Self-awareness, identity and being in the world with others: Meaning of being an LGBTI nursing student in a nursing college in South Africa

Abstract

LGBTI nursing students experience a plethora of challenges in higher education institutions like nursing colleges. In addition they have to  contend with growth and development changes. The main aim of this study was to interpret the meaning of being an LGBTI nursing  student at a nursing college in Gauteng, South Africa. An interpretive phenomenological inquiry was conducted among 11 undergraduate  diploma nursing students aged 21-35 years, recruited through snowballing at a nursing college in Gauteng. Indepth face  to face and telephonic individual interviews were conducted. Being LGBTI in this study was constructed from the participants’  understanding of themselves in a form of being different with a ‘unique’ childhood identity and experience. Findings revealed that LGBTI  nursing students have had to contend with stigma which was exacerbated by religious and cultural beliefs inherited from their families,  the nursing college and clinical facilities, despite the fact that they could not change their identity. In conclusion, LGBTI nursing did not  require special treatment but expected recognition, sensitivity towards their identity and sexual orientation, support and a safe space at  the college, in order to reach their full potential and thus attain academic success. It is recommended that gender and sexuality  awareness orientation should be promoted to ensure an inclusive and an LGBTI friendly environment in the nursing fraternity.