The attitudes of students towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community: A case of a South African rural-based university

Abstract

People display different attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI). These attitudes are generally influenced by a range of factors such as religion, societal values and norms. The purpose of the study was to describe the attitudes of South African rural-based university students toward LGBTI communities. Questionnaires containing both closed and open-ended questions were distributed to the students attending anti-stigma and discrimination campaign at a rural-based university in 2017. Thwo hunderd and thirty-three questionnaires where returned and the narratives were analysed using qualitative methds. The results indicate negative and positive attitudes towards LGBTI. Participants with negative attitudes advocate the use of punishment, withdrwal of rights and religious intervention to change LGBTI into heterosexuals. These participants attitudes were influenced by religious, cultural and normative beliefs. Participants with positive attitudes advocate for LGBTI to be supported, accepted and treated as humans. Similarly, these attitudes were influenced by participants' religious beliefs and the South African Constitution. Recommendations are made on steps that can be taken to improve knowledge about LGBTI communities and how to promote an inclusive university that is LGBTI friendly.