Les-Be-Queer: A Historical Exploration of Queer People at Stellenbosch University, c. 1987-2024

Stellenbosch University (SU), historically recognized as a conservative institution, has also witnessed moments of resistance to social norms. Notably, the late 1980s witnessed a surge in student activism, primarily fuelled by the Voëlvry Movement. This activism paved the way for the establishment of queer student societies on campus, further challenging societal norms. This thesis delves into the history of institutionalized queerness at Stellenbosch through the lens of its L+ society, Les-Be-Gay, established in 1999 and now known as QueerUS. Over its 25 years of existence, the society has served as a hub for community building, activism, and navigating the complexities of visibility and exclusion on campus. Drawing from oral histories of queer students and former society members, alongside archival research, this study traces the society’s evolution from a space centred around alternative sexualities to one that embraces a broader understanding of gender identities which form part of queerness itself. Findings reveal the society’s role in fostering solidarity and raising awareness of queer issues within a challenging institutional environment. Key themes explored include the impact of religious bigotry, institutional ambivalence, and the significant struggle between visibility and invisibility which has long underscored queer experiences at SU. By situating these histories within the broader context of SU’s conservative reputation and the transformative trajectory of South Africa’s queer rights landscape, this study argues that the society’s history offers valuable insights into the interplay between institutional cultures and the lived experiences of queer people. By documenting and analysing local queer histories, this thesis underscores the importance of contributing to a comprehensive understanding of transformation at tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Le Roux, Jesse Baronne

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Fransch, Chet Paul James
• Daries, Anell Stacey

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136293

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136293