Social Acceptability of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community among Local Government Legislators in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga

ABSTRACT

This study sought to determine the social acceptability of the LGBTQ community among local government legislators in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga by identifying the legislators’ socio-demographic information; perceived level of social acceptance of the LGBTQ community; factors affecting social acceptability; willingness to create legislation for LGBTQ welfare; and government interventions for LGBTQ welfare and development. Nine (9) out of 13 local legislators were interviewed, supported by key informant interviews with the Gender and Development Office (GAD) focal person and the local LGBTQ organization president. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive, statistical, and narrative analyses. Results showed that local government legislators were generally accepting of the LGBTQ community but were neutral on issues such as same-sex marriage, homosexual sex, adoption by same-sex couples, LGBTQ individuals as church leaders, the establishment of LGBTQ-based religion, and hormone replacement therapy. Socio-demographic characteristics were then associated with acceptance ratings on issue statements. Major factors affecting the social acceptability of LBGTQ among legislators were family upbringing and religion. Local government legislators were also willing to create legislation ensuring LGBTQ welfare and development, on top of government interventions for the LGBTQ community already present in the city. It is recommended that additional government intervention for the LGBTQ community and other stakeholders be implemented to improve their social acceptability among members of the local government unit.
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Social Acceptability of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community among Local Government Legislators in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga

AUTHORS

Care Nicole Elizabeth Fabillar, Francis Mark Dioscoro Fellizar

KEYWORDS