Impact of sexual orientation microaggression: experiences of cisgender LGB Filipinos across different generations

Existing research suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals often face discriminatory and hostile acts known as microaggressions, which are more prevalent than those experienced by individuals with heterosexual orientations. However, literature examining this phenomenon within the Philippine context is lacking. This explanatory sequential mixed-method research involved 427 LGB cisgender Filipinos aged 18 to 54. The study comprised two phases: Phase I employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to quantify the impact of sexual orientation microaggressions using the Homonegative Microaggressions Scale. Phase II employed a phenomenological method to explore further the impact of sexual orientation microaggressions through participants’ lived experiences. Findings from the quantitative phase revealed that all LGB Filipinos in the study, regardless of generation (X, Y, Z), experienced similar levels of homonegative microaggressions. No significant differences were found among participants’ experiences of sexual orientation microaggressions when grouped by generation. Qualitative interviews conducted in the second phase validated the presence and impact of homonegative microaggressions, leading to the emergence of five themes: (1) Heteronormativity & Social Expectations, (2) Marginalization & Exclusion, (3) Verbal & Psychological Harassment, (4) Emotional & Psychological Impact, and (5) Challenging Gender Norms & Expectations. These findings were derived from interviews with 11 randomly selected participants from the Phase I sample. The implications and future directions of research are discussed.