Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in South Africa: a struggle for equality

Abstract

This study investigated the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) discrimination that exists in some parts of South Africa. The article argues that unlike those that identify themselves as heterosexual, the LGBT people are more prone to experience intolerance, discrimination, harassment and the threat of violence due to their sexual orientation. The research was founded on the Human Rights Based Approach to attain its findings. The study utilised the qualitative research design. Data collection methods included secondary sources, focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews. The study informants were selected using purposeful sampling technique and snow-balling sampling. The study findings showed that the LGBT people, who are a social minority group, are suffering from numerous forms of socio-economic and cultural prejudice. Some of the factors that are cultivating homophobia to thrive on a larger scale are moral, religious and political beliefs of some leaders. The study recommends effective policies to be adopted to ensure that LGBT rights are respected and protected. Also, strategies should be adopted to conscientise masses about the diversity on sexuality, celebs to come from the closet and disclose their sexual orientation.

Keywords: Rights, Homophobia, Sexual Orientation, Heterosexual, Discrimination