in order to attain the high level functioning evident in their social standing and position. The theoretical backdrop, against which the research was investigated and the findings described, was Viktor Frankl’s theory of Logotherapy, with specific emphasis on his descriptions of the avenues to meaning in human existence. Historical perspectives on gay history and legal breakthroughs were provided to further illuminate the real life experiences of gay men.