Unheard voices – Experiences and coping mechanisms of young Zimbabwean LGBT individuals

Abstract

This paper examines the coping mechanisms employed by Zimbabwean LGBT individuals to navigate the challenges of living in socio-cultural contexts characterized by legal discrimination and societal stigma. Using a qualitative research design, based on in-depth face-to-face interviews, this study explores the experiences and strategies these individuals use to manage the intersecting pressures of identity concealment, social isolation, and limited access to supportive resources. Through contextual analysis of participants' narratives, the paper highlights the critical role of social networks, including family and community support, in fostering resilience and well-being. For participants, drawing on personal strengths and building self-acceptance emerged as essential for survival and envisioning a better future. The study also reveals that some participants found solace in religion, highlighting its unexpected role as a coping resource in an otherwise challenging environment.