South African university stands together to support lesbian students
A new study conducted by the University of Fort Hare has revealed how support has greatly impacted and inspired confidence in the lives of lesbian students.
I absolutely delight in these type of stories. Yay for honesty, expression, and being true to yourself.
2017 has been a whirlwind when it comes to stories of discrimination. It seems that every time you open a newspaper or your internet browser, you are flooded with stories of people inciting hate and outright injustice towards our fellow South Africans. However, one South African university is flipping discrimination on its head and I love it!
Read - Discrimination against pregnant school girls must stop: Motshekga
While trolling the internet this morning, I came across a story published by The Conversation which left me teary-eyed after reading it. The University of Fort Hare, which is based in the Eastern Cape, has conducted research amongst lesbian students and found that support of family, friends, churches, and even the university itself has instilled a strong sense of motivation and determination in them - prompting a new found of confidence to go out and tackle the world.
The research, published by Jabulani Kheswa, explored the psychological impacts on lesbian students' lives due to discrimination that they were experiencing in their social circles and even within the university. The university and lecturers took an initiative to provide emotional and even academic support to those students who truly needed it, thus churning out more confident graduates who are ready to go out and tackle what life has to offer them.
This story just proves that the world needs more people and more universities to stand up and be transparent about others' differences. The more we are touch points for each other, the more we can achieve the true potential that is fueled by love compassion, support, and understanding.
To those students from Fort Hare and others who have accepted who they, my hope is that you will go out into the world and be a beacon of light to those who need support and love.
Read: This girl's message about self-acceptance is inspiring
Remember, it takes only one person to inspire change and spark conversations that need to be had. Will it be you?