Diskriminasyon sa Kape ni Barbie: A Study on the Discrimination Experienced by Feminine-Presenting LGBTQIA+ Cafe Baristas Working in Coffee Shops in the City of Manila

Abstract

Feminine-presenting LGBTQIA+ cafe baristas have been experiencing discrimination despite preventive measures set by the local government of Manila and their coffee shops. That said, this qualitative case study aims to explore the discrimination experienced by feminine-presenting LGBTQIA+ cafe baristas working in coffee shops in the city of Manila. In order to achieve the objectives and obtain data for the study, six (6) feminine-presenting LGBTQIA+ cafe baristas working in Manila have been selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Each has gone through in-depth interviews and the data collected were treated with thematic analysis. Findings show that all of the participants have been discriminated against in their workplaces in context with Manila’s sociocultural realities of the city because of their sexual identity and gender expression. The experienced discriminatory acts of the participants are thematized under indecent sexual proposals, nonconsensual sexual contact, verbal discrimination, and favoritism towards male employees. They are discriminated against by a mix of coworkers and customers; the majority of whom are heterosexual cisgender men. These experiences have impacted the participants as employees and as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They have revealed that it has impacted them in skill-related ways, taking personal action, lowering self-confidence, and adjusting their gender expression. By the end of this study, several key recommendations were made by the participants such as conducting seminars and training regarding gender and implementing an anti-discrimination policy and ordinance for coffee shops in Manila and the local government of Manila.