Stigma against Homosexual Students in the Educational Environments in Sri Lanka

Abstract

LGBTQ+ students face a variety of challenges and difficulties in school and university due to their sexual orientation and gender identity expression. In this interpretive study, I exposed how Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (GBT) students are treated in Sri Lankan schools and universities, shedding light on the stigmatized experiences they encounter due to their sexual minority identities. Using stigma theory, I elucidated the mechanisms and consequences of the stigmatized experiences of the respondents. I collected data using the snowball sampling method, with twelve respondents comprising six gays, four bisexuals, and two transgender individuals. Content analysis was used to identify trends and patterns in the qualitative data, while thematic analysis was used to explore the underlying meanings and interpretations within the data. The findings of the study indicate that students with minority sexual identities face various forms of discrimination, harassment, and exclusion in their educational and social environments due to prevailing barriers against homosexuality. These negative experiences, coupled with the fear of discrimination, make these individuals vulnerable to various mental health issues. The study recommends that educational institutions should provide support systems, such as counselling services, mentorship programs, and safe spaces, to ensure the physical and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ students.