Out of the Box: Queer Youth in South Africa Today

This Atlantic-commissioned case study provides a snapshot of what life is like for young lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and intersex people (LGBTIs) in South Africa today – 17 years after the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation. It explores if democracy has brought greater tolerance and celebration of diversity for today’s young LGBTIs. Its findings (based on interviews with young LGBTIs across race, class and gender) are that while these young people face a double layer of challenges – those faced by all youth, such as unemployment, as well as their own specific challenges, including homophobia – many also see themselves as agents of change and find safe spaces and support within the growing LGBTI community.