Going Nowhere Fast? A Review of Literature on Barriers to Queer Inclusion in South African Universities.

Chiswa, Natasha; Mutongoza, Bonginkosi Hardy

Higher education institutions are often considered inclusive institutions where difference and diversity are respected and celebrated. However, the experiences of queer persons have revealed that there is still a long way to go in achieving truly inclusive campuses. In the case of South Africa, regardless of the significant strides made in acknowledging diversity, there remains a considerable gap in implementing the appropriate policies and recommended best practices to address this gap. This study explored the challenges of attaining queer inclusion in South African higher education institutions. Using a literature review methodology, data was collected from research databases such as Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, and ResearchGate using keyword searches. The criteria for inclusion comprised a timeline (published between 2014 and 2023), the accreditation of the publisher by the Department of Higher Education, and methodological rigour. The studies' findings were then analysed and grouped according to thematic patterns that emerged. Our analysis revealed that queer inclusion in South African higher education is being hindered by hostile campus environments, policy deficiencies, coerced invisibility of queer persons, and issues of socialisation. We therefore concluded that despite the promise of universities as spaces accepting of diversity, these problems collectively contribute to an environment where queer persons face significant challenges to their academic, social, and personal development. The study thus recommended, among other things, comprehensive anti-discrimination policy formulation and enforcement and significant investment into creating safe and supportive campuses through diversity training, resource centres, and inclusive curriculum development.

SOUTH Africa; LGBTQ people; HIGHER education; GOOGLE Scholar (Web resource); SOCIAL development

Sexuality & Culture, 2025, Vol 29, Issue 1, p62

1095-5143

Academic Journal

10.1007/s12119-024-10284-2