Well-Being of LGBTI+ University Students in Slovakia: A Qualitative Photovoice Study

In Slovakia, there still exists a significant amount of stigma and prejudice against LGBTI+ individuals. Minority stress negatively affects the mental and physical health of queer people. Apart from minority stress, students experience discomfort associated with their regular and university life. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of queer students, identify facilitators and barriers to their well-being, and understand the role that university plays in their lives. We utilized the Photovoice method and semi-structured interviews. 11 students (9 women and 2 non-binary individuals) from Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia participated. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified 10 themes, broadly regarding (ill-) well-being, university environment, people, queer identity. Well-being evaluation was different for the university environment and the broader social context. The study highlights the challenges of studying, the superior or inhumane staff behavior and queer negativity as barriers. Conversely, we identified inclusivity, visible hints of support, humanity and support in staff and other individuals as facilitators. The study illustrates how both student and queer identity play a role in the well-being of LGBTI+ students, and how diverging and intersecting these experiences may be. These uniquely contextual results can serve as a basis for the development of interventions and further research.