The Lived Experiences Of Transgender Students At The Windhoek And Khomasdal Campuses Of The University Of Namibia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to explore and describe the holistic lived experiences of transgender students studying at the University of Namibia by looking at the ways in which the campus climate and environment impacts on transgendered students overall well-being and coping mechanisms. This study also further sought to highlight the presence of a student population that defies conventional gender binaries and that exhibits gender variance.

There is a dearth of research both locally and on the African continent on transgender individuals as well as the experiences of transgender students in general. Given this gap, the literature suggests that only few authors focus on the unique experiences of this population. Consequently, this study mainly draws from the literature based on the United States of America (US) experiences and researches.

The study relied on semi-structured interviews with eight transgender students and snowball sampling using a phenomenological approach. The key themes that emerged were: gender identity development and formation in a transphobic society, negative and positive experiences as a result of transgender identity, campus climate, health care services and support networks on and off campus.

This study provides insight into how transgender identifying students make sense of their gender identity and how societal /organisational systems and climate influence all other aspects of their lives. The findings suggest that knowledge and understanding is needed in order to better serve transgender students as members of the campus community and cultivate a culture of tolerance and an understanding of diversity.