The lived experiences of black undergraduate lesbian students at a rural South African university

Abstract

Despite increasing acceptance of lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons many studies still report that much discrimination still exists. Lesbians in Southern Africa are subject to physical and verbal violence and corrective rape on a daily basis.The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of black undergraduate lesbian students at a rural university in South Africa. A qualitative research approach using a phenomenological research design was utilised. The sample consisted of fifteen black undergraduate lesbian students aged 18 to 25 years. Data was collected in two focus groups and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Homophobia, harassment including physical attacks and non-acceptance were experienced on a daily basis by lesbian participants. This included discrimination from peers, university staff and religious organisations. Positive experiences like meeting new friends who share the same sexual orientation and finding university as a free space in which to explore their sexuality were found.

Keywords: Lesbian; Lived experiences; Southern Africa; Student