Thesis Proposal

Aklan State University
School of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
THE EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE SELF-WORTH OF
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT)
INDIVIDUALS
An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Presented to

The Faculty of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Subject
Nursing Research 1
LOURENZ SAUSA-BONTIA
April 2017
0
ENDORSEMENT FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION
This research proposal entitled The Effects of Discrimination in the

Self-worth of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Individuals
prepared and submitted this April 2017 by Lourenz S. Bontia, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements in Nursing Research 1 is hereby endorsed for evaluation.
CAROL JOY PALMA-REMANESES, RN, MHSS

Research Instructor
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework ..

5
3
Table of Contents
Endorsement Sheet ....................................................................................................

i
Acknowledgment......................................................................................................... ii
List of Figures...................................................................................................
iii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study..
1
Statement of the Problem.... 3
Specific Objectives....
3
Conceptual Framework.........................................................................
4
Theoretical Framework.
6
Significance of the Study...................................................................... 10
Scope and Delimitations ..
12
Definition of Terms
13
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Situations that place LGBT Individuals into Discrimination......
16
Types of Discrimination Experienced by LGBT Individuals.. 19
Effects of Discrimination to the Self-worth of LGBT Individuals..
22
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLGY
Research Design....
24
Research Method...
24
Locale of the Study.
24
Respondents of the Study.
24
Sampling Technique.. 25
4
Sampling Size.
25
Research Instrument.
25
Data Gathering Procedure...
25
Data Analysis.. 26
Methodological Limitations
26
Ethical Considerations
26
REFERENCES
28
APPENDIX..
31
A. Letter of Request for the Permission to Conduct the Study 31

B. Letter of Validation of the Instrument. 32
C. Instruments.
33
D. Curriculum Vitae 35
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people continue to

experience various forms of oppression and discrimination throughout the world,
despite the social, legal, and political advances that have been launched in an
attempt to grant LGBT people basic human rights. Even though LGBT people
and communities have been actively engaged in community organizing and
social action efforts since the early twentieth century, research on LGBT issues
has been, for the most part, conspicuously absent from the very field of
psychology (Harper, 2003).
5
According to Gallup (2016), the proportion of Americans who identify

themselves as a member of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) is
4.1%. In the Philippines, the gay population has really skyrocketed. Experts are
not sure about this growth but it is estimated that there are more than 804,000
gay men in the country. In other words, one out of every 16 men is gay (Insider
Monkey, 2015).
A 2009 study on transgender employees found that 97% of those surveyed

experienced harassments or mistreatment in their workplace. Up to 43% of LGBT
employees say that theyve experienced discrimination in the workplace because
of their sexual preferences, even though of them havent made their sexual
preferences known. Up to 41% of LGBT employees say that theyve either been
physically or verbally abused by their co-workers or had their workplace
vandalized (Gaille, 2015).
The only bill directly concerning the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender (LGBT) community in the Philippines is the Anti-Discrimination Act.
This bill seeks that all persons regardless of sex or sexual orientation must be
treated the same as everyone else, wherein conditions do not differ in the
privileges granted and the liabilities enforced.
This study will be conducted because there is currently no law protecting

individuals from discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation.
This means that at any time, someone can be discriminated against, fired or not
hired simply because he/she is or is perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgender. Being discriminated may affect the individual life and personality,
thus if the individual perceived it as negative it will affect his self-worth that may
lead to other psychological problems. That is why this study would like to identify
the effects of discrimination in the self-worth of the LGBT people
1
Statement of the Problem
The main objective of this study is to identify the effects of discrimination in

the self-worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
Specifically, this study would like to answer the following questions:
1. What are the situations that put lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) individuals to discrimination?
2. What are the different types of discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals?
3. What are the effects of discrimination in the self-worth of lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals?
2
Conceptual Framework
Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework for the study The Effects of
Discrimination in the Self-worth of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
(LGBT) Individuals. The conceptual framework displays the relationship between
the independent, intervening, and dependent variables on how discrimination
affect the self-worth of lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
individuals.
The independent variables in this conceptual framework are coming out,

same-sex relationship, homophobia, heteronormativity, and religion and
homosexuality. These variables displays the causes how discrimination occurs.
The intervening variables, such as harassment, victimization, indirect and

directs discrimination, act as the mode on how a discrimination occurs. With
these variables, discrimination can occur and produce unnecessary effects
towards the self-worth of LGBT individuals.
The dependent variables shows the effects of discrimination in the self-

worth of LGBT individuals. The variables are suicidal thoughts, social isolation,
fear of being judged, and low self-esteem. These variables will serve as the
effects from different situations that put LGBT individuals to discrimination.
It was evident that there were limited research studies regarding the
effects of discrimination in the self-worth of lesbians, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) individuals. Therefore, this study was imperative to
determine if the effects are alarming and if necessary actions are needed to be
implemented.
3
Conceptual Framework
Independent Variables Intervening Variables Dependent Variables

Situations that put Types of Effects of
LGBT Individuals to Discrimination Discrimination to
Discrimination Experienced by the Self-worth of
LGBT Individuals LGBT Individuals
Coming out
Same-sex Harassment Suicidal thoughts
Victimization Social isolation
relationship
Direct sex Fear of being
Homophobia
Heteronormativity discrimination judged
Religion and Indirect sex Low self-esteem
homosexuality discrimination
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for the study The Effects of Discrimination in

the Self-worth of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Individuals
4
Theoretical Framework
Labelling Theory1
Labelling Theory is sometimes referred to as 'social reaction theory'

because of its emphasis upon society's reactions to the deviant rather than on
the deviant as an individual. Becker (1963) makes the point: 'the central fact
about deviance [is that] it is created by society Social groups create deviance
by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance and by applying those
rules to particular people and labelling them as 'outsiders'. This tells us that the
ability to define another person's behavior as deviant stems from the differences
in power certain groups exercise in society.
Becker illustrates this through the example of the work of anthropologist

Bronislaw Malinowski who describes how a youth in the Trobriand Islands killed
himself because he had been publicly accused of incest. Islanders expressed
their disgust, yet upon further investigation Malinowski found incest was relatively
widespread and not frowned upon providing it was discreet. The rule that was
broken was that the youth had been indiscreet about his behavior. This case
study illustrates the basis of labelling theory; it is not the act that is significant but
the social reaction.
Becker is thus putting forward an alternative approach to the structural

explanations of deviance (such as functionalist, Marxist or subcultural theory)
where the focus is upon the deviant or the system as the problem. Instead he
focuses upon how those who commit acts of deviance - those who become seen
as 'outsiders' are labelled deviant, not because of the act, but because of the
reaction that defines them as deviant. Deviance is thus viewed as relative
depending upon who commits it, who sees it and what the response is, not some
universal category. Even with crime, labelling theorists would argue the law often
1 Labelling Theory and Howard Becker. (2012, October 06). Retrieved February 13, 2017, from NORTH WALES GOGLEDD CYMRU:
http://www.14-19nw.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=8801
5
is seen to apply to some rather than others. It may be seen to be enforced more
strongly on those with lowest status in society and applied more liberally to those
in higher social positions.
So the central questions for understanding the labelling process are how
individuals become labelled as deviant and the consequences for that person of
being so labelled. In addition, we need to understand how certain acts come to
be defined as deviant in the first place. Although labelling theory (unlike Marxism)
does not have a coherent theory of power to explain why some groups are more
successful than others in getting laws passed, Becker saw the poor and
powerless, whose behavior is most likely to be labelled as deviant, as
'underdogs'. Becker gives the example of how 'moral entrepreneurs' managed to
get cannabis outlawed in the USA in 1937. A campaign by the Federal Bureau
supported by Readers Digest magazine adopted a 'moral crusade' that 'plugged
in' to values commonly held in society that drug-taking was wrong.
Becker noted that deviance can easily become the 'master status' of an
individual. Past and present actions become defined in terms of the deviant label
that is a major feature of a person's identity. The significance of master status is
that this can be internalized by the individual as their key defining characteristic
too. When this happens there is a danger of an individual embarking upon a
'deviant career' whereby deviance is central to their experiences.
This theory explains how the individuals behavior influenced by the terms
use to describe or classify them. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
individuals are often labelled as gay, faggot or homo, these labels along with
harsh remarks may affect how are they going to behave in the society. If LGBT
individuals took it as negative and start to live with it, it will affect their lives and
can lead to mental health problems.
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Social Identity Theory2
Tajfel and Turners social identity theory explains that part of a persons
concept of self comes from the groups to which that person belongs. An
individual does not just have a personal selfhood, but multiple selves and
identities associated with their affiliated groups. A person might act differently in
varying social contexts according to the groups they belong to, which might
include a sports team they follow, their family, their country of nationality, and the
neighborhood they live in, among many other possibilities.
When a person perceives themselves as part of a group, that is an

ingroup for them. Other comparable groups that person does not identify with are
called outgroups. We have an us vs. them mentality when it comes to our
ingroups and their respective outgroups.
There are three processes that create this ingroup/outgroup mentality:
Social Categorization. First, we categorize people in order to understand

and identify them. Some examples of social categories include black, white,
professor, student, Republican, and Democrat. By knowing what categories we
belong to, we can understand things about ourselves, and we can define
appropriate behavior according to the groups that we and others belong to. An
individual can belong to several groups at the same time.
Social Identification. We adopt the identity of the group that we belong

to, and we act in ways that we perceive members of that group act. For example,
if you identify as a Democrat, you will most likely behave within the norms of that
group. As a consequence of your identification with that group, you will develop
2 Turner, J. C., & Tajfel, H. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. Psychology of intergroup relations, 7-24.
7
emotional significance to that identification, and your self-esteem will be

dependent on it.
Social Comparison. After we categorize ourselves within a group and

identify ourselves as being members of that group, we tend to compare our
group (the ingroup) against another group (an outgroup). To maintain your self-
esteem, you and your group members will compare your group favorably against
other ones. This helps explain prejudice and discrimination, since a group will
tend to view members of competing groups negatively to increase self-esteem.
In social identity theory, LGBT individuals may view themselves as an

outgroup. They view themselves as an outgroup because societal norms said
that there are only two gender in this world. With this, the personality of LGBT
individuals may change along with his or her view in life.
8
Significance of the Study
This study can benefit not just the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) individuals but many personalities and organization as well
LGBT individuals. The results of this study will give them awareness
about the discrimination they received and they themselves would know what
appropriate actions they will take to cope with discrimination.
LGBT Party. To pass a law, there is a need to have an evidence. This

study can provide the party necessary information that they may need to pass a
law.
LGBTs families. It will give them awareness about how their LGBT family
member is doing. With that, they will going to have an understanding and be
more sensitive about them.
Department of Health (DOH). The outcomes may be used as a basis that

there is indeed necessary attention of mental health. Thus, DOH can implement
a program about mental health.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The gathered

data may be used as a basis of wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) individuals in their community. It may also help them to
identify the violence that the LGBT individuals are experiencing.
Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. PMHA can help LGBT

individuals suffering from effects of discriminations to recover and adjust their
way of living. And also with these data gathered, it may help them to strengthen
up their programs like counselling and mental health education to the youth to
educate them about the effects of discrimination.
9
Aklan State University. With this study and data gathered, it will help the
school to become aware of the effects of discrimination in the self-worth of LGBT
individuals and with that they can make necessary action if discrimination is
present in the campus. And also it will help them to make a discrimination-free
campus.
Office of the Students Affairs. The data gathered in this study may help
them to become aware of the discrimination experienced by LGBT individuals
and thus they can help by making the institution a discrimination-free campus.
BSN Program. This study could serve as a baseline data for future studies
and reference in guiding related future researches.
BSN Students. The nursing students will be able to gain knowledge on the
effects of discrimination in the self-worth of LGBT individuals and will serve as a
reference in conducting studies related to this research.
Future Researchers. This study will benefit students who would conduct
future thesis about this research. The knowledge that they will be able to extract
will serve as a foundation for their study.
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Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study identifies the effects of discrimination in the self-worth of LGBT

people. It would also show the cause why discrimination is still present. This
study would cover the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender perception about
the effects of discrimination in their self-worth and how it affects their daily lives,
especially in their workplace, school, household, and in public places. And this
study would like also to explore about the different types of discriminations and
how the discrimination is being triggered.
The study would be in qualitative form of research wherein the data

gathered were in descriptive form. This study is limited only to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender people, it does not covers any male or female
respondents. There is only a limited number of respondents. The respondents
were all within the province of Aklan.
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Definition of Terms
Bisexual. A man or a woman who is sexually attracted to both men and women
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to a man or a woman who is attracted to both

men and women
Coming out. In this study, it refers to the process which an LGBT person accepts
their gender identity as part of their overall identity
Direct sex discrimination. In this study, it refers to treating someone less

favorably because of their sex than someone of the other sex would
be treated in the same circumstances
Gay. A man who is sexually attracted to other man (Merriam-Webster Dictionary,

1998)
In this study, it refers to a man attracted to other men
Gender. The state of being male or female (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to the sex of the respondent (lesbian, gay,

bisexual, or transgender)
Harassment. The act of annoying someone in a constant or repeated way

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to any repetitive acts, such as making of harsh

remarks, which bothers LGBT people in their daily lives
Heteronormativity. Relating to the attitude that heterosexuality is the only

normal and natural expression of sexuality (Merriam-Webster
Dictionary, 1998)
12
In this study, it refers to any lifestyle norms that persuade people to

act according to their gender designated at birth
Homophobia. Irrational fear or discrimination against homosexuality or

homosexuals (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to a feeling of strong aversion against

homosexual individuals
Indirect sex discrimination. In this study, it refers to the policy or practice which
someone of a particular sex is less likely to be able to meet than
and this places them at a disadvantage to the opposite sex
Lesbian. A woman who is sexually attracted to other woman (Merriam-Webster

Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to a woman attracted to other women.
Low self-esteem. In this study it refers to unfavorable impression of ones self
Religion and homosexuality. In this study, it refers to any doctrines, such as

Mosaic Covenant and homosexuality, of the religion against gay
people
Same-sex relationship. In this study, it refers to the relationship between

persons of the same sex
Social isolation. In this study it refers to any act of avoidance of any social
interaction
Suicidal thoughts. In this it refers to any thoughts of ending ones life
Transgender. A person who identifies with a gender identity that differs from the
one which corresponds to the persons sex at birth (Merriam-
Webster Dictionary, 1998)
In this study, it refers to people whose gender identity differs from

that which they were designated at birth
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Victimization. Treating someone cruelly or unfairly (Merriam-Webster Dictionary,

1998)
In this study, it refers to causing someone to be treated unfairly or

made to feel as if he is in a bad position.
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Through the review of related literature and related studies, researcher was
provided the knowledge and background on the topic or subject being studied.
Reading these literatures and studies will help the researchers determine what
has been done in the past and will give the researchers pointers on how to
develop or make some progress on the status of its study.
Situations that place LGBT Individuals into Discrimination
Coming Out
Coming out refers to the process which an LGBT person accepts their
gender identity as part of their overall identity.
LGB people may be prevented from coming out by fears about career
progression; lack of visible senior LGB staff; temporary employment status;
previous negative experiences of discrimination and harassment; desiring
privacy; macho or religious attitudes/behaviors of coworkers (Wright et. al.,
2006).
According to Wong and Tang (2004), low level of psychological distress in

Chinese gay men was linked to their coming out experiences, which were in turn
related to TRA components of involvement and identification with gay
communities and positive attitudes toward coming out.
Despite the increased implementation of an equality agenda (e.g. equal

access; widening participation) in UK Higher Education, homophobia on campus
15
is still a significant problem and therefore universities are not perceived nor
experienced by LGBT students as safe spaces in which to be open about sexual
orientation/gender identity (Ellis, 2009).
Same-sex relationship
Same-sex relationship refers to the relationship between persons of the same

sex.
According to the study of Russell et. al. (2001), youths with both-sex
attractions were at a somewhat higher risk for substance use and abuse than
were heterosexual youths.
In the study of Gilman et. al. (2001), a total of 2.1% of men and 1.5% of
women reported 1 or more same-sex sexual partners in the past 5 years. These
respondents had higher 12-month prevalence of anxiety, mood, and substance
use disorders and of suicidal thoughts and plans than did respondents with
opposite-sex partners only.
In other studies, same-sex couples were granted significantly fewer hotel

reservations than opposite-sex couples, suggesting that there was indeed
discrimination against same-sex couples (Jones, 2010).
Same-sex couples experience minority stress as they interact with their

family members, coworkers, and communities (Rostosky et. al., 2007).
Homophobia
Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1998) defined homophobia as an irrational

fear or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.
Data from interviews and focus groups with young LGBT participants
suggest a strong link between homophobia and selfdestructive behaviors
(McDermott et. al., 2008).
16
In the study of Diaz et. al. (2001), where it assessed the relation between
experiences of social discrimination (homophobia, racism, and financial hardship)
and symptoms of psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and suicidal
ideation) among self-identified gay and bisexual Latino men in the United States.
The study showed high prevalence rates of psychological symptoms of distress
in the population of gay Latino men during the 6 months before the interview,
including suicidal ideation (17% prevalence), anxiety (44%), and depressed
mood (80%).
According to the study of Wilson and Yoshikawa (2016), Asian and Pacific
Islander (A&PI) gay men experience types of discrimination across a variety of
contexts. Homophobia and anti-immigrant discrimination were linked to
confrontation and social network-based responses whereas discrimination based
in stereotypes of passivity / submission were linked with self-attribution.
Heteronormativity
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1998), heteronormativity relates

to the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of
sexuality.
Internalized heterosexism fully mediated the relationships between both

gender role conflicts around restrictive affectionate behavior between men and
heterosexist discrimination and depression (Dawn and Ayze, 2013).
According to the study of Cech and Waidzunas (2010) on homosexual

engineering students, both pervasive prejudicial cultural norms and perceptions
of competence particular to the engineering profession can limit the students'
opportunities to succeed, relative to their heterosexual peers.
In the study of Ferfolja (2007), it shows that despite an apparent broader

societal tolerance for nonheterosexuality, as well as legislation that condemns
antihomosexual discrimination in education in New South Wales, homophobic
prejudice often in the form of silence, omission and assumption prevails.
17
Both implicit discrimination that results from heteronormative attitudes

and explicit discrimination that causes LGBT sports-people to remain in the
closet, become isolated and essentially silenced, have shaped a circle of silence
on this topic (Symons, et. al., 2010).
Religion and homosexuality
In the study of Hariss (2008) among gay and lesbian adults, results
indicated that : (1) levels of religious commitment did not predict positive
adjustment and did not appear to interact with the other religious variables
assessed; (2) scriptural literalism (i.e., interpreting Biblical scripture with
comparatively little attention to historical context) was not related to internalized
homophobia or sexual identity development; and (3) higher levels of
postconventional religious reasoning (i.e., making religious decisions
independently rather than in deference to other authorities) predicted lower levels
of internalized homophobia and higher levels of sexual identity development.
According to Hooghes, et. al. (2010), various religious denominations

proved to have a strong and significant negative impact on tolerance, with
especially high scores for Islam. Religious practice, too, contributes to a negative
attitude toward LGBT rights.
Types of Discrimination Experienced by LGBT Individuals
Harassment
According to the Equality Act of 2010, harassment is defined as unwanted

conduct and must be related to a relevant protected characteristic or be of a
sexual nature. It must also have the purpose or effect of violating a persons
dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive
environment for that individual.
18
Harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation was studied in

a sample of 121 undergraduate students between 19 and 22 years of age. Over
three fourths of the respondents reported verbal abuse and over one fourth had
been threatened with violence (D'Augelli. 1992).
According to the study of Huebner et. al. (2003), thirty-seven percent of

the respondents reported experiencing anti-gay verbal harassment in the
previous 6 months; 11.2% reported discrimination, and 4.8% reported physical
violence.
Another study by Peters (2003), showed that 94% of the students

surveyed hear anti-gay epithets frequently or sometimes in their schools; 86%
of students say that anti-gay harassment is rarely or never confronted by
school officials; and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) of students have been physically
harassed based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.
Victimization
According to the Equality Act of 2010, victimization is when an employee

is treated less favorably than others for: (1) making an allegation of
discrimination, and/or, (2) supporting a complaint of discrimination, and/or, (3)
giving evidence relating to a complaint about discrimination, and/or, (4) raising a
grievance concerning equality or discrimination, and/or, (5) doing anything else
for the purposes of (or in connection to) the Equality Act 2010.
Data drawn from a survey of a diverse sample of 5,730 LGBT youths who
had attended secondary schools in the United States showed that victimization
contributed to lower academic outcomes and lower self-esteem; however,
school-based supports contributed to lower victimization and better academic
outcomes (Kosciw et. al., 2012).
The sample consisted of 488 subjects older than 18 years (M = 25.1), who
were interviewed during the 2007 LGBT Pride Parade in Santiago, Chile showed
that approximately three fourths of respondents reported experiencing ridicule
19
and almost 60% reported experiencing insults or threats. Transgender were

significantly more likely than gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals to experience
discrimination or victimization events (Barrientos et. al., 2010).
Direct sex discrimination
According to the Equality Act of 2010, direct discrimination occurs where

someone is treated less favourably directly because of a protected characteristic
they possess, a protected characteristic of someone they are associated with,
such as a friend, family member or colleague or a protected characteristic they
are thought to have, regardless of whether this perception by others is actually
correct or not.
In the study of Tilcsik (2011), two main findings have emerged. First, in
some but not all states, there was a significant discrimination against the fictitious
applicants who appeared to be gay. Second, employers who emphasized the
importance of stereotypically male heterosexual traits were particularly likely to
discriminate against openly gay men.
According to the study of Hunter (1990), 41% in the sample reported

having suffered violence from families, peers, or strangers; 46% of that violence
was gay-related.
Indirect sex discrimination
According to the Equality Act of 2010, indirect sex discrimination is where

a provision, criterion or practice is applied equally to a group of employees/job
applicants, but has (or will have) the effect of putting those who share a certain
protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage when compared to others in
the group, and the employer is unable to justify it.
20
In the study of Nadal (2010), results suggest that lesbian, gay, and
bisexual (LGB) individuals experience both conscious and unconscious
microaggressions from heterosexuals and support that microaggressions
negatively impact LGB individual's mental health.
According to Hendren and Blank (2009), a person perceived as being a

lesbian or a gay man received much less help, especially from men, than the
same person perceived as being heterosexual.
Effects of Discrimination to the Self-worth of LGBT Individuals
Suicidal thoughts
In the study of Remafedi et. al. (1991), forty-one subjects (41/137)

reported a suicide attempt; and almost half of them described multiple attempts.
Twenty-one percent of all attempts resulted in medical or psychiatric admissions.
Compared with non-attempters, attempters had more feminine gender roles and
adopted a bisexual or homosexual identity at younger age
In another study of Remafedi et. al. in 1998, suicide attempts were

reported by 28. 1 % of bisexual/homosexual males, 20.5% of
bisexual/homosexual females, 14.5% of heterosexual females, and 4.2% of
heterosexual males. For males, but not females, bisexual/homosexual orientation
was associated with suicidal intent and attempts.
According to the study of Clements-Nolle et. al. (2008) in multivariate

logistic regression analysis, younger age (<25 years), depression, a history of
substance abuse treatment, a history of forced sex, gender-based discrimination,
and gender-based victimization were independently associated with attempted
suicide.
Social isolation
In the study of Nelson et. al. (2009), the findings were: cultural barriers
limiting disclosure of sexuality to family and wider social networks; experiences of
21
discrimination by White gay men that included exclusion as well as

objectification; a lack of positive gay role models and imagery relating to men
from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Empirical data from the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay
Youth, Inc. in New York City suggests that isolation, family violence, educational
issues, emotional stresses, shelter, and sexual abuse are the main concerns of
youth entering the program (Hetrick and Martin, 2010).
Low self-esteem
According to the study of Syzmanski and Gupta (2009), internalized

racism and internalized heterosexism (also known as internalized homophobia)
were both significant negative predictors of self-esteem, but only internalized
heterosexism was a unique positive predictor of psychological distress.
Negative feelings about the transsexual community and fears regarding

the impact of a transsexual identity were positively related to psychological
distress (Sanchez and Villain, 2009).
22
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design, research locale, respondents

of the study, sampling technique, research instrument, data gathering procedure,
data analysis, methodological limitation and ethical considerations of the study.
Research Design
In this study, a descriptive design will be used. This qualitative type of

research is utilized since it would identify the effects of discrimination in the self-
worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Descriptive
research is designed to summarize the status of phenomenon of interest as they
currently exist.
Research Method
An in-depth interview will be used in conducting this research. The

information gathered in this method comes from the thoughtful reflection of one
person assisted by exchange with the interview.
Locale of the Study
This study will be conducted among the selected working lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals of selected municipalities of Aklan.
23
The location is selected due to its accessibility and to achieve a more

comprehensive study.
Respondents of the Study
The respondent of the study will consist of the selected working lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals of selected municipalities of Aklan
who experienced discrimination.
The criteria for selecting the respondents would be: (1) a lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, (2) working lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and (3) a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) individuals who experienced discrimination.
Sampling Technique
A non-probability sampling technique particularly purposive sampling will

be used in this study. The reason that it will be used is because it can provide
the researcher with the justification to make generalizations from the sample that
is being studied.
Sampling Size
The respondents for this study will be selected lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) individuals of selected municipalities of Aklan. This study will
involve 15 respondents who experienced discrimination in their everyday life,
particularly in their workplace.
Research Instrument
The researchers will utilize an interview guide in determining the effects of

discrimination in the self-worth of the respondents.
After a set of instructions and reminders, the researcher will interview the
respondents. The questions will be asked according to the level of understanding
of the respondents. Revision of the questionnaire will be done after pre-testing to
improve the choice of words and sentence construction, check the validity and
24
reliability of the questions, eliminate unnecessary questions, and therefore,

eliminate errors and perfect the data collection instrument.
Data Gathering Procedure
Permission to conduct the study will be obtained through a communication

signed by the researcher and noted by the adviser and the dean. Once
permission to conduct the study will be granted, the interview will take place in
the assigned date and place chosen by both the researcher and the respondent.
After the data have been collected, it will be tallied and statistically treated.
Data Analysis
The data that will be gathered will be handled properly through the
identification of ideas from the respondents responses. Prevailing possibilities
will be developed neighboring each ideas. In these, very appropriate text-based
data will be encoded. The data will be consolidated based on categories of the
research and the content will be analyzed. The element of analysis for this
qualitative method will be the individuals but generalization can be made out of
15 respondents.
Methodological Limitations
This study will be a descriptive research design using a qualitative

research method, because the data that will be gathered are respondents
statements. The data will be taken by interview.
Since this research is a subtle topic, some respondents may not open up,
because they feel afraid. Repression may occur upon interview that may lead to
the respondents feeling of unease and will give only limited information.
Schedule of interview may also be affected for some of the respondents are busy
in their workplace.
Ethical Considerations
25
All respondents will be given moral considerations like securing their

privacy. They will be informed of their participation with the used of informed
consent that will be verbalized before the interview.
Respecting their rights regarding their involvement, such as the right to

participate, right to refuse, and right to ask questions will be acknowledged. The
information gathered will be highly confidential and private. After an hour of
interview, a token of appreciation will be given by saying thank you for their
effort, time and participation.
26
REFERENCES
Bostwick, W. B., Boyd, C. J., Hughes, T. L., West, B. T., & McCabe, S. E. (2016).
Discrimination and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults
in the United States. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from APA:
http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ort/84/1/35/
Burgess, D., Lee, R., Tran, A., & Ryn, M. (2008, October 11). Effects of
Perceived Discrimination on Mental Health and Mental Health Services
Utilization Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Persons.
Retrieved November 20, 2016, from Taylor & Francis Online:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15574090802226626
David, E. (2015). Transgender Workers and Queer Value at Global Call Centers
in the Philippines. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from Sage Journals:
http://gas.sagepub.com/content/29/2/169.short
Doyle, D., & Molix, L. (2011). Perceived discrimination and well-being in gay
men: the protective role of behavioural identification. Retrieved November
20, 2016, from Taylor & Francis Online:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19419899.2011.653689
Eliason, M. J., Dibble, S. D., & DeJoseph, J. P. (2010, September). Nursing's

Silence on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues: The Need for
Emancipatory Efforts. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from Advances in
Nursing Science:
http://journals.lww.com/advancesinnursingscience/Abstract/2010/07000/N
ursing_s_Silence_on_Lesbian,_Gay,_Bisexual,_and.4.aspx
Gabriel, U., & Banse, R. (2006). Helping Behavior as a Subtle Measure of

Discrimination Against Lesbians and Gay Men: German Data and a
Comparison Across Countries. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from Wiley
Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0021-
9029.2006.00025.x/full
27
Gamarel, K. (2012). Association Between Socioeconomic Position Discrimination

and Psychological Distress: Findings From a Community-Based Sample
of Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City. Retrieved November 20, 2016,
from AJPH:
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2012.300668
Harper, G. W., & Schneider, M. (2003). Oppression and Discrimination among

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered People and Communities: A
Challenge for Community Psychology. Retrieved November 20, 2016,
from SpringerLink:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1023906620085
Huebner, D., Rebchook, G., & Kegeles, S. (2003). Experiences of Harassment,

Discrimination, and Physical Violence Among Young Gay and Bisexual
Men. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from AJPH:
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.94.7.1200
Jackson, N., Johnson, M., & Roberts, R. (2008). The Potential Impact of
Discrimination Fears of Older Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender
Individuals Living in Small- to Moderate-Sized Cities on Long-Term Health
Care. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from Taylor & Francis Online:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00918360801982298
Knight, C. (2015). Concealable Stigma and Occupational Segregation Toward a

Theory of Gay and Lesbian Occupations. Retrieved December 4, 2016,
from Sage Journals:
http://asq.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/03/10/0001839215576401.abs
tract
Manalastas, E. J. (2014). From Deviant to Bakla, Strong to Stronger:

Mainstreaming Sexual and Gender Minorities into Disaster Risk Reduction
in the Philippines. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from Taylor & Francis
Online:
McKeown, E., Nelson, S., Anderson, J., Low, N., & Jonathan, E. (2010, June 07).
Disclosure, discrimination and desire: experiences of Black and South
Asian gay men in Britain. Retrieved November 2010, 2016, from
Nadal, K. (2013). Transgender Women and the Sex Work Industry: Roots in
Systemic, Institutional, and Interpersonal Discrimination. Retrieved
November 20, 2016, from Taylor & Francis Online:
28
Tan, M. (2008). Tita Aida and Emerging Communities of Gay Men: Two Case
Studies from Metro Manila, the Philippines. Retrieved December 4, 2016,
from Taylor & Francis Online:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J041v03n03_03
Thoreson, R. (2011). Capably Queer: Exploring the Intersections of Queerness

and Poverty in the Urban Philippines. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from
Taylor & Francis Online:
29
APPENDIX A.
LETTER REQUEST TO CONDUCT STUDY
Date: _____________
Dear respondents,
Hello! I am LOURENZ S. BONTIA, a third year nursing students of Aklan

State University Banga Campus. I would like to ask you to participate and
honestly answer my questionnaire for my thesis regarding the effects of
discrimination in the self-worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
individuals.
I promise to keep your answers confidential. Thank You!
LOURENZ S. BONTIA
ASU-BSN III
RESPONDENT
30
APPENDIX B.
VALIDATION OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
Date: ___________
Validators Name
Organization
Please be informed that you are one of the chosen expert validator of my
study The Effects of Discrimination in the Self-worth of Lesbians, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Individuals.
It would also be better help for the researcher if you can write comments,
suggestions and recommendations that will help improve the above-mentioned
questionnaire. I believed that your valuable observations and experiences will
help along the way in the improvement of knowledge in the academe.
Thank you very much for your kind consideration and valuable contribution
in this respect.
Sincerely yours,
LOURENZ S. BONTIA
BSN III
31
Noted by:
CAROL JOY PALMA-REMANESES, RN, MHSS

Mentor
APPENDIX C.
INTERVIEW FORM
Time Started: ________________ Time Ended: ________________
I. SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENT
Fill in the following needed information:
Name (Optional): ______________________________
Sex: Lesbian Gay Bisexual (M) Bisexual (F)

Transgender (M) Transgender (F)
Age: ________
Civil Status: Single Married Cohabiting Widow Widower

Separated Others ____________
Educational Attainment: No grade completed Elementary Level
Elementary Graduate High School Level High School Graduate
Vocational Course College Level
College Graduate: Course: ____________ Others ____________
Religion: Roman Catholic Protestant Iglesia ni Cristo Aglipay
Islam 7 th
Day Adventist Mormons Others ____________
32
Occupation: _____________
Position: ________________
Income: _________________
II. EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION
1. When and where did you experience discrimination?

2. What are the situations that put you to being discriminated?
3. What do you think are the reasons why you are being discriminated?
4. What type of discrimination have you experienced?
5. Who discriminates you frequently?
6. What are the effects of discrimination in your self-worth?
7. What do you do to discontinue being discriminated?
8. Have you ever reported it (discrimination) to police or anything?
9. Are you aware of anti-discrimination bill?
10. What will you do to stop being discriminated in the future?
33
APPENDIX D.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: Lourenz S. Bontia Nationality: Filipino
Sex: Male Civil Status: Single
Date of Birth: 10 June 1998 Place of Birth: Aklan, Philippines
Home Address: Phone Number: +639359200939

Purok 5, Nagustan +639306510215
Nabas 5607
Aklan
Philippines
Educational Background:
April 2017 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Banga, Aklan
Philippines
June 2010 - Secondary Education

March 2014 Western Aklan Academy
Poblacion, Nabas, Aklan
Philippines
34

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Aklan State University

School of Arts and Sciences

THE EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE SELF-WORTH OF

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT)

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Presented to

In Partial Fulfillment of the

ENDORSEMENT FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION

This research proposal entitled The Effects of Discrimination in the

CAROL JOY PALMA-REMANESES, RN, MHSS

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework ..

Endorsement Sheet ....................................................................................................

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. Letter of Request for the Permission to Conduct the Study 31

Background of the Study

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people continue to

According to Gallup (2016), the proportion of Americans who identify

A 2009 study on transgender employees found that 97% of those surveyed

This study will be conducted because there is currently no law protecting

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to identify the effects of discrimination in

Specifically, this study would like to answer the following questions:

The independent variables in this conceptual framework are coming out,

The intervening variables, such as harassment, victimization, indirect and

The dependent variables shows the effects of discrimination in the self-

Independent Variables Intervening Variables Dependent Variables

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for the study The Effects of Discrimination in

Labelling Theory is sometimes referred to as 'social reaction theory'

Becker illustrates this through the example of the work of anthropologist

Becker is thus putting forward an alternative approach to the structural

Social Identity Theory2

When a person perceives themselves as part of a group, that is an

There are three processes that create this ingroup/outgroup mentality:

Social Categorization. First, we categorize people in order to understand

Social Identification. We adopt the identity of the group that we belong

emotional significance to that identification, and your self-esteem will be

Social Comparison. After we categorize ourselves within a group and

In social identity theory, LGBT individuals may view themselves as an

Significance of the Study

LGBT Party. To pass a law, there is a need to have an evidence. This

Department of Health (DOH). The outcomes may be used as a basis that

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The gathered

Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. PMHA can help LGBT

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study identifies the effects of discrimination in the self-worth of LGBT

The study would be in qualitative form of research wherein the data

In this study, it refers to a man or a woman who is attracted to both

Direct sex discrimination. In this study, it refers to treating someone less

Gay. A man who is sexually attracted to other man (Merriam-Webster Dictionary,

In this study, it refers to a man attracted to other men

Gender. The state of being male or female (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1998)

In this study, it refers to the sex of the respondent (lesbian, gay,

Harassment. The act of annoying someone in a constant or repeated way

In this study, it refers to any repetitive acts, such as making of harsh

Heteronormativity. Relating to the attitude that heterosexuality is the only

In this study, it refers to any lifestyle norms that persuade people to

Homophobia. Irrational fear or discrimination against homosexuality or

In this study, it refers to a feeling of strong aversion against

Lesbian. A woman who is sexually attracted to other woman (Merriam-Webster

In this study, it refers to a woman attracted to other women.

Low self-esteem. In this study it refers to unfavorable impression of ones self

Religion and homosexuality. In this study, it refers to any doctrines, such as

Same-sex relationship. In this study, it refers to the relationship between

Suicidal thoughts. In this it refers to any thoughts of ending ones life

In this study, it refers to people whose gender identity differs from

Time Started: Time Ended: