Impact of stigma and discrimination on sexual wellbeing of LGBTI students in a South African rural university

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students in South African institutions of Higher Education face stigma and discrimination. This is happening despite the country’s constitution that prohibits any form of discrimination of an individual based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The study objective was to explore and describe the impact of stigma and discrimination on sexual-wellbeing of LGBTI students in a South African rural university. An interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used to conduct a study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 LGBTI students. Results indicate that LGBTI students try to avert stigma and discrimination through hiding their true sexual orientation and gender identity. In the process, they end up engaging in sexual practices which increase the risk of contracting or transmitting sexual transmitted infections including HIV. The researcher recommends that the university should initiate programmes for ensuring social justice for LGBTI affirmation.