Page 15 - 3-Rundu Campus Graduation e-BOOK (18 April 2023)

FACULTY OF EDUCATION &
HUMAN SCIENCES

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN
ENGLISH STUDIES
CANDIDATE: NAHOLE Martha

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION
Sexuality in Fiction: Exploring the Literary
Portrayal of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer and Intersex (Lgbtqi)
Characters in Selected African Texts:
Speak no Evil, The interpreters, Fairy tales for lost Children, I am a
Homosexual Mum, the Hairdresser of Harare and the Oracle of Cidino.
The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the
supervision of Professor Jairos Kangira of the University of Namibia as
Main-Supervisor and Professor Collen Sabao from the University of
Namibia as Co-Supervisor.

The candidate explored the literary portrayal of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) characters in selected
African texts. The focus of this study was to examine how LGBTQI
characters are depicted in the selected literary works as well as
explore the sociocultural challenges experienced by LGBTQI people.

This is a qualitative, desktop study that focused on six African literary
texts which were purposively selected and analysed. Queer Theory
was used to analyse the literary works. In literary context Queer Theory
focuses on eradicating the binary oppositions and stereotypes of
sexuality and gender within a body of text as well as to break down
the use of categories and labels that stereotype and harm those who
are in marginalised positions such as the LGBTQI people. The findings
of this study reveal that, although literature from different scholars
has painted Africa as a homophobic block, this study realises that
African people have varying views towards the concept of LGBTQI.
Some react with revulsion, vigilantism, extortion, blackmail, hostility
and negative stereotypical behaviour, while others react with a sense
of empathy, pity, understanding and support. Nonetheless, it is clear
that negative reaction amongst others overpowers positivity. Although
they have plenty of survival and coping strategies, LGBTQI people are
faced with several social challenges and therefore live a burdened life
full of pretentiousness in order to fit the ‘norm’. The study recommends
universities to consider teaching queer inclusive literature in their
courses to enhance understanding regarding LGBTQI matters. Finally,
researchers should consider engaging in social justice research, as this
may help to sensitise the public on the danger of homophobia.

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