STAND STRAIGHT: LGBTQ ACEEPTABILITY IN
SOCIETY
Presented by:
GROUP MIXED COMMUNITIES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE ………………………………………….. i
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION
Background Information on the Research…..……….. 1
Research Questions on Hypothesis.………......……… 2
Significance of the Study ……………………………. 3
Scope and Limitations ……………………………..… 4
Chapter 1
INRODUCTION
Background of the Study
According to Merriam Webster, LGBTQ are classified as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. But
however, not all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or
transgender consider themselves as part of the LGBTQ
community.
“It was not about being gay that they needed to be
respected; it was about having the decency to accept that they
are part of the society they live in without excluding them just
because they are queer.” – ineryss. Have you ever wondered
what are the possible feelings of LGBT towards themselves?
Do they ever feel disgusted or ashamed? If so, do you think it
changed the way they interacted with others?
Research has shown that LGBT students are
disproportionately affected by bullying, harassment, and
discrimination compared to their heterosexual and cisgender
peers. A study about the LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
published in 2020 found that LGBTQ adolescents experience
higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The socialization
experiences of LGBTQ students worldwide are evolving as
societal acceptance of LGBT individuals grows. Nevertheless,
many homosexual students continue to face these issues due
to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
As a mainly catholic country, the Philippine Catholic
Church does not promote the idea that homosexuality is
inherently wrong; it only condemns “active” homosexuality (gay,
sexual relations, promiscuity, basically what conservatives have
described a “the gay lifestyle”). However, law makers and
school administration in our school have recognized that
bullying of LGBTQ youth is a serious problem. The adverse
treatment of LGBTQ students experience is the result of the
lack of information and resources about LGBT issues available
in schools. When students face issues such as discrimination
and bullying in school – whether in isolation or together – the
school can become a difficult or hostile environment. In return, it
influences the students to hide themselves from the public’s
view and often become unsociable to those who don’t embrace
them.
The problems faced by the lack of acceptance of LGBTQ
students in schools prompted the researchers to connect with
homosexual students of Trinidad V. Canja – Sta. Teresa
National High School, posing a survey to answer questions
about their perceptions of themselves, bridging the lack of
communication between homosexual and heterosexual people
which is leading them to misunderstand the Pride community.
As most of the researchers are fond of watching and reading
Boy’s Love (BL) series or stories, they have resonated with the
weight carried by closeted homosexuals—who are afraid to be
judged and neglected by society—and aimed to deliver
information to what has been forsaken. This research aims to
answer the question: Does the perception of LGBTQ students
about themselves affect their socialization towards others?
According to LGBTQ+ Stigma and Mental Health,
Information about LGBTQ is crucial for fostering acceptance
because it breaks down harmful stereotypes and
misconceptions. Many people hold inaccurate or outdated
views about LGBTQ individuals. Knowledge about how they
feel helps to create a more inclusive community where
everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
Therefore, information about the effects of LGBTQ
perception play a significant role in understanding and knowing
that the negative actions by the society to homosexuals
affected the self-esteem and self-respect they have for
themselves.
Research Question on Hypothesis
This study explored the perceptual outcomes in LGBTQ
students’ socialization.
Specifically, it provided answers to the following
questions:
1. Does what LGBTQ students think about themselves push
them to lie about their sexuality?
2. Is being part of the LGBTQ community affecting their
values important to socialization?
3. What do LGBTQ students feel about themselves?
4. How did societal views of LGBTQ affect their perceptions
of themselves?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant in understanding the social
experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ students in the
Philippines. This research seeks to contribute new insights into
how LGBTQ students socialize within educational settings, and
how they are impacted by societal perceptions and attitudes.
The result of this study is significant to the following:
1. LGBTQ Students
This study is crucial to LGBTQ students as it sheds light
on their unique socialization experiences in educational
settings. By understanding how their interactions with
peers and school environments influence their sense of
belonging, this research can help identify areas where
support is needed, ensuring that LGBTQ students feel
accepted and safe in their school communities.
2. Educators and School Administrators
This research provides valuable insights for educators
and school administrators, highlighting the importance of
creating inclusive and supportive environments for
LGBTQ students. The findings can guide the
development of anti-bullying policies, LGBTQ-inclusive
curricula, and awareness programs, fostering a more
accepting and understanding atmosphere in schools.
3. Policymakers and Advocacy Groups
For policymakers and LGBTQ advocacy groups, this
study is significant as it offers evidence-based data on the
experiences of LGBTQ students in schools. This can
inform the creation of policies aimed at reducing
discrimination and bullying, advocating for LGBTQ rights,
and ensuring that schools are equipped with the
necessary resources to support students of all sexual
orientations and gender identities.
4. Parents and Families of LGBTQ Students
This research is significant for parents and families of
LGBTQ students, as it provides a deeper understanding
of the challenges their children may face in school. It can
help parents advocate for a safer, more supportive school
environment and encourage open conversations about
socialization, identity, and acceptance.
5. The Philippine Society
This study is significant to Philippine society by
contributing to the ongoing dialogue about LGBTQ rights,
identity, and inclusion. It highlights the need for cultural
and societal shifts towards greater acceptance of
diversity, not only in schools but across communities, to
ensure equal treatment and dignity for LGBTQ
individuals.
By addressing the social experiences of LGBTQ students, this
study aims to create a broader understanding of the challenges
they face and promote a more inclusive, supportive, and
respectful environment for all students.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study aimed to explore the perceptual outcomes in
LGBTQ students of Trinidad V. Canja – Sta. Teresa National
High School and if it affects their socialization to other students,
teachers, or people in the community. The study will target a
sample of 41 student respondents from each grade level
anonymously. Survey sheets were given to the respondents
which consist of 10 questions that are answered by a yes or no.
On top of that, there is a classification of which gender
orientation they classify themselves to. The result will be
evaluated based on the Cronbach’s Alpha’s method which will
determine the consistency of the answers on the survey of 41
LGBTQ students of TVC-STNHS. As a result of the evaluation,
the level of consistency of the answers will provide the data
about the effect of perceptual outcomes of LGBTQ students in
terms of socialization. The expected outcome is to have an
overview on how does LGBTQ view themselves and its effect to
their socialization.
The limitations of this study include the relatively small
sample size, which may not be representative of the larger
student population. Additionally, the study’s focus on a single
school may limit the generalizability of the findings to other
institutions or regions. The use of self-reported data may also
introduce biases, and the study’s duration may not capture
changes in attitudes over time. Future research should aim to
address these limitations by recruiting a larger, more diverse
sample and exploring the perceptual outcomes of LGBTQ
students’ socialization in different contexts.
Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
Goodenow (1993) defined sense of belonging as
‘students’ sense of being accepted, valued, and included, and
accepted by others.” The existing study of Hinton et. Al (2021)
explored the relationship between identity centrality of LGBTQ
and psychosocial outcomes. In this paper, they have used
comprehensive systematic and meta-analytic literature review
from the past studies of different identity centrality defined by
previous research (e.g. Leach et. Al., 2008; Stryker & Serpe,
1994).
The paper centralized on the importance of the role of
LGBTQ identity centrality and identify crucial gaps in the
literature that should be addressed. The result showed that
greater levels of LGBTQ centrality relate to more positive
identity-relations.
III. METHODOLOGY
A. RESEARCH DESIGN
The study employs a quantitative research design based
on a survey approach to evaluate the perceptual consequences
of socialization among LGBTQ students. The study will examine
students’ perception of self-acceptance, discrimination, and
socialization experiences. With a sectional survey design, data
will be gathered from a sample of 41 students from random
grades to ensure an extensive and representative group of
participants. The information will be examined using descriptive
statistics and correlation analysis to determine the relationship
between demographic variables, social acceptance, and
outcomes of socialization.
B. ANALYSIS OF DATA
Descriptive statistics:
Frequency distributions, percentages, and measures of central
tendency (mean, median, mode) will be used to summarize the
demographic attributes of the sample and responses to
individual items on the Likert-scale survey questions.
Based on the survey, we have found out that in section 1, which
asks about social acceptance and peer interactions, students
mostly agree, and there are 51.22% of students who are neutral
about having a safe space in sharing their identity. In section 2,
almost 50% of the respondents are neutral in the case of
support from school, with the highest 58.54% for a supportive
environment in school and 48.78% on the other questions. In
section 3, about challenges and discrimination among LGBT
students, there are 58.34% of respondents who are neutral in
identifying stereotypes in LGBTQ. Also, there are 29.27% of
respondents who agree and disagree with the idea of
judgement in friendship. Furthermore, section 4 discusses that
43.41% of respondents can openly introduce their LGBTQ
friends to their families. Additionally, there are 44% who agreed
that they are open with their gender to their family and friends.
(In this we have also found out that lesbians have higher
acceptability in families while bisexuals.)
IV. DISCUSSION
In the study of Hinton et. Al 2020, they investigated the
relationship between identity centrality and psychosocial
outcomes via a comprehensive systematic and meta-analytic
literature review. And therefore, having found out greater level
of centrality relates to more positive identity-relevant
affirmations, but also greater prejudice/discrimination
perceptions and experiences.
Meanwhile, in our study, we have found out that in school
settings, students are in a neutral stage in terms of acceptance
from the society. The study also highlighted the ongoing
stereotypes in gender, thus suggesting that openness and
acceptance should be valued. Consequently, as time
progresses, the percentage of acceptance in family members
who are part of the LGBTQ has improved, which the survey
also proved. We have also found out that only 46.34% disagree
with being excluded because of gender identity, thus seeing
that there are still set boundaries between different genders.
V. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study is not just mere numbers of answers. It
shows how the LGBTQ look at their social experiences, like the
challenges they faced and stereotypes and neutrality in
discrimination and pressure in hiding. The researchers are glad
to have found that there is a greater amount of LGBTQ
students who are accepted rather than not.
The researchers identified gaps in the study, like if there are
better ways to come up with the results or other methods that
are easier and more reliable, which are encouraged. Also, the
study aims to be an eye-opener to what really is happening to
our society, thus highlighting the significance of inclusive
settings that promote the social integration and mental health of
LGBTQ students.
A. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The study has found out that students mostly agree, and there
are 51.22% LGBTQ students who are neutral about having a
safe space in sharing their identity. Almost 50% of the
respondents are neutral in the case of support from school, with
the highest 58.54% for a supportive environment in school and
48.78% on the other questions. Additionally, there are 58.34%
of respondents who are neutral in identifying stereotypes in
LGBTQ. Also, there are 29.27% of respondents who agree and
disagree with the idea of judgement in friendship. Also, 43.41%
of respondents can openly introduce their LGBTQ friends to
their families, and there are 44% who agreed that they are open
with their gender to their family and friends.
B. RESTATEMENT OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
HYPOTHESIS
We observed that students' comfort levels with expressing
their LGBTQ+ identification vary, based on what we did. While
some students are comfortable talking about their identities,
others are reticent or hesitant to do so. Sometimes, out of
dread of being judged, kids will even decide to lie about who
they are. We also found that some students come from
supportive families who openly welcome LGBTQ+ people, while
others are hesitant to acknowledge or introduce their LGBTQ+
acquaintances. Some face hesitation and dread, while others
have their families' complete support. Regarding socializing, our
results also show that LGBTQ+ students have different
experiences. There is freedom of expression for many in the
community and at school.
C. RECOMMENDATION
Because our subject matter is highly sensitive, in addition to
the fact that it is among students in our institution, we
researchers have suggested that prior to conducting our survey,
we should seek permission or consent from LGBT students to
respond to the survey. By doing so we can gain our
respondents' trust, and we can make sure that they do not feel
any kind of discomfort in responding to the questionnaire.
Another suggestion is that we could also increase the sample
size and scope, encompassing a wider and larger population of
LGBTQ+ students in other institutions. Through this suggestion,
we can widen our information regarding LGBT students
perceptions amongst themselves and how it influences their
socialization amongst other individuals in various schools.