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.
