Homophobia, transphobia in SA schools a troubling landscape

As the world celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), it’s worth noting the plight of LGBTQI students in South Africa.

Despite efforts to facilitate an inclusive environment where students can thrive, a disturbing reality lurks beneath the surface.

IDAHOBIT 2023

IDAHOBIT – a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing discrimination and violence at LGBTQI individuals – is celebrated every year on 17 May.

This year’s theme is ‘Together Always, United in Diversity’, but sadly many students in South Africa are being left behind.

Homophobia and transphobia in SA schools

A recent research paper by Gsakani Olivia Sumbane and Nogwane Maureen Makua show that South African universities may not be the safe havens they appear to be.

The paper – titled ‘Exploring the Mental Health Challenges and Coping Behaviour of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students at an Institution of Higher Learning’ – shines a light on the heteronormative culture of SA’s universities.

It also highlights how abuse and discrimination perpetuates stigmatisation against LGBTQI students.

Challenges and impact on mental health

The research paper looked at the unique challenges LGBTQI students face, as well as the impact of these challenges on their mental wellbeing.

The findings were eye-opening: in 2023, students still face dehumanising stigma from their peers, and even lecturers.

This stigma manifested in various forms of mental health challenges, including a diminished sense of safety, a lack of belonging, low self-esteem, and even behavior changes.

In an attempt to cope, the affected students resorted to passive withdrawal and active dependent behaviour.

Heteronormative environments

Many South Africans – often these students’ parents, lecturers and peers – still believe same-sex relationships are ‘un-African’.

These beliefs only fuel a heteronormative culture in South Africa, and it creates spaces from which LGBTQI students are excluded.

This viewpoint is, unfortunately, rife in South Africa’s tertiary institutions, and it leads to discrimination and violence.

The resulting mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI students are, therefore, more severe than their heterosexual counterparts.

Homophobia: The tipping point

The constant exposure to homophobic and transphobic attacks takes a toll on the mental and social wellbeing of LGBTQI students.

Many students suffer from emotional distress and turmoil, while other seek solace in drug or alcohol abuse. Others may turn to suicide a means to escape homophobia and transphobia.

The ongoing stigma also impacts academic performance and increases dropout rates.

The way forward

The authors of the research paper said it is vital to create awareness about the rights of LGBTQI students.

One of the ways to combat abuse aimed at LGBTQI students would be to include the institution’s radio station to discuss these issues, or involving the schools health outreach department.

The implementaiton of policy to protect the rights of LGBTQI students and fostering a trusting relationship between students and lecturers would also go a long way.

_{Exploring the Mental Health Challenges and Coping Behaviour of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students at an Institution of Higher Learning. Sumbane GO, Makua NM. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 March. PMC10001921.}