RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section presents the findings of the study on the well-being of LGBTQ+ community

members. The results are organized around three key themes that directly addresses the research

questions and provides the experiences of each participant.

Role of LGBTQ+ Community in Clearing Mental Health Issues of its Members

The LGBTQ+ community serves as an important aspect in giving mental support and

improving the well-being of its members. In the eyes of the respondents, being part of it makes

them feel belonged and appreciated, which gives they sense of belonging and appreciation.

One respondent illustrated that “Being part of this community makes me feel complete

and happy,” backing up their experience within their group. For others, the solidarity they

receive from their co-members plays essential role in solving their emotional problems regarding

their identity, particularly those who have to face it alone.

Moreover, the respondents have stated that having a space where they can feel

appreciated and having their identity validated strengthens their social support. As one

respondent stated, “They give me strength and courage in facing life despite the roller coaster

encounters and challenges I am experiencing.” which adds up the role of their community in

their social self.

And also, respondents frequently highlighted that their connections within the community

assists them in clearing societal obstacles and rejections. One respondent summed it up by saying

“The strength I get from this community helps me face my own battles with more confidence.”

further proving how crucial the sense of belonging on the difficulties they face.
Inclusive and Accepting Community

For the respondents, having an open opportunity where they can express their self

without discrimination or rejection from others is a big part of their well-being.

One respondent described that “Society nowadays become more accepting to LGBTQ+

members, unlike before that when you are gay you are being avoided as if you have some kind of

transferable disease.” supporting that the public becomes more open in including and accepting

members of such community.

Furthermore, participants discussed how accepting others of both genders makes them

feel safe and comfortable in their own right. "The people I meet here see me for who I truly am,

and they accept me without hesitation," one participant said.

Additionally, the people on their surroundings specifically their family and friends show

no signs of negativity towards their gender. One respondent specifically stated “I don’t have

much problems from my family and friends because I feel the love and support from them from

day one that i accepted my identity and know who I truly am”, further showing that the people of

today has become more accepting in recognizing such differences.

Resiliency In The Middle Of Challenges

community, although they acknowledge that discrimination still exists. However, as what their

responses desrcibe, they keep resilient in addressing different challenges regarding their gender.

One respondent shared “I overcome discrimination by just ignoring it and being myself. I

AM WHO I AM!.” This highlights the respondent’s resilience by keeping on living despite the

discrimination they face.

Even in the face of societal challenges, another respondent described how remaining

strong together with the community enhances their well-being, “When people judge me, I just

keep my head up and stay proud of who I am. This community gives me the courage to do that.”

In addition, respondents shared that their exposure to the LGBTQ+ community boosted

their self-image even if they experience societal challenges. One individual shared, “Through my

realizations, this is not my problem, I am proud of who I am and how I express myself. This shift

in attitude enabled them to confront challenges with renewed optimism and determination amid

the negativity towards them.

The LGBTQ+ community plays a vital role in providing emotional support and fostering

a sense of belonging among its members. One respondent shared, “Being part of this community

makes me feel complete and happy,” underscoring the positive impact of community on self-

esteem. This observation aligns with Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Theory, which emphasizes

social support as a protective factor against the mental health challenges arising from

discrimination. Another respondent emphasized, “The strength I get from this community helps
me face my own battles with more confidence.” This sentiment echoes findings by Frost and

Meyer (2012), who documented the mental health benefits of community connectedness.

The respondents highlighted the transformative impact of societal acceptance on their

well-being. One participant remarked, “Society nowadays becomes more accepting to LGBTQ+

members, unlike before that when you are gay you are being avoided as if you have some kind of

transferable disease.” This statement reflects the global trend toward greater acceptance, as

documented by the Pew Research Center (2020). Participants also shared how familial and social

support contributes to their sense of security, with one stating, “I don’t have much problems

from my family and friends because I feel the love and support from them from day one that I

accepted my identity and know who I truly am.” This aligns with GLSEN’s (2019) advocacy for

inclusive environments that validate LGBTQ+ identities.

Despite the progress in societal attitudes, participants acknowledged ongoing challenges

such as discrimination and societal rejection. One respondent stated, “I overcome discrimination

by just ignoring it and being myself. I AM WHO I AM!” illustrating the resilience developed in

response to adversity. This aligns with Herek’s (2009) research on coping mechanisms employed

by LGBTQ+ individuals. Another participant shared, “When people judge me, I just keep my

head up and stay proud of who I am. This community gives me the courage to do that,”

highlighting the empowering role of collective identity in fostering resilience.

Participants noted significant societal progress but also recognized the need for continued

advocacy. One shared, “Society nowadays has become more accepting to LGBTQ+ members,

unlike before,” yet acknowledged, “We still have a long way to go about building the rights of
the members of LGBTQ+.” This duality underscores the coexistence of progress and ongoing

struggles.

References

Frost, D. M., & Meyer, I. H. (2012). Measuring community connectedness among diverse sexual

minority populations. Journal of Sex Research, 49(1), 36-49.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21512945/

GLSEN. (2019). National School Climate Survey. https://www.glsen.org/research/2019-

national-school-climate-survey

Herek, G. M., Gillis, J. R., & Cogan, J. C. (2009). Internalized stigma among sexual minority

adults: Insights from a social psychological perspective. Journal of Counseling

Psychology, 56(1), 32–43. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-00624-012

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual

populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5),

674-697 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12956539/

Pew Research Center. (2020). The global divide on homosexuality persists.

https://www.pewresearch.org/global/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/

PG_2020.06.25_Global-Views-Homosexuality_FINAL.pdf
 Survey Questionnaire

Study Title:
Life Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals Aged 50 and Above

Introduction:
Dear Participant,

You are invited to participate in a study exploring the life experiences of LGBTQ+
individuals aged 50 and above. The information gathered will help us understand the unique
challenges, opportunities, and societal perspectives experienced by members of the LGBTQ+
community.

This questionnaire consists of open-ended questions aimed at gaining insights into your
personal experiences. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and your responses will be kept
confidential. If you agree to participate, kindly answer the questions below based on your
personal experiences. Thank you for your time and valuable contribution.

Part I: Challenges and Resilience

1. What challenges have you faced because of your identity, and how have you overcome
them?
(Ano po ang mga challenges na hinarap niyo dahil sa inyong identity, at paano niyo ito
nalampasan?)
2. How do you feel about expressing your identity in different places or around different
people?
(Paano po kayo nag-e-express ng inyong identity sa iba't ibang lugar o sa harap ng iba't
ibang tao?)

Part II: Community and Social Support

3. What role does being part of the LGBTQ+ community play in your life and well-being?
How has it shaped your sense of belonging, self-confidence, or support system?
(Ano po ang role ng pagiging bahagi ng LGBTQ+ community sa buhay niyo? Paano nito
naapektuhan ang sense of belonging, self-confidence, o support system niyo?)
 4. Have you noticed any positive changes in how society views and treats LGBTQ+
individuals?
(Napansin niyo po ba na may mga positive changes sa kung paano tinatrato ng society
ang LGBTQ+?)
5. What changes would you like to see in society to improve the well-being of LGBTQ+
individuals?
(Ano po ang gusto niyong mabago sa lipunan para mas mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga
LGBTQ+?)

Part III: Personal and Interpersonal Experiences

6. How have the people in your life responded to your identity, and how has that affected
you? Have their reactions changed over time, and how has it influenced your
relationships?
(Paano po tumugon ang mga tao sa paligid niyo nung nalaman nila ang tungkol sa
inyong identity? Paano po nito naapektuhan ang relationships niyo? Nagbago ba ang
reaksyon nila over time?)
7. In what ways does your identity shape your relationships with family and friends? What
has been your experience sharing your identity with the people closest to you?
(Sa anong paraan naapektuhan ng inyong identity ang relasyon niyo sa family at
friends? Ano po ang experience niyo sa pagbabahagi nito sa kanila?)

Part IV: Societal and Career Perspectives

8. What does a sense of belonging mean to you, and where do you feel most accepted?
(Ano po ang ibig sabihin ng "sense of belonging" para sa inyo, at saan niyo po
nararamdaman ang pinaka-acceptance?)
9. How has your identity influenced your experiences at work or in your career? Have you
felt supported, faced challenges, or found opportunities tied to your identity?
(Paano po naapektuhan ng identity niyo ang work experiences o career niyo?
Naramdaman niyo po ba ang support, may mga naging challenges, o may opportunities
na related dito?)
10. How would you compare society’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the past to
what it is now? What has changed, and what has stayed the same?
(Kung ikukumpara niyo po ang pagtanggap ng society sa LGBTQ+ noon at ngayon, ano
po ang mga nagbago at ano ang nananatiling pareho?)

Acknowledgment:
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this study. Your responses are invaluable
in helping us understand the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals. If you have
any questions or concerns about this survey, please feel free to reach out to the researcher.