Author: Marvin R. Monteza
Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Studies, Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City, Philippines
Email: marvin.monteza@deped.gov.ph
ABSTRACT
Coming out, in one way or another, could be a very difficult process fo rsome LGBT individuals, specifically those who were in the closet for
quite a long time. However, its effect could also be freeing and liberating that these individuals no longer have the need to hide their identity
– themselves. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the stories of LGBT individuals in the municipality of Alicia, Payao, and
Imelda. Specifically, this study aimed to identify the difficulties and the favorabilities experienced by these individuals upon coming out. This
study also determined its effect on the personal and professional well-being of the participants and the ways they cope with these challenges.
The findings of the study indicate that LGBT individuals experienced difficulties upon coming out. The dominant difficulties experienced
were the disclosure of their sexual orientation to some of the family members which resulted to an emergence of negative responses. In addition to that, LGBT individuals also experienced unacceptance and social discrimination. On the contrary, the repercussion of this process can
be very much rewarding such as being accepted and supported by friends, peers, and other family members. The coming out process affected
the LGBT individuals’ personal and professional well-being, specifically, it has negative effect on their mental and emotional health. Resemblant to the different ways of coming out, each participant’s coping mechanism also differs from one another. Some individuals cope with
these difficulties by not concerning themselves with people’s discrimination, and other individuals cope through reading and journaling.
Keywords: coming out, LGBT individuals, gender identity, difficulties, favorabilities.