On the Lived Experiences and Identity Development of Homosexual Students

Abstract

This paper documents the lived experiences of homosexual students and their identity development in Southern Leyte. The informants were gathered through purposive sampling and were interviewed face-to-face. Data were collected from the informants through a researcher-made questionnaire. A narrative inquiry method was utilized, where researcher-made questionnaires were used as a guide for the face-to-face interviews. It was identified that homosexuals have difficulty disclosing their sexuality to others due to various reasons. It was also noted that acceptance of homosexuals was a major factor in achieving their sexual identity. Some homosexuals disclosed that they believed their homosexuality was innate and inborn, indicating that they felt they were born to be homosexuals. Given the results of this study, it is recommended that respect for individuality, acceptance, and an open-minded attitude be extended to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.