The purpose of the study was to explore the complex ways in which chemsex and internalised homophobia may be linked. The study sought to: Elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia; determine the challenges experienced by gay men and how psychoactive drugs influence their sexual relationships with other men; and also explore a possible relationship between chemsex and internalised homophobia. The study hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges that are faced by gay people and the reasons why some gay men participate in chemsex. A total of eleven participants were identified from an LGBTIQ+ friendly drug rehabilitation centre and a gay bath house in Cape Town. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study by conducting semi structured interviews with each participant. The theoretical framework used to elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia among the LGBTIQ+ community was underpinned by the minority stress model. This model was used to explain the concepts of homophobia and internalised homophobia. The methodological framework used was qualitative research, which focuses on the stories of individuals and is concerned with the social construction of the individual’s life, and specifically Thematic Analysis which assisted in identifying patterns or themes in people’s accounts. The findings were that even though there is a relationship between internalise homophobia and chemsex, there are many other factors and influences that play a role, such as the individuals' backgrounds, their experiences in coming out as gay, and other life circumstances. In conclusion, the study suggests that there is much more that can be done to break down the stigma and prejudice facing the LGBTIQ+ community, which is a first step towards addressing the chemsex phenomenon and related psychological consequences. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Political Studies. March 2015 / This paper examines race and class schisms among South African LGBTI persons using the lens of hate crimes legislation. While much praise is given to South Africa’s constitutional framework which provides for non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, LGBTI persons still face unacceptably high levels of violence and victimisation. An ongoing trend of violent murders of black lesbian women in particular has mobilised advocacy by LGBTI organisations and other civil society actors to call for hate crimes legislation. This paper takes a critical look at hate crimes legislation and the potential problems of its application in a society with gross inequality and power discrepancies. This critique has as its foundation an acknowledgement that action needs to be taken to address the scourge of violence, while at the same time understanding the intersectionality of oppression and the uneven results achieved by liberal legal reform.