Sexual and Gender Identity Development among Adolescent LGBTI+ Individuals in Zimbabwe

During the identity formation stage of adolescents, the social world is described as extremely complex. The stakes are even higher for those who develop non-normative sexual and gender identities. The study sought to investigate the identity developmental experiences of LGBTI + adolescents in African communities. Through a qualitative inquiry, adopting a life histories approach as a data collection method, this study used in-depth interviews and focus groups to collect data in Zimbabwe. Data was analysed thematically through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. We found that the participants did not experience conventional or ordinary homophobia during their adolescence. However, they suffered from the cumulative effect of long-established, deep-rooted and engrained heterosexism and cisheteropatriarchy, and strived for a positive personal and collective identity to the exclusion of their LGBTI + identity and with the attendant psychosocial consequences. Therefore, it is vital to create awareness about the diversities of sexual and gender identities in social environments where individuals’ identities develop.