Exploring the life experiences of selected CvSU Silayan members of Cavite State University during their adolescence / by Vanessa C. Bello and Saimon O. Roll.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Social Work) Cavite State University

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Bello, Vanessa C., and Roll, Saimon O. Exploring the Life Experiences of Selected CVSU Silayan Members of Cavite State University During Their Adolescence Undergraduate Thesis in Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Cavite State University. June 2021. Adviser: Ms. Maria Catherine A. Bacor, RSW.

This research was conducted at Cavite State University Indang Cavite. This research is designed as a qualitative study, specifically phenomenology. The researcher used a semi-structured interview to know the different life experiences of the participants. The researchers aimed to (1) To explore the treatment that they received from their family, peers, school and community; (2) To analyze the different problems encountered by the LGBT Students; (3) To draw meaningful insights from their experiences; and (4) To recognize the role of CvSU Silayan in the lives of its The seven (7) CvSU Silayan members who participated in the online interview provided their own pseudonyms. After the interview, it was then transcribed, and manual coding was done. Five (5) main themes were elicited namely: Realizing of Their True Identity which composed of two (2) sub-themes which are Discovery of Oneself During Childhood and Discovery of Oneself During Adolescence; Life Experiences which composed of five (5) sub- themes which are Acceptance by their Immediate Environment, Bullying Experiences in School and Community, Discrimination Experiences, Abuse and Positive Relationship; Coming Out to the Closet which composes of five (5) sub-themes which are Coming out with Family, Coming out with Friends, Coming out with School, Coming out with Community and Responses; Realizations, Strength, and Aspirations which composes of three (3)sub- themes which are Realizations, Experiences as a Source of Strength and Aspirations as members of the LGBT; and lastly, Silayan as an Organization which composes of three (3) sub-themes which composes of Empowerment, Silayan as a Safe Haven,and Inclusivity have appeared from the interview transcripts. After analyzing the data, the researchers concluded that during either childhood or adolescence, people start to question and explore their gender identity. Bullying, discrimination, and abuse are visible in the life of an adolescent LGBT most especially in school and community. There is more likely acceptance from family and friends. They became open and closer with their family and friends. Even though they endured trials as teens, they developed resiliency. They become resilient since they choose to move forward and didn't bother what the others are saying about them. They believe that being honest to themselves is the reason why it is okay to explore their gender identity. Their experiences became their strengths and aspirations. LGBT organizations such as CvSU Silayan or "CvSU Simbolo ng Paglaya sa Kasarian" which is an organization in Cavite State University that aims to fight for the rights of all people to treat with equality regardless of age, race, religion, sex, or gender identity, and UP Babaylan which is a LGBT organization in the University of the Philippines believes in the inherent equality of all persons regardless of status or condition which implies that human beings should not be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation and many other university LGBT organizations are a safe haven for LGBT students. These organizations promote inclusivity to its members and serves as a way of empowering the latter. Keywords: LGBT, Life Experiences, Coming out, CvSU Silayan, Adolescence, Aspirations.

Submitted copy to the University Library. 07/12/2022 T-9238