Being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) students in a South African university: Implications for HIV prevention

Abstract

Negative attitudes towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) communities exist in South Africa, regardless of 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 at a rural 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 the snowballing technique. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data.

Stigma and discrimination were the main themes that emerged from the analysis of the interviews. Four subthemes 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 stigmatised 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.