Exploring the perceptions of Cape Town's LGBTIQ+ individuals regarding their treatment in general and during periods of disaster relief

Abstract

Hazard exposure and disasters are inherently social incidents that originate from social structures and social systems, which are primarily organised according to gender and sexuality. As such, the perceptions communities have about gender must be addressed if knowledge and understanding are to be gained about people living in areas that are affected by disasters. This is also important for the effective and comprehensive implementation of disaster management strategies, policies and frameworks. To gain this knowledge and add to the already established gender based disaster management research, this study aimed to go beyond the heterosexual binary by exploring the perceptions of Cape Town's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals regarding their treatment in general and during periods of disaster relief. In this study an extensive deductive literature review relating to perceptions and attitudes about sexual minorities internationally and in South Africa, as well as theories that discuss how stereotypes can be formed and acquired, is provided. Disaster management theories that relate to gender are also discussed. Furthermore, international and national policies and legislative frameworks on disaster risk reduction, and gender and sexuality (LGBTIQ+) are discussed to establish the intent and vision of policymakers. This exploratory study was guided by the metatheoretical principles of ontological and epistemological bases of constructivism and interpretivism. Using qualitative research design, data was collected through an in-depth online self-administered questionnaire from Cape Town based LGBTIQ+ individuals who had been exposed to a hazard and/or disaster, required assistance following the exposure, and/or provided assistance to those in need. The online questionnaire firstly explored the challenges LGBTIQ+ individuals face in their daily lives in public spaces and government run institutions, and secondly, the treatment of LGBTIQ+ individuals during and after exposure to hazards or disasters by the public and government institutions charged with providing aid after such events. The research findings suggest that LGBTIQ+ individuals in Cape Town experience a range of negative and homophobic experiences from both the affected community members and leaders, and the members of government designated disaster relief institutions. This treatment is exacerbated by the use of vague and generic terms in both international and national disaster management legislation, policies and frameworks. To protect themselves from the homophobia, and to access much needed disaster relieve assistance, LGBTIQ+ individuals employ different protective and blending-in strategies. Findings further suggested that homophobia is systematic in that it is tacitly sanctioned and propagated by the government and pre-dominantly heterosexual communities. Also, the results of the study indicate that LGBTIQ+ individuals in Cape Town do not necessarily want special treatment of any kind following exposure to hazards or disasters but seek to belong to and be treated as part of their communities, families and cultures.