An exploration of lesbian and gay students experiences at a technical and vocational education and training in Harry Gwala district in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of lesbian and gay students at a
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in a rural town of Kwa-
Zulu Natal. The aim of the study is to understand how lesbian and gay students define being
gay, how they are being treated and how they navigate in those spaces of discomfort within
and beyond the college. The study looks at the treatment of students at the TVET College in
Uzimkhulu, a rural town, in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This is a qualitative study and narrative inquiry
design was also used for the study. Nine participants were sampled for the study through
snowball sampling, six girls and three boys, who identified themselves as lesbians and gays.
Semi-structured, focus group and visual methodology interviews were used as a tool for data
generation. During the interviews the participants were asked questions about their
experiences within and outside the college. Data were sorted and classified according to
categories and themes.
The study found that the participants understood what it means to be gay. The study also
revealed that the majority of participants experienced difficulties when they come out to their
parents, friends and community members. Some of the lesbian and gay students hide their
sexual orientation because they avoid to be kicked out from their families. The study also
reported that conservative nature of communities and social relations in the rural area pose an
added difficult to gay and lesbian student. Patriarchy is more dominant and the community is
under control of chiefs and this type of community has a strong anti-gay views and the
conception that homosexuality is un-African. The study also revealed that there is an
interpersonal conflict among gay groups because there are those members within the group
who like to dominate like “butch”. Church also frowns upon homosexuals because church
believers believe that it is contrary to the teachings of the Bible.
College can help to create a welcoming environment for students and if all stakeholders
involved play their role. College should establish non-discriminatory policy that protects
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity expression. Community
members and parents should give support to all people who identified themselves as lesbians
and gays and staff should support students in their academic exploration of LGBT issues.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.