Rose with thorns: lived experiences of gays serving in Military /
by Kyrzcel Marian M. Abelida, Patricia Camillle C. Jasmin and Michael Angelo D. Segui.
- Indang, Cavite : Cavite State University- Main Campus, 2019.
- xii, 61 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm.
Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Psychology) Cavite State University.
Includes bibliographical references.
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Department of Social Sciences and Humanities College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Department of Social Sciences and Humanities
ABELIDA, KYRZCEL MARIAN M, JASMIN, PATRICIA CAMILLE C. AND SEGUI, MICHAEL ANGELO D., Rose with Thorns: Lived experiences of gays serving in military. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Cavite State University. June 2019. Thesis Adviser: Mayeyean T. Taguibalos, RPm.
The study was conducted to answer the following problems: (1) What are the lived experiences of gays serving in military?; (2) How do they perceive their purpose in their profession?; and (3) What does it mean for the gay participants to be a soldier?
The study used a phenomenological approach research design to delve into perceptions, perspectives, understanding and feelings of gay soldiers who are serving in the military for more than five years, regardless of the nature of their work. The researchers used purposive and snowball sampling. Semi structured interview reviewed by experts was used as an instrument.
Five main themes were prominent from the interview: needs fulfillment, developed characteristics of gay soldier, interaction with co-soldier and other people outside the camp, proving their selves to their family and seeing themselves as eye opener to the society. Generally, the findings revealed that the participants had the need to fulfill something and that they saw it as a big challenge for them. The participants needed to prove themselves in the military and to fulfill the necessities to be accepted as soldiers despite their sexual orientation. They needed to adjust and to perform well in their duties and responsibilities as a soldier so they would receive a sense of acceptance from the people around them. While the participants are in the military service, they developed characteristics such as being obedient to the military policy and responsible for gender expression as a gay soldier. They also gained respect and acceptance form their colleagues and people outside the camp due to their ability to perform well their respective duties and responsibilities.
They also saw their purpose in the military service as someone who is willing to conquer everything for their family. Their respective family is the main reason in pursuing the military profession. They saw themselves continuing the family legacy, obeying father’s will and providing for the family. Also, through the help and support of the family the participants learned to accept and embrace their sexuality. With that the participants served as an eye opener to the society by proving that being gay is not a hindrance in pursuing masculine profession and that masculinity is not a gender bound.
The study revealed that sexual orientation would never be a limit in chasing their dream of being a soldier given that they are doing their promised duties and responsibilities rightly then they are deserving to be in this profession. Everyone can be a soldier provided that they have one shared goal of maintaining peace and fighting for the country.