Gender Violence in Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBT): Cases in the Philippines

Abstract

The study aimed to explore gender violence among Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBT) in the Philippines. It employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study respondents were 400 LGBT (p=0.05, oo=0.05, d=0.05) aged 16-60 years old who were selected through purposive and convenient sampling. The study made use of a self-administered survey questionnaire developed for the purpose of exploring gender violence in LGBTs (see Appendix). Data analysis made use of descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that 69.3 percent of the respondents said that they have a harmonious family relationship (n=400). Most of them experienced having enemies, being bullied and being a bully at school because of their sexual orientation. More than half or 60.9 percent have a relationship at present and the results showed that age 16-21 is the time when a LGBT first experience intimate relationship. 75.3 percent of the sample said that they experienced gender violence. Specifically, 95.3 percent of them experienced physical maltreatment and 83.1 percent experienced emotional abuse, both in varying types and degrees. Although, no one disclosed any experience of sexual abuse. Results also showed that 34.6 percent cried as an immediate response after they experience violence. When asked on their point of view on how LGBTs can be helped, 55.8 percent said that they should be respected as humans. The findings from the FGDs and Case Study Interviews showed that (1) The status of being LGBT (being “out” or not) was very relevant in having experiences of gender violence, (2) Acceptance of sexual orientation of the respondent as well as his/her family, friends and other people was an indicator of GV, (3) The LGBTs were (still) not accepted in the country, (4) Religion and social norms were the top two causes or reasons of prejudice and discrimination that causes GV, (5)Transgenders were the most discriminated and abused while the Bisexuals were the least among the LGBTs and (6) Respect and acceptance from family, friends, intimate partners, other people and the authority were deemed most helpful. This study concludes that gender violence in LGBTs were becoming more prevalent in the country. The phenomenon cut across all ages, social class, religion, social class and genders.