TOLERANCE LEVEL OF GAYS ON SOCIETAL DISCRIMINATION:
THE TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE INSTANCE
JOSHUA SARSALEJO ABASTAS
JUVYLYN VIADO GERALDIZO
BACHELOR IN SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK
MARCH 2018
7
Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Deeply-embedded homophobic and transphobic attitudes, often
combined with a lack of adequate legal protection against discrimination on
grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, expose many lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of all ages and in all regions of the
world to egregious violations of their human rights. They are discriminated
against in the labour market, in schools and in hospitals, mistreated and
disowned by their own families. They are singled out for physical attack beaten, sexually assaulted, tortured and killed. In several countries, laws
against cross dressing are used to punish transgender people on the basis of
their gender identity and expression. And in some countries, discriminatory
laws criminalize private, consensual same-sex relationships exposing
individuals to the risk of arrest, prosecution, imprisonment even, in at least
five countries, the death penalty.
As such, because of the negative stigma society places on lesbian and
gay adolescents, they face numerous difficulties that require social support
and intervention.LGBT youths endure hostile verbal and physical harassment
that can be excruciating for them. Improving to intervention with this
8
population,
including
increasing
personal
awareness
of
one's
own
homophobia and heterosexist bias in working; educating oneself about
homosexuality; establishing positive social support programs to serve lesbian
and gay adolescents; advocating for sanctions to end gay and lesbian
harassment; supporting the hiring of openly gay and lesbian teachers to
serve as positive role models; and advocating for the inclusion of sexual
orientation information in school sex education curricula. These will help
develop social acceptance and gender sensitiveness. Additionally, gender
and development program is significant in supporting gender awareness and
sensitiveness in the society.
Historically, LGBT individuals have fallen into the class of the
disfavored people, valueless in the eyes of the criminal justice system and
subject to over-prosecution and under-protection.Nowadays, the public
opinion concerning hate crime legislation is heated and can affect outcomes,
such as enhanced punishment for offenders.The offenses and the
corresponding legislation are in fact hate crime laws. Hate crime laws are not
always called “hate crime laws”, however laws that impose extra penalty for
discriminatory motive are hate crime laws. Hate crime laws largely operate to
‘top up’ the traditional criminal law by imposing a heavier penalty than that
9
which is applicable to comparable crimes that do not have this element of
prejudice or bias.
However, Kharkiv (2016) posited that intolerance to specific groups is
very destructive practice, because it is dangerous first of all for the whole
society, and only then - for vulnerable groups. Because the level of
intolerance is quite high, all members of society are "under threat". It means
that is difficult to predict which group will be the next victim of an intolerant
society tomorrow. The usual way to respond to the "other" in our society is
the limited interactions, refusal of communication, and exclusion of certain
social groups off one’s view. This promotes reproduction practices of
discrimination because positive interaction skills do not work out/ generate.
Therefore, it is important to include different people in the area of everyday
interaction/
communication
and
teach
them
appropriate
forms
of
communication.
Correspondingly, public policy bullying and discrimination toward LGBT
adults and youths by state elected representatives is a concern to all who
recognize the damaging effects of such bigotry. Some homosexuality
advocates make an intermediate claim, i.e., that sexual orientation is caused
by a number of factors but does not become unchangeable until early
childhood or even as late as adolescence. Likewise, this forms the basis of
10
the argument that no one can be held morally responsible for being
homosexual (Mohler, 2015).
In this brief, the study aims to investigate the instances on tolerance
level of gays on societal discrimination.While gay people are as diverse as
the rest of the population, their shared experience of discrimination creates
conflicts and other issues such health issues. Hence, a study on the
toleration range or level of the gays should be investigated. The bad reaction
a result of intolerance will create damaging effect. However, for some
reasons, intolerance is a way fighting for own human rights.
Further, this study will be conducted in Tubod, LanaodelNorte for the
year 2018-2019. Social work schools are expected to offer research
opportunities for investigating issues of relevance to this population. Social
workers focus on a set of social concerns. Hence, the study will relate to the
future field of the researchers. As future, social workers, the researchers will
be able to implicate the strategies and the output of the study particularly the
gender and development program not only for gays but also to all sexual
orientations.
11
Theoretical Framework
In this study, the researchers will anchor these theories that will
support the idea ofinstances on tolerance level of gays on societal
discrimination. These theories are: Theory of Tolerance cited Corneo (2007),
Conflict Perspectives Theory cited Schacht (2015), and Queer Theory by
Renn (2010).
Notably,Theory of Tolerance cited Corneo (2007) is often viewed as a
distinctive feature of modern western societies, one that clearly differentiates
them from traditional ones. Whereas "traditional man" surrenders to social
norms and heavily sanctions those who deviate, "modern man" accepts
social alterity without raising his eyebrows. Tolerance is typically welcome
because it promotes peaceful coexistence between diverse groups and
favors individual self-actualization. Conversely, intolerance hinders the
manifestation of proclivities and talents and demands a heavy toll on those
who dare to be different. Minorities enjoy a substantial degree of protection
only in tolerant societies, and that protection strengthens democratic political
rights. While tolerance might be desirable in principle, not all contemporary
societies can be qualified as tolerant.
12
Linking to the current study, the study will investigate the level of
tolerance on social discrimination by the gays in the target location. The
theory best explains the gay’s idealization of being tolerant to socialization. A
person is tolerant if she attaches symbolic value not only to her own
characteristics but also to those that she does not have but others have.
Conversely, an intolerant person has an unbalanced value system that
makes her at the same time complacent and disrespectful of traits and
lifestyles that are not her own. The level of tolerance from a sociological
perspective is a scope of behaviors that are considered acceptable.
In like manner, the conflict perspective theory Schacht (2015) frames
the gay rights movement and the opposition to it as a struggle over power,
prestige, and economic resources.Homosexuals fight for recognition and their
rights to marriage, protection against discrimination, and more. Their fight has
evolved society. Due to the gay rights movement and homosexuals fighting
for their rights, businesses and corporations support nondiscrimination
policies because it: helps maintain a competitive edge in recruiting, maintains
a productive workforce, and more LGBT individuals buy from places that
protect LGBT employees.Some business leaders, for example those in
Australia have banned together to advocate for same sex marriage.
However, not all businesses and their leaders support homosexuality; some
13
oppose it. For businesses there are religious freedom laws that allow
business to refuse to serve LGBT individuals if they are religiously opposed
to homosexuality.
Similarly, the conflict theory helps explain the experiences and feelings
of the gays towards social discrimination. Social discrimination in the society
creates conflicts. Hence, gays struggle to their rights movement and
opposition. The many negative meanings and views of homosexuality are
reinforced based on people's reactions when homosexuality is talked about
and through negative language, such as "That's so gay" or "You're so gay"
which is used as a way to say that something is stupid. Heterosexuals who
use the words fag and queer are accepted by their peers who are opposed to
homosexuality, which hurts homosexuals and reinforces negative views of
homosexuals.
Another theory, queer theory is a set of ideas based around the idea
that identities are not fixed and do not determine who we are. It suggests that
it is meaningless to talk in general about 'women' or any other group, as
identities consist of so many elements that to assume that people can be
seen collectively on the basis of one shared characteristic is wrong. Indeed, it
proposes that we deliberately challenge all notions of fixed identity, in varied
and non-predictable ways (Renn, 2010).
14
In relation, queer theory has something to say to lesbian and gay
studies or LGBT. As of the current study, LGBT debunks the stable (and
correlated) sexes, genders, and sexualities develops out of the specifically
lesbian and gay reworking of the post-structuralist figuring of identity as a
constellation
of
multiple
and
unstable
positions.
Hence,
LGBT
or
homosexuals are seen not stable male nor female in the community rather
are called lesbians, gay, bisexual or transgender. Hence, gays as the main
subject of the research are seen not stable male nor female in the community
based on queer theory.
In sum, this study will focus on Tubod, LanaodelNorte instances on
tolerance level of gays on societal discrimination for the year 2018-2019.
Though social acceptance to gays today has increased, there are still cases
of
social
discriminations
experienced
by
the
gays.
Casual social
discriminationcontinues to set gays back even when there is a measure
of tolerance, and still closely impacts their careers and personal lives. Even
so, tolerance and intolerance to social discrimination will show how they
adopt to their environment and social challenges.
15
Conceptual Framework
Many of the world's cultures have, in the past, considered procreative
sex within a recognized relationship to be a sexual norm—sometimes
exclusively so, and sometimes alongside norms of same-sex love, whether
passionate, intimate or sexual.Many countries have also seen rising support
for LGBT rights in modern times (including the legal recognition of same-sex
marriage, anti-discrimination laws, and other such rights).
Figure A shows the conceptual framework of the study. As shown in
the figure, the researchers will identify the demographic profile of the gays in
terms of age, family monthly income and educational attainment. Further, this
may be significantly related to the level of societal discrimination and
instances on level of tolerance of gays. The study will also investigate the
correlation between the level of societal discrimination and instances on level
of tolerance of gays. Finally, the output of the study will be a gender and
development plan based on the findings.
34
Instances on
Level of
Tolerance of
Gays
Level of
Societal
Discrimination
Gender and
Development
Plan
Demographic Profile:
 age
 family monthly income
 educational attainment
Figure A: Conceptual Framework
35
Statement of the Problem
The study will focus on the Tubod, LanaodelNorte instances on
tolerance level of gays on societal discrimination for the year 2018-2019.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions.
1. What are the socio-economic profile of the gays in terms of:
1.1
age,
1.2
family monthly income,
1.3
educational attainment?
2. What is the level of societal discrimination as perceived by the gays?
3. What is the level of tolerance of gays on societal discrimination?
4. Is there a significant difference between the level of societal
discrimination as perceived by the gays when grouped according to
their socio-economic profile?
5. Is there a significant difference between the level of tolerance of gays
on societal discrimination when grouped according to their socioeconomic profile?
6. Is there a significant relationship between the level of societal
discrimination and level of tolerance of gays on societal discrimination?
36
7. Based on the findings, what gender and development program can be
developed?
Hypothesis
The following hypothesis will be tested at level of significance of 0.05.
Ho1: There is no significant difference between the level of societal
discrimination as perceived by the gays when grouped according to their
socio-economic profile.
Ho2: There is no significant difference between the level of tolerance of
gays on societal discrimination when grouped according to their socioeconomic profile.
Ho3: There is no significant relationship between the level of societal
discrimination and level of tolerance of gays on societal discrimination.
Scope and Limitations
The focal point of this study is to investigate the Tubod, LanaodelNorte
instances on tolerance level of gays on societal discrimination. It will also
focus on the comparison of the level of societal discrimination as perceived
by gays and their level of tolerance with their socio-economic profile in terms
37
of age, family monthly income and educational attainment. Moreover, the
study will also include the correlation between the level of societal
discrimination as perceived by gays and their level of tolerance on societal
discrimination.
Further, this study will be conducted in Tubod, LanaodelNorte for the
year 2018-2019. Descriptive-correlation research design will be used in this
study. Questionnaires will be distributed to 100 selected gays in the target
location to gather data. Lastly, the data-gathered will be analysed and
interpreted with the use of statistical tools such as Pearson Product-Moment
Correlation Coefficient, Mean, Chi-square and Frequency-Percentage.
Significance
The current study will be beneficial to the following individuals or group.
Department of Social Welfare and Development.This will let add
ideas that could be used for possible programs regarding sexual orientation,
social acceptance/tolerance and gender development.
School Administrators. This will let them know the societal
discrimination experienced by the gay community. With this, they can
develop strategies and training programs for the teachers and staffs to
38
promote gender sensitivity and gender equality in the organization and in the
teaching-learning environment.
Community. This will make them realize the sensitiveness of the
gender identity of the gays in the community. With this, they will be aware of
the existence and issues towards gay community and prevent societal
discrimination in relation to gender identity.
Gays. They will be able express their emotional distress and tolerance
on societal discrimination. With this, they will be able to share their
experiences to the community.
Social Workers. This will give baseline information for possible
programs in relation to gender
and development and gender sensitivity
towards gender equality on the society. The experiences of the gays will let
them realize their existence and concerns.
Teachers. This study will give them ideas on the instances of tolerance
of gays on societal discrimination. With this, they will be able to develop
intervention program towards their teaching-learning process while providing
gender sensitive in the classroom environment.
39
Students. They will be able to realize the societal discrimination
experienced by the gays in the community. With this, they will be able to
reflect on different issues of societal discrimination towards gender identity.
Future Researches. This will be baseline information for future related
studies pertaining to the tolerance level of gays on societal discrimination.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were defined conceptually and operationally:
Gays. In this study, this term refers to a homosexual, especially a man.
Gender Identity.In this study, this term refers to the gender that a
person sees themselves as. This can include refusing to label oneself with a
gender.
Homophobia.In this study, this term refers to a fear and hatred of
LGBT individuals based on a lack of knowledge and cultural conditioning. It is
also manifested as a fear of being or being perceived as gay, or the fear of
one’s own attraction to the same gender.
Level of Tolerance of Gays. In this study, this refers to the level of
ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of
40
opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with such as
societal discrimination on gays.
Sexual Orientation or Identity.In this study, this term refers to
emotional, physical, and/or sexual attraction to others, which may be towards
the same sex (homosexual), the other sex (heterosexual), or both sexes
(bisexual).
Societal Discrimination. In this study, this refers to treatment or
consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person
based on the group, class, or category to which the person is perceived to
belong rather than on individual attributes.
Tolerance. In this study, this refers to the ability or willingness to
tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that
one does not necessarily agree with.
Tubod, Lanaodel Norte Instances. In this study, this refers to
occurrence of social discrimination experienced by gays particularly in Tubod,
Lanaodel Norte and their tolerance level on social discrimination.
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter reviews the related literature that would shed light on the
focus of the study and finds research gaps where this current study tackled.
Related Literatures
History and Overview of LGBT Rights in the Philippines
In reviewing the history of LGBT advocacy in the Philippines, reference
was made to the early existence of transvestism and crossing gender in the
16th and 17th century with the babaylan, their disappearance under Spanish
colonialism and the emergence of different gender identities and sexual
orientations in the 1960s. From then, a gay culture rapidly evolved, although
with stratification of identity and communities with the adoption of a Western
notion of “gay” by some, mostly wealthier gay men, and the adoption of an
indigenous identity (Philippines, 2011).
In relation, following the emergence of gay literature and academic
studies, the 90s saw the first demonstrations of political activism with
participation by LGBT communities and organizations in both LGBT-specific
marches (pride marches) and mainstream demonstrations such as
42
International Women’s Day and the 1994 march protesting the Value Added
Tax. The spread of HIV lead to the establishment of key organizations in the
early 1990s, at the same time as lesbian organizations were also founded.
LGBT-related writing was found in mainstream and community publications
and the end of the decade saw the first advocacy in the formal political realm
with the formation of an LGBT lobby group and the filing of an antidiscrimination bill. The new millennium saw the expansion of LGBT
organizations in both representation and activities, a rise in LGBT media, and
the formation of the LGBT political party AngLadlad (Sasot, 2012).
In addition, it was noted that challenges for the LGBT movement
include the lack of an umbrella organization, lack of understanding within the
LGBT community about SOGI concepts, and a lack of unity due in part
because of class differences. This is within the context of continued social
and political challenges for LGBT communities and individuals and a lack of
studies on LGBT rights in the Philippines (Tan, 2012).
On the other hand, in reviewing LGBT rights in the Philippines, it was
noted that the Philippines is signatory to many relevant international
covenants promoting human rights, though LGBT rights are not always
supported by the state. Same-sex activity is not criminalized and sexual
orientation is mentioned in various laws. The most important issue in terms of
43
law is considered the lack of an anti-discrimination bill. Numerous proposals
have been made since the 90s without success. Proposed bills in 2013 relate
to establishing an LGBT desk in police stations and to allowing same-sex
couples to jointly own property. In the absence of national legislation, antidiscrimination ordinances at the level of local government units and cities
have been recently passed. Transgender people are not allowed to legally
change their identity, first name and sex (intersex people are allowed to do
this) (Tan, 2012).
However, at the level of policy, there are both pro and anti-LGBT
policies in various offices, institutions and private establishments. Positive
policies include ordinances against discrimination and gender-based violence
and code of ethics that promote the respect of diversity and promoting LGBT
wellbeing. Negative policy relates to the discharge from the military on the
basis of sexual orientation and barring entry to nightclubs for cross-dressers
(Torres, 2013).
Hence, cultural and social attitudes towards LGBT people are complex,
with signs of acceptance, particularly among the young, but questions of
whether that acceptance is based on LGBT Filipinos conforming to
stereotypes and occupational niches. At the same time, LGBT Filipinos are
still being murdered with 28 LGBT-related killings in the first half of 2011.
44
There is some LGBT representation on television and other electronic media
(Tulfo, 2009).
Not to mention, religion plays a major role in the lives of Filipinos with
the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church. This affects LGBT
people, though a survey suggests Filipinos are generally accepting of LGBT
people, even while the church opposes anti-discrimination policies and
sometimes seeks to influence public policy in a negative way. Christian “exgay” movements have a presence in the Philippines. There are a number of
churches established orled by the LGBT community. There is a dearth of
information on the influence of smaller religions on LGBT people, and on
LGBT members of those churches (Torres, 2013).
Current Overview of the Protection of the Rights of LGBT People in the
Philippines
Nevertheless, in educational institutions, it was found that LGBT
people are subject to discrimination, bullying and abuse under the guise of
“academic freedom” which allows educational institutions to create their own
policies. LGBT issues are not included in curricula. However, the Department
of Education in 2012 issued an order to protect children from violence, abuse
and exploitation regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Positive
45
case studies included pride events on campuses and the election of LGBT
individuals to student councils (Tarona, 2011).
Regarding health, HIV is the primary challenge that confronts gay men,
other MSM, and transgender women. The national HIV response is
developed although there are challenges such as a lack of resources,
overemphasis on testing, and problems with access to HIV testing.
Transgender people lack information on hormone replacement therapy. While
the national psychology association has publicly expressed support for LGBT
persons, there is the need to address the psychosocial health needs of LGBT
Filipinos including through supportive service providers (Velasquez, 2011).
Notably, LGBT individuals face challenges in employment both on an
individual level and as members of a community that is subject to
discrimination and abuse. This can be compounded by the weak social status
and position of the individuals involved. Examples of discrimination were
given in both the recruitment of employees and during regular employment. It
was noted that employers sometimes take advantage of LGBT employees.
Sexual harassment of LGBT employees was reported. A concern was
expressed about potential discrimination in the workplace based on HIV
status. Employment is an area identified where LGBT organizations and parts
of the community (such as overseas workers and sex workers) are not
46
playing an active role. Case studies in this area included appealing to
progressive global corporate practices to advance local policies for LGBT
employees, and testing anti-discrimination ordinances in relation to
employment issues (Velasquez, 2011).
In essence, discussions of family affairs at the Dialogue relate to both
LGBT persons as family members and LGBT persons with family (including
partnerships and children). Examples were given of the need to protect LGBT
youth from discrimination and abuse, and for different Philippines institutions
to be SOGI-sensitive in order to support LGBT family members. In the
Philippines, LGBT persons do not have the right to marry someone of the
same sex. Adoption is allowed by a single LGBT person but not by two
people who identify as a domestic couple. Participants at the Dialogue
identified anti-discrimination legislation as a higher priority than advocacy for
same-sex marriage (Vonjobi, 2005).
On the other side, The realm of religion for LGBT people in the
Philippines was discussed above, noting the strong influence of the Roman
Catholic Church, which can contribute to discrimination. At the same time,
Dialogue participants are heartened by the growing number of LGBT-led
churches. A case study described the gathering of faith-based organizations
in June 2013 on HIV and stigma and discrimination (Vonjobi, 2005).
47
Nonetheless, mainstream media is criticized in the way that it
stereotypes gay men and limits representation of lesbians and transgender
people; demonstrates transphobia and homophobia; and sensationalizes
coverage of LGBT-related events. Dialogue participants see LGBT-run media
as important and that Internet media has the strong potential to promote
LGBT rights. They see a lack of a unified voice and priorities as problematic
in promoting LGBT rights in the media. Case studies showed the Internet
used as effective media for promoting HIV testing, the success of Outrage
magazine,
a
comic
book
series
that
highlighted
lesbophobia
and
discrimination, and an LGBT radio show (Winter, 2012).
Furthermore, in the political realm, the LGBT political party AngLadlad
has been unsuccessful to date in winning a seat in Congress. Because of
this, the representation of LGBT issues is often made by heterosexual allies.
Individual LGBT politicians, rather than one party, are seen as a way to
promote LGBT rights. LGBT Filipinos need to be involved in the development
of LGBT-related laws, ordinances and policies. Some local successes include
anti-discrimination ordinances and a Gay Rights Desk at a Local Government
Unit (Winter, 2012)
48
Policies
Not to mention, policies that promote the rights of LGBT people include
the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Office Memorandum 29-2010 that
forbids discrimination against LGBT people who are applying for civil service
examinations (Ocampo, 2011). The CSC also has the Revised Policies on
Merit Promotion Plan that inhibits discrimination in the selection of employees
based on various criteria including gender (Ocampo, 2011). However, such
policies remain few, or are not widely known.
On the other hand, an issue affecting LGBT Filipinos is the expectation
to act in “acceptable” manners, which is usually limited to acting according to
socially defined masculine versus feminine behaviors. This expectation
usually affects policies. For instance, in 2009, the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) stated that the Philippines has zero tolerance for
discrimination within the military ranks (IGLHRC, 2009). However, the AFP
Code of Ethics has provisions that can be used to discriminate against
lesbian and gay members of the military. For instance, Article 5 (Military
Professionalism) Section 4.3 (Unethical Acts) of the AFP Code of Ethics
states:
“Military
personnel
shall
likewise
be
recommended
for
discharge/separation for reason of unsuitability due to all acts or omissions
which deviate from established and accepted ethical and moral standards of
49
behavior and performance as setforth in the AFP Code of Ethics. The
following are examples: Fornication, Adultery, Concubinage,Homosexuality,
Lesbianism, and Pedophilia.”
Moreover,
several
private
establishments
also
implement
discriminatory policies without legal sanctions. In 2000, a complaint was filed
by the Gay Movement for Human Rights in the Philippines on behalf of
Jonathan Agudaña, who was not allowed to enter a club in Cebu City for
wearing women’s clothes. The club defended itself by saying that it does not
discriminate against gay people, but it does not allow cross-dressing in its
premises. The case was dismissed in 2001 (Sasot, 2012) and was not taken
seriously. More recent cases involved IndayGarutay and BB Gandanghari
who were restricted from entering a restaurant in Metro Manila in 2006 and
2009, respectively, also because of a “no cross-dressing” policy, another
example of discrimination. The case resolution released by the Commission
on Human Rights on 11 January 2001 stated that the club “engaged in a
legitimate business endeavor, has all the prerogative to adopt rules and
regulations to ensure the protection and satisfaction of customers. Adoption
of a dress code falls under this prerogative” (IGLHRC, 2005).
There have been positive changes, such as the anti-discrimination
ordinances in some Local Government Units. The anti-gender-based violence
50
ordinance of Quezon City was also extended to LGBT people in October
2012. Similarly, in 2011, the Psychological Association of the Philippines
(PAP) aligned itself with “global initiatives to remove the stigma of mental
illness that has long been associated with diverse sexualities and to promote
the wellbeing of LGBT people.” The PAP Code of Ethics (2010) calls for
Filipino psychologists to “respect the diversity among persons and peoples”.
Insights Learned from the Related Literatures
As discussed in related literatures, gender can also be said to be an
individual concept based on societal attitudes and values which differ from
one place to the other and change over time. However, gender have been a
great issue over discrimination. For instance, gay tolerance and intolerance in
societal discrimination varies on their status.
As per viewed, social and economic status of gays in the society have
correlated
with
their
social
acceptance.
Conversely,
the
societal
discrimination does not only limit to intentional physical and verbal abuse.
Unintentional discrimination includes labeling andsubjecting to slurs or jokes,
rejection of friendship and employement discrimination. The emotional
dimension of gays greatly depend on their tolerance or intolerance to
discrimination.
51
Related Studies
Sexual Identity Development
During their collegiate experience, most lesbian and gay students go
through what is commonly referred to as the coming out process. During this
time lesbian and gay students progress through several stages of identity
development where they acknowledge their sexual orientation or gender
identity to themselves, explore this sexuality, integrate their sexual orientation
into the rest of their self-concept, and disclose their sexual orientation to the
individuals in their lives (Lynch, 2005).
Relatively, the study of (Stevens, 2005) also explored incidents that
facilitated identity development for gay college men. Using a grounded theory
approach, the researcher recruited a diverse sample of participants that
include several different racial and ethnic groups. The participants were
interviewed three times, and the researcher used member checks to
corroborate his coding of their responses. He found a central theme in the
responses:
finding
empowerment.
Furthermore,
Stevens
found
five
integrative categories: self acceptance, disclosure to others, individual
factors, environmental influence, and exploring multiple identities. Stevens
defined empowerment as a comfort with one’s gay identity, having gay pride,
52
education of self and others, and activism. This theme of empowerment was
closely linked with involvement in LGBT issues and involvement. The lack of
distinction between the two concepts suggests that gay identity development
and experiences of involvement are closely interconnected.
A notable exception was the last category of Steven (2005), exploring
multiple identities, suggesting the need for diverse 37 sampling in qualitative
research that covers identity. Jones and McEwen (2005) acknowledge that
individuals address the different components to their identity at different
times. Any discussion of sexual identity development has to take these other
identities into consideration as they may challenge or contribute to the sexual
identity development of an individual.
Moreover, Lynch (2005) investigated the relationship between gay and
lesbian identity development and involvement in lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender organizations. No significant relationship was found between
identity development and level of involvement. However, it was found that
participants with more integrated identities showed a preference for support
and social type organizations over education and cultural organizations.
There were also significant relationships between age, coming out, and gay
and lesbian identity development.
53
Experiences of LGBT
Comparatively, several quantitative and qualitative studies have
researched the experiences of lesbian and gay college. These studies
consistently have shown that lesbian and gay students experience
harassment and discrimination across campus and are less likely to view the
campus as welcoming or safe. In addition to these studies, many institutions
have conducted assessments of their own campuses to determine the
climate toward LGBT issues. Often campus activists will use these
assessments as a first step in establishing a need for LGBT programming or
more funding and support for the LGBT organizations (Destinon, Evans, &
Wall, 2005).
In addition to the negative experiences, lesbian and gay students have
had many positive ones, too. Despite all of the negative experiences, many
lesbian and gay students have persisted in higher education and graduated—
though there is no research that shows retention rates of lesbian and gay
students. There has been an increase in the number of “lavender
graduations” across the country as well as the attendance at these events
(Sanlo, 2005). Designed to recognize those members of the LGBT
community (who are either LGBT or straight allies) who have persisted to
graduation, these ceremonies celebrate the uniqueness and excellence of
54
those students. Many students experience a meaningful sense of closure as
a result of these ceremonies.
Similarly, according to Burn (2000), 77% of gay and lesbian college
students in his study had experienced verbal insults due to their sexual
orientation. Furthermore, 27% had experienced threats of physical violence,
while 22% reported being chased or followed. Nearly all of the college
students in this study had heard derogatory remarks on campus referring to
LGBT individuals.
Noteworthy, LGBT Filipinos questioned the results of this survey,
however, claiming that LGBT Filipinos are tolerated only if they fit
stereotypes. For Tan (2012), “‘acceptance’ is conditional as long as the bakla
remain confined to certain occupational niches and fulfill certain stereotypes.”
Garcia (2005) added that “when visitors to the Philippines remark that
Filipinos openly tolerate and/or accept homosexuality, they invariably have in
mind effeminate, cross-dressing men (bakla) swishing down streets and
squealing on television programme with flaming impunity. To equate
Philippine society’s tolerance for public displays of transvestism19 with
wholesale approval of homosexual behavior is naive, if not downright foolish.”
55
Comparatively, Aulin (2013) findings are presented in the form of
narrative, which is constructed based on the data produced by the author.
The story reveals the challenge of sexual identity development in- and
outside of sport, and the constant negotiation between social and athletic
identities. Interpretations of the findings are discussed with relevant theories
of sexual identity development, and previous LGBT research in sport. This
study shows albeit there are general positive change of attitudes towards
LGBT people in Finland, homosexual athletes can still have various
difficulties in developing and expressing their sexual identity in organized
sport and physical activity. Queer practice has a potential to confront the
unequal and oppressive heteronormative constructs in sport and physical
activity domains. However, more studies and stories are needed to
understand the experiences of LGBT people in sport to develop programs
and interventions aimed at increasing athletes‘ and sport practitioners‘
openness to LGBT athletes.
In another study, Gilbert argues that homophobia can be institutional,
cultural, interpersonal, or internalized (as cited in Hemphill, 2009).
Institutionalized homophobia often appears in legislation and policy making,
for example homosexual acts are still punishable in many nations. Most
recent example of institutionalized homophobia we can demonstrate in
56
Russia, where policymakers found a rather vague law that all kinds of
homosexual propaganda in public is prohibited and can be punished.
Institutionalized homophobia also appears in societal institutions in Finland.
Especially some homophobic statements and actions from the church
representatives and politicians have recently got attention in Finland.
Especially a Finnish political party, True Finns, has gained attention with their
members‘ anti-gay and racist statements and policy. For example one of their
representatives in parliament opposed the same-sex marital law by
comparing it to marriages with animals.
Apparently, Franklin‘s (2005) study shows that name-calling and other
―moderate‖ antigay behaviours are socially acceptable even in politically
liberal and reputedly tolerant region and therefore they are often unnoticed
and unreported. Gill (2010) studied undergraduate student‘s attitudes and
perceived climate toward gays and lesbians, and other minority groups in
physical activity settings. Their results confirmed that sexual prejudice is still
there in society and especially in physical activity settings with males
particularly showing negative attitudes towards gay men. Moreover, Gill
(2010) found that perceived attitude climate towards LGBT youth and other
minority groups in physical activity settings were more inclusive for
57
ethnic/racial minorities and most exclusive for gay/lesbians and people with
disabilities.
By the same token, King (2008) conducted systematic review and
meta-analysis of the prevalence of mental disorder, substance misuse,
suicide ideation and deliberate self-harm of LGB people. Their results support
the perception that LGB people have higher risk for different mental
disorders, suicidal behaviour and drug misuse than heterosexual people.
Although, study doesn‘t tell whether homosexuality itself was causing the
results, it is strongly plausible, that social hostility, stigma and discrimination
that most LGB people experience is at least part of the reason for the higher
rates of psychological morbidity observed.
Much more, Haas (2011) state that LGBT minorities suffer significantly
more from mental disorders and have eight times higher suicidal risk
compared to heterosexual population. Conron et al. (2010) found that sexual
minority people are in higher risk for catch chronic disease, victimization,
mental health problems and lower health care access. Especially internalized
homophobia has been hypothesized to be a valid cause of different
psychological and social problems in LGBT people e.g. low self-esteem,
feelings of shame, and avoidance of social situations (Williamson, 2005).
58
Although Kokkonen‘s (2012) study didn‘t show visible mental
consequences caused by discrimination in Finnish LGBT participants in
sports and physical activity, three dozen of participants (out of 419
participants) reported self-harming and suicidal thoughts or plans within a
year because of discrimination in sport and physical activity. Moreover,
participants reported fear to some extent for going to practice, and thoughts
about dropping out from the sports, or changing the coach or team
(Kokkonen, 2012).
Moreover, Drydakis (2014) study results that
minority sexual
orientations, as indicated by job-seekers’ participation in gay and lesbian
university student unions, negatively affected their workplace prospects. The
probability of gay (lesbian) applicants receiving an invitation for an interview
was 5.0% (5.1%) lower than that for heterosexual male (female) applicants.
In addition, gays (lesbians) received invitations for interviews by firms that
paid salaries that were 1.9% (1.2%) lower than those paid by firms that
invited heterosexual male (female) applicants for interviews. In addition, in
male- (female-) dominated occupations, gay men (lesbians) received fewer
invitations for interviews than their non-gay (non-lesbian) counterparts.
Furthermore, gay men (lesbians) also received fewer invitations to interview
for positions in which masculine (feminine) personality traits were highlighted
59
in job applications and at firms that did not provide written equal opportunity
standards, suggesting that the level of discrimination depends partly on the
personality traits that employers seek and on organisation-level hiring
policies. He concluded that heteronormative discourse continues to
reproduce and negatively affect the labour market prospects of gay men and
lesbians.
Furthermore, Tilcsik (2011) estimated that gay men who had
experience in a gay campus organisation in the United States were 40% less
likely to receive a job interview than were their heterosexual counterparts.
The same study also found that employers who emphasised the importance
of stereotypically masculine traits in their job advertisements were particularly
likely to discriminate against gay men. Finally, Ahmed et al. (2013) found that
gay men who were engaged in the ‘Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender Rights’ received fewer invitations for interviews by
3–6%, and lesbians received fewer invitations for interviews at a rate of 6%.
The results of that study also revealed that discrimination against gay men
was higher with respect to male-dominated jobs, whereas discrimination
against lesbians was more pronounced in female-dominated occupations.
60
Insights Learned from the Related Studies
In connection, the societies attitudes towards gays are significantly
changing. Gays “coming out” continued to exists. However, their existence
have received positive and negative critics. Thus, some gays particularly the
youths, have experienced depression that is a leading cause of suicide.
Some gays have strice to shows their thoughts, feeling, values and beliefs to
their existing norms to live the way they want for their lives.
As per viewed, some gays in Tubod were seen as professionals from
teachers profession to being manager of a particular business. On the other
hand, due to fiinancial and sexual needs, some gays were seen as
prostitutes, though it is not considered in the law. Some gays were also
having a hard time to express their feelings due to their discrimination
experineces. For instance, they were experiencing labeling, bad jokes,
employement struggles and even peer acceptance concerns.
61
Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODS
This chapter presents the research design, research environment,
research subjects/respondents, instrumentation, data procedures and
statistical treatment that will be used in this study.
Research Design
This study will employ descriptive-correlation research design wherein
the researchers will describe the Tubod, LanaodelNorte instances on
tolerance level of gays on societal discrimination. The researchers will also
describe the comparison of the level of societal discrimination as perceived
by gays and their level of tolerance with their socio-economic profile in terms
of age, family monthly income and educational attainment. Moreover, the
study will also include the correlation between the level of societal
discrimination as perceived by gays and their level of tolerance on societal
discrimination.
Research Environment
The study will be conducted at Tubod, Lanaodel Norte for the year
2018-2019. Tubod is a second class municipality and the capital of the
62
province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it
has a population of 47,165 people. It is strategically located along the South
Eastern shores of Panguil Bay and is about 60 kilometers SouthWestofIligan
City, 10 kilometers South of Ozamiz City and about 2 kilometers West of
Tangub City.
It is bounded by Panguil bay and the Municipality of Kolambugan on
the North, and Magsaysay on the North East, the municipality of Munai on
the East, and the municipalities of Salvador and Nunungan on the South, and
the municipality of Baroy on the South West. It has a regular terrain with low
planes in the interior and undulating hills to rugged mountains along the
Northern portion down to South Eastern portion of the municipality.
Tubod has 24 barangays and occupies a land area of 24,000 hectares.
Rainfall present every month although it is outside the typhoon belt. It has an
annual mean temperature of 26.67C and a mean monthly rainfall distribution
of less than 74 millimeters. Of the total area of the municipality, 289.05
hectares as public lands both alienable and disposable and forestal land, 310
hectares rice land, 73.24 hectares as fishpond and swamp lands and 117.44
hectares as residential land. Figure B shows the location of the study.
37
PHILIPPINE MAP
Figure B. Locale of the Study
38
Respondents
The study will select 100 gays who are residents in the target location
as samples of the study. The gay respondents must be in legal age. Further,
the respondents shall be a resident of at least 2 years in the target location.
Research Instruments
Self-administered questionnaires will be used to gather data. It will be
divided into three (3) parts. Part I will refer to socio-economic profile of the
respondents in terms of age, family monthly income and educational
attainment. Part II will examine the level of societal discrimination as
perceived by the gays. Table A shows the descriptive interpretation on level
of societal discrimination.
Table A Descriptive Interpretation on Level of Societal Discrimination
Point
Scale
4
3
2
1
Verbal
Interpretation
Strongly Disagree
(SD)
Disagree (D)
Agree (A)
Strongly Agree (SA)
Hypothetical
Range
Verbal
Interpretation
3.26 – 4.00
2.51 – 3.25
1.76 – 2.50
1.00 – 1.75
Very Low (VL)
Low (L)
High (H)
Very High (VH)
39
Part III will determine the level of tolerance of gays on societal
discrimination. Table B shows the descriptive interpretation on level of
tolerance.
Table B Descriptive Interpretation on Level of Tolerance
Point
Scale
4
3
2
1
Verbal
Interpretation
Strongly Disagree
(SD)
Disagree (D)
Agree (A)
Strongly Agree (SA)
Hypothetical
Range
Verbal
Interpretation
3.26 – 4.00
2.51 – 3.25
1.76 – 2.50
1.00 – 1.75
Very Low (VL)
Low (L)
High (H)
Very High (VH)
Data Gathering Procedures
The researchers will seek approval from the Vice President of Student
Affairs to conduct the study. Secondly, the researchers will seek approval
from the Municipality of Tubod to implement the survey. Next, the
researchers will ask approval from the selected respondents for the survey
interview. Then, the researchers will draft and validate the questionnaires.
The researchers will distribute the questionnaires to the respondents to
gather data. Lastly, the researchers will analyze and interpret the results from
the survey with the use of statistical tools. Finally, the researchers will finalize
the results and draw their conclusions and recommendations.
40
Start
1. Will seek approval from the
Vice President of Student
Affairs to conduct the study.
3. Will ask approval from the
selected respondents for the
survey interview.
2. Will seek approval from the
Municipality of Tubod to
implement the survey.
4. Will draft and validate the
questionnaires.
5. Will distribute the
questionnaires to the
respondents to gather data.
7. Will finalize the results and
draw their conclusions and
recommendations.
6. Will analyze and interpret
the results from the survey
with the use of statistical tools.
End
Figure C Data Gathering Procedures
41
Statistical Treatment
The following statistical tools will be used to analyze and interpret the
results of the study.
Frequency-Percentage. This will compute the number of responses
and its ratio. This will answer the problem 1 of the study.
Mean. This will determine the degree of responses on each item
indicators. This will help answer the problem 2 and 3 of the study.
Z-test. This will solve the correlation between the socio-economic
profile of the respondents and the level of societal discrimination and
tolerance. This will help answer the problems 4 and 5 of the study.
Pearson “r”. This will compute the correlation between the level of
tolerance and the level of societal discrimination. This will help answer the
problem 6 of the study.