Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Situation Analysis

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in this complex and complicated

society is not exactly seen as “normal.” In spite of having the Declaration of

Independence state that- “all men are created equal,” equality is something these

individuals grapple with, and has yet to achieve (Marshall, 2015).

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals were confronted with

tremendous difficulties and challenges growing up in a society where heterosexuality is

often established as the only acceptable orientation and homosexuality is regarded as

deviant. Even with the strides that LGBT community had made in order to achieve equal

rights, LGBT individuals all over the world often remain in alienated position in society

(Subhrajit, 2014).

Little was known about the engagement of LGBT people in political matters of

the society. Historically, most of the world or national surveys and polls have failed to

ask identifying questions on sexual orientation, making it difficult to track down political

engagement trends among this population (Perez, 2014). LGBT people all over the world

continue to face challenges (Sears and Mallory, 2011).

On a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center of America in 2013, it is

reported that countries which are affluent and secular have greater acceptance for

homosexuality. Among 37,653 respondents from March 2 to May 1, 2013, thirty-nine

 2

(39) countries finds broad acceptance of homosexuality in North America, the European

Union, and much of Latin America, but equally widespread rejection in predominantly

Muslim nations and in Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and in Russia. In Israel, Poland

and Bolivia Opinion about the acceptability of homosexuality is divided. The survey also

found out that acceptance of homosexuality is particularly widespread in countries where

religion is less central in people’s lives. In contrast, in poorer countries with high levels

of religiosity, few believe homosexuality should be accepted by society (pewglobal.org,

2013).

In the United States, drawing on information from four recent national and two

state-level population-based surveys, the analysis states that there are more than 8 million

adults in the United States who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual, this comprises 3.5% of the

adult population. In total, the study suggests that approximately 9 million Americans –

roughly the population of New Jersey – identify as LGBT. It was also concluded that

among adults who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, bisexuals comprise a slight

majority,1.8% compared to 1.7% who identify as lesbian or gay (Gates 2011).

Political participation of LGBT Americans had been studied by Vanessa M. Perez

in June 2014. The study had demonstrated that LGBT people are as likely, or perhaps

even more likely, to register and to vote than the general population. Many LGBT

Americans tend to have democratic and liberal partisan and ideological preferences and

some may be more politically engaged (Egan 2008; Egan, Edelman and Sherrill 2008;

Flores and Sherrill 2013). Also, the study shows that LGBT individuals are more

participative than the general population in 7 out of 9 measures of participation. Sherrill

and Flores (2013) further argued that greater political participation among LGBT
 3

individuals resulted from a sense of shared fate with others in the LGBT community. On

the course of coming-out years, LGBT members experience a shift and change in

political outlook that is different from that of the mass public. LGBT members tend to

shift to the left, leading away from the ideological spectrum, away from religion, and

become closer to people of other ethnicities and races. This sense of consciousness and

identity results in a stronger commitment to politics.

Moreover, in Europe, experiencing the of a lack of comparable data on the

respect, fulfillment and protection of the fundamental and basic rights of LGBT

individuals, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) established on

2012, its European Union (EU) online survey of LGBT persons’ experiences of violence,

discrimination and harassment. The results and findings of the survey delivered valuable

evidences and facts of how LGBT persons in the European Union and Croatia experience

bias-motivated violence, discrimination and harassment in different areas of life,

including employment, education, healthcare, housing, political and other services.

In the political arena, Europe’s gay rights activists are free to speak their minds

publicly. Every year, pride parades were held and although LGBT members are not free

from minor incidents and sizeable counter-protests, more and more people join the

marches (Csacky, 2014). Furthermore, LGBT activism over the past few years has

resulted in significant improvements in the institutional, legal and public policy

framework for the protection of human rights of LGBT individuals in Europe.

Nevertheless, LGBT people and their lives remain on the margins of the political,

institutional and social mainstream (UNDP, 2017).

 4

A regional program- “Being LGBT in Asia” was launched in 2014 which targets

to address violence, inequality and discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual

orientation or intersex status. It also aims to foster universal access to health and social

services. “Being LGBT in Asia” was a program made with the collaboration among

governments, regional institutions, civil society and other stakeholders to advance and

foster the social inclusion of LGBT community in Asia. The program grasps that LGBT

individuals are highly marginalized and face varied forms of discrimination and stigma

based on their distinct and extraordinary sexual orientations, gender identities and

expressions. The program brings key stakeholders together to foster a greater

understanding of the marginalization and exclusion faced by LGBT people in the region.

The purpose of the program is to discuss, identify and eventually move beyond the

obstacles or hindrances that contribute to discrimination, exclusion and violence which

confront people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities. One key goal of the

program is to include cooperation with LGBT civil society in order to engage with

country level institutions to enhance support for LGBT protective laws and policies, and

advocate LGBT community empowerment and mobilization activities (UNDP, 2017).

In Southeast Asia, it has been evident that LGBT members are more accepted on

the political sphere. As a matter of fact, there had recent events that shows the growing

acceptance of LGBT people in the region: A Singaporean politician admitted on

Facebook that he is gay, a Malaysian transgendered person was appointed political

secretary in Penang State, some law makers in Thailand and two government ministries

in Vietnam have made a public endorsement for the legislation which will allow same-
 5

sex marriage and in the Philippines an LGBT political party was able to participate in the

party list elections (Palatino, 2013).

However, stating LGBT concerns is extremely complex and difficult, most

especially in conservative parliaments. Aside from soliciting the support of policymakers

and legislators, the LGBT community must strive to have a voice of its own inside the

government. This means organizing its own ranks to exert and exercise greater political

influence. However, putting aside those encouraging developments in several countries in

the region, it would be wrong to claim that Southeast Asia has become a semi-paradise

for the LGBT community. On the contrary, it remains to be a citadel of homophobia and

feudal culture. As a matter of fact, Singapore continues to enforce the notorious Section

377A of the Penal Code which criminalizes sex between mutually consenting adult men.

At the meantime, homosexuality is still illegal in Malaysia and Thailand’s draft law on

same sex marriage was initially rejected by older and conservative members of

parliament (Palatino, 2013). Also, some countries in Southeast Asia punish

homosexuality by imprisonment, whipping and even death. In Malaysia, Singapore and

Myanmar, homosexuality is punishable through imprisonment and in Brunei through

death. The only country where gender expression is protected is Thailand (Mosbergen,

2015).

In the Philippines, The Rainbow Project (2014) conducted an online survey about

LGBTs in the Philippines. The said project asked respondents questions about LGBT.

According to the survey 69.84 percent answered that they are not against LGBTs while

only 12.69 percent are against, 15.87 percent chose not to answer and 1.5 percent said

that they are part of the LGBTs. Respondents were also asked if they think government’s
 6

laws and policies support the rights of LGBTs. 57.14 percent said that the government’s

laws and policies do not support the rights of LGBT while 42.85 percent answered that

the government’s laws and policies already support the rights of LGBTs. There is a very

thin wall that separates the two perceptions on the existing laws and policies in the

Philippines. Some of the respondents mentioned about the same-sex marriage, gay

adoption and other demands of LGBT members that are not yet granted to them. But

then, some of the respondents also believe that the support of the government to the

LGBT community is enough as long as they are not being violated or criticized due to

their sexual orientation.

Heart Diño’s election as the first transgender chair of the University of the

Philippines (UP) Diliman Student Council last March 1, 2012 excites many political

observers who view it as a portent of greater participation among LGBT Filipinos in the

political arena. Consciously or unconsciously, members of the Filipino LGBT community

have adopted a two-pronged approach to their participation in national politics. One

approach is to create a community’s own political organization for the purpose of

supporting LGBT-friendly candidates and/or having its members file candidacy for

public office themselves. The other approach is to “infiltrate” traditional or even

progressive political parties and to strive to influence the crafting and organizing of the

party’s platform and work for its translation into public policy (Cuyco, 2012).

In addition, political engagement of LGBTs in the Philippines today was largely

challenged. As Ging Cristobal, a Manila-based activist with the International Gay &

Lesbian Human Rights Commission said- “In a 2013 Pew Research Center of America
 7

report about global opinions of the LGBT community, it has been reported that there are

70 percent of Filipinos who said that homosexuality should be “accepted by society,”

making the Philippines the most “tolerant” nation surveyed in the Asia-Pacific region

after Australia. However, even if there is high tolerance here, there’s no real acceptance”.

Thus, legal recognition and protection of LGBT people at the national level largely

remains absent (Mosbergen, 2015).

With regard to the condition of the LGBT community in the Philippines, the

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines and the United

Nations Development Program released the “Being LGBT in Asia: The Philippines

Country Report” on May 12, 2014 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The report furnished

an summary about the LGBT rights in the Philippines including the impacts on policies,

laws, culture and social attitudes, and religion, according on research, consultation and

the National LGBT Community Dialogue. This overview is followed by an examination

of the Philippines experience of protecting the rights of LGBT people under eight

different areas: education, health, employment, family affairs, religion, community,

media and politics (UNDP, 2014).

Moreover, the report shows that in educational institutions, LGBT people are

subject to bullying, discrimination and abuse under the charade of “academic freedom”

which permits educational institutions to create their own policies. LGBT issues are not

included in curricula. However, in 2012 the Department of Education drafted and soon

issued an order to protect children from abuse, violence and exploitation disregarding

diverse gender identity and sexual orientation (Human Rights Watch, 2017). Pride events
 8

on campuses and the election of LGBT individuals to student councils include the

positive case studies.

About health, HIV is the primary challenge that confronts gay men, other MSM

(men who have sex with men), and transgender women. The national HIV response is

developed but there are challenges such as a lack of resources, overemphasis on testing,

and problems with access to HIV testing. According to a report, the highest mode of

transmission of HIV in the Philippines is male-to-male sex comprising 58.35 percent.

Evidently, the HIV menace is to stay and is expected to increase some more in the future.

That is so, unless the Filipino homosexuals and bisexuals rethink their current values and

level of behavioral responsibility (Literatus, 2017).

Further, LGBT individuals are confronted with obstacles in employment both on

an individual level and as members of a community that is subject to abuse and

discrimination. Examples of discrimination were given in both the recruitment of

employees and also in the moment of regular employment. It was noted that employers

sometimes take advantage of LGBT employees. Sexual harassment of LGBT employees

was reported. Plenty has already been debated and written regarding gender

discrimination among women, but little was heard about the discrimination against

LGBTs. Despite their multifaceted contributions to many aspects of Philippine life,

LGBT workers are remains to be a marginalized group in the workplace (Cruz, 2010).

On the family aspect, LGBT persons do not have the right to marry someone of

the same sex. In the Family Code of the Philippines, the code that defines the relations of

men, of the society, birth, marriages (and) everything, it enunciates that marriage is

always between a man and a woman, that marriage is a special contract of permanent
 9

union between a man and a woman which is in accordance to law for the establishment of

conjugal and family life (Gita, 2017). If LGBT members are to form a family, also under

the Philippine Family Code, a child that is born out of wedlock is considered illegitimate.

Therefore, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and a transgender couple’s child is illegitimate and has

to be with the biological mother’s custody. The Philippines do not have same sex unions

and so the problem arises when LGBT couples decide to have their own children (Ang,

2009).

On the realm of religion there is a strong influence from Roman Catholic Church

which can manifest greatly to further discrimination of the LGBT community. To support

this notion, LGBT activists in the Philippines had demanded the push for the passage of

the anti-discrimination bill, resisting most of the setbacks and opposition from the

government and mainstream society, particularly conservative religious groups. A Baptist

pastor who won a seat in Congress- Representative Bienvenido Abante, utilized his

position and influence as chairperson from 2005-2007 and vice-chairperson from 2008-

2009 of the House Committee on Human Rights to stop the passage of the anti-

discrimination bill. During the public hearing on the bill, he aggressively and strongly

objected to LGBT representatives speaking, and encouraged resource persons from

various church groups and institutions to dominate the hearings. His arguments, as well

as the arguments of religious groups opposing the bill, were that (1) since the laws in the

Philippines protect human rights of all citizens, that country don’t need to call for an anti-

discrimination bill; (2) the bill will establish special rights for LGBTs; and (3) if the anti-

discrimination bill is promulgated into law, LGBT people will then demand for the

legalization of same-sex marriage (Outright Action International, 2009).

 10

Mainstream media is criticized in the way that it stereotypes gay men and limits

representation of lesbians and transgender people; demonstrates transphobia and

homophobia; and sensationalizes coverage of LGBT-related events (UNDP, 2014). One

of those LGBT-related events was the insensitive media coverage and incessant

misgendering of Jennifer Laude, whose trans identity came under scrutiny when her case

was being heard after she died in the hands of American serviceman Joseph Scott

Pemberton in 2014 (Outrage Magazine, 2016).

In the political realm, Ang Ladlad, an LGBT political party has been unsuccessful

in its run to win a seat in Congress. Because of this, the representation of LGBT issues is

often made by heterosexual allies. Individual LGBT politicians, rather than one party, are

seen as a way to promote LGBT rights. LGBT Filipinos need to be involved in the

development of LGBT-related laws, ordinances and policies (UNDP, 2014).

The marginal position of LGBT Filipinos in Philippine society invaded national

consciousness in November 2009 when the Commission on Elections denied

accreditation to a political party called Ang Ladlad. As a partylist representing LGBT

Filipinos, Ang Ladlad was excluded from participating in the national elections of 2010,

a critical exercise of citizenship and democratic rights. This exclusion was justified by the

commissioners from COMELEC’s second division using a particular form of moral

reasoning –that LGBT people are, as a whole, indecent and degraded, “advocate” against

moral standards, and therefore violate both the Civil Code and the Revised Penal Code

(Ferrer, Tagle&Yusoph, 2009). Though eventually overturned five months later in a

Supreme Court ruling that reiterated that “moral disapproval of a disfavored group” was

not legitimate grounds for excluding minority citizens from enjoying equal rights (Ang
 11

Ladlad LGBT Party v. Commission on Elections, 2010), the case of Ladlad highlighted a

persistent reality known to many LGBT Filipinos – that across many domains of life,

anti-LGBT discrimination and stigma are alive and operating in Philippine society.

In 2010 elections, Ang Ladlad received almost 130,000 (one hundred thirty

thousand) votes, but it was not enough to win a seat in the Congress. Now, Ang Ladlad

remains the only political party in the Philippines that protect and promote human rights

and access to justice for the LGBT community (Pascual, 2012).

On the bright side, voters in the Philippines paved the way for a significant event

in LGBT history by electing the country’s first transgender person to the House of

Representatives. Geraldine Roman, from Liberal Party, was elected with more than 62%

of the unofficial vote count in the congressional district of Bataan. The election of a

transgender woman is a major event for the Philippines where the LGBT community has

faced public ridicule by celebrities and politicians (White, 2016).

There have been existing policies and laws that promote and ensure that the rights

of LGBT people are protected, those policies and laws include the Civil Service

Commission’s (CSC) Office Memorandum 29-2010 that forbids discrimination against

LGBT people who are applying for civil service examinations. The Civil Service

Commission also has enacted the Revised Policies on Merit Promotion Plan that prevents

any form discrimination in the selection of employees according to various criteria

including gender (Ocampo, 2011). Another, Section 3 of Republic Act 9710 otherwise

known as the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) provides that “All individuals are equal as

human beings by virtue of the inherent dignity of each human person.” Thus, no one

should suffer discrimination or violence based on one’s ethnicity, gender, age, social or
 12

geographical origin, language, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, political or other

opinion, nationality, disability, property, birth, or other status as enacted by human rights

standards. Just recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

issued a Memorandum (DSWD Memorandum Fostering a Gender-Inclusive Workplace,

2016) respecting the right of persons of diverse Sexual orientation and gender identity

(SOGI) to wear uniform based on their preferred sexual orientation and gender identity.

However, such policies remain few, or are not widely known .In addition, Anti-

Discrimination Ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and

gender identity have been enacted in nineteen (19) LGUs all-over the Philippines. One of

those ordinances is from Quezon City, City Ordinance No. 2357, it is the ordinance

which provides a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy on the basis of sexual

orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE). Having it dubbed as the “Gender-

Fair City” Ordinance, the measure protects LGBT rights in the workplace, in schools, in

accommodation and in accessing basic services (Gamil, 2014).

Presently, Congressman Geraldine B. Roman passed House Bill 267 or the “Anti-

SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Discrimination Act. Last September

2017, the House approved the bill with the Congress who voted unanimously on its third

and final reading, although, Senate has yet to approve its own version of the act. The bill

seeks to define, prohibit, and penalize situations and practices wherein discrimination on

the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity occur. It also aims to protect members

of the LGBT community and also guarantee their rights as human beings.

Researches and surveys like Global Attitudes Project (2013) reported that

Philippines had a very high acceptance for the LGBT community. However, that is not
 13

what most from the homosexuals professes. In an article by Peter Dela Cruz of Outrage

Magazine (an LGBT magazine), stated that he only sees tolerance of a certain amount of

the “gay culture.” Dela Cruz added that Filipinos only like gay folks who live by their

established stereotypes. Vice Ganda-esque sort of gayness, that’s what people like. If

you’re gay, you have to be funny and you should work as a make-up artist or a fashion

designer. If you work in the military or play with a sports team, you’re going to create a

lot of fuss, so just stay in the closet if you do (Galvez, 2016). Ron De Vera of the

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on the other hand,

said that- “The moment the LGBT members step out and demand rights that

heterosexuals enjoy LGBTs were labeled as a threat because they no longer fit the

stereotype”.

All the enumerated factors namely, education, health, employment, family issues,

religion, mainstream media, politics and existing laws undoubtedly affects the life of the

LGBT community and is possibly the factors that hinder their political engagement. If

only problems on these factors are addressed, maybe the political engagement of the

LGBTs would be better. As the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

(SIDA) report showed, the right to participation is crucially and inextricably linked to

fundamental democratic principles. Meaningful participation is dependent on the

realization of several human rights. If people are to participate in society in a meaningful

way, they must be free to organize themselves without restriction (right of association),

meet without impediment (right of assembly), say what they want without intimidation

(freedom of expression) and have access to relevant fact (right to information).

 14

With serious obstacles to their right to productive lives, LGBT activists say their

main target, for now, is passage of an anti-discrimination law that reflects the needs of

the sector (Espina-Varona, 2015). But then the battle to pass the anti-discrimination law

and all those rights and demand for equality the LGBT group views it to be a difficult and

huge challenge to fulfill.

The City of San Fernando and Municipality of Naguilian are two distinct places in

La Union. Although San Fernando is more urbanized in its economy, in terms of the

political engagement of LGBT community, it can be concluded that LGBTs in Naguilian

are more engaged. The researchers had chosen these two distinct municipalities to see the

levels of political engagement of LGBTs in two different LGBT organizations.

According to Mr. Jesse Miranda, city councilor, there are no rules or city

ordinances that may promote the political engagement of the LGBT community in the

City of San Fernando. There had been some LGBT organizations formed in the city, one

of which the “Gay Association of San Fernando”, which has a previous total members of

one hundred twenty (120). Last March 2018, the said organization is reported to recruit

new members from the LGBT community of the city with the assistance and leadership

of their new president- Mr. Arnel Lagasca.

On the other hand, Naguilian like the City of San Fernando has no present rules or

ordinances that promote the political engagement of the LGBTs in public and political

affairs. But then it is very evident that the Naguilian local government officials are very

supportive advocates of LGBT. In fact, in the recently concluded Naguilian fiesta, a

number of activities were centered to the LGBTs. Those activities include LGBT
 15

pageants, variety shows and socials night in which Congressman Geraldine Roman had

been invited.

Naguilian Federated LGBT+ Association, an LGBT organization of one hundred

ten (110) LGBT individuals, which aims to connect, unite and empower LGBT

community in Naguilian, had their new set of officers inducted by their municipal

officials with the Mayor. The organization recently launched one of their projects which

is the organization of gay pageant in partnership with the local government unit. To foster

the inclusion and engagement of LGBTs in Naguilian, the organization conducted

personality development seminars for its members.

Interviews with the members and non-members of the LGBT organizations of

City of San Fernando and Municipality of Naguilian were conducted by the researchers

in order to identify the problems that challenge the political engagement of the LGBTs.

Based on the interview conducted with the LGBT community in the City of San

Fernando, many are not aware of the LGBT organization of the City, some are indeed

members of the organization but their membership on the latter doesn’t foster their

political engagement. Also, discrimination among the LGBT community is still

prevalent. Many of the LGBTs still suffer abuse. Their rights were not strictly protected.

The Officers of the LGBT organization were also interviewed by the researchers.

Mr. Yari, secretary of Mr. Jesse Miranda, an LGBT advocate, revealed that the Gay

Association of San Fernando is not yet recognized by the local government unit of the

City. Also, a sum of the population of the LGBT in the City was not yet “out” so it is

hard to monitor them. Some LGBTs may not be like the others who are active in political
 16

and public affairs. Many are still inactive or just don’t care about political and public

affairs.

Likewise, the officers of the Naguilian Federated LGBT+ Association through

Mr. Jerold P. Bambico, divulged that some forms of discrimination are still prevalent

among the LGBT members and that discrimination adversely affects the LGBT

member’s political engagement. One of those forms of discrimination is on the

participation of the LGBTs in political affairs. Also, some of the LGBT members are not

like the others who are active on public and political affairs. Some are inactive or just

uninterested in public and political affairs of their locality.

Even with the rising population of the LGBT in the Philippines, the members’

political involvement seemed to be rarely felt by the greater public. A sum of the LGBT

population today had been trying to impose influence in many of the country’s political

matters and issues. One may ask, what can be the benefit of studying the political

engagement of the LGBT community? That is, if an individual or a group can study their

political involvement one will be able to bridge the gap. Studying the latter can help in

removing the stigma glued on the LGBT members hindering their political engagement.

Also, if this study would be successful to assess the LGBTs' engagement, one will be able

to see the problems on the political engagement of the LGBT group and will be able to

suggest solutions to those problems. After all, the LGBTs comprise a minority of our

society, a democratic country like the Philippines, even though it adheres the rule of

majority, still hears even from the smallest of minority.

 17

Political engagement helps individuals to evaluate their belief systems and think

critically about public and political issues. Even if a lesbian, gay, bisexual and

transgender would not choose to run for an election or be highly involved in the

government, political engagement is not only confined in these activities. Political

engagement can be seen even in the smallest acts of being a good citizen in a community,

watching current news on TV or practicing the right to vote. The researchers choose this

study to perceive and define the barriers to democratic engagement of the LGBT people

with regard to their gender identity because their political engagement seemed to be rare

in our society, more specifically in the City of San Fernando and Municipality of

Naguilian, La Union. The researchers aim to analyze and interpret the political

engagement and political attentiveness of the LGBTs. Once all the analysis and

interpretation are finished, the researchers aim to suggest and design a program or

campaign that may improve the political engagement of the LGBT community.

This study is highly significant, in the field of political science moving into a

wider horizon of acceptance of the sexual and gender diversity within the jurisdiction of

political arena. It will create an impact to the field empowering not only the LGBT but-

also the rest of the genders in the society because it promotes their involvement in

political and public affairs and engage them more in politics. Second, this study is highly

significant to the society for it can help in removing the stigma and perception of the

public that LGBT people cannot contribute to the welfare of the society, it can raise

awareness to the public about the barriers one can remove in order to let a particular

group- the LGBT community, be more politically engaged. Also, this study will be very

valuable to the LGUs to define the problems confronting the LGBT members that need to
 18

be addressed. The study can also serve as a guide to local government officers in drafting

ordinances or policies that will promote equality on all sexes. And, it can also serve as a

guide to LGUs in the formulation of programs that will enhance the political engagement

of LGBTs in order for them to contribute more effectively to the community. Third, this

study can be an encouragement to the LGBT members to engage more in public and

political affairs in their locality. This study can also be an eye opener to the LGBT

community that they should not be afraid and that they should not hide, for their political

engagement is also a vital part of the society. Lastly, this study is also significant to the

researchers because it will enhance and develop their skills in research writing and

second, to enable them to formulate certain policies or programs for the individual, social

and political welfare of the members of the LGBT community.

Framework of the Study

To further discuss the basis of this study, the following theories and concepts will

be employed:

The Social Contract Theory of Jean-Jacques Rousseau is used as framework in

this study where he proposed that every man is born free but everyone is in chains. From

this discussion, he describes the chains as civil society, subjugated and dominated in the

natural birthright of man to physical freedom that civil society does not enforce equality

and individual liberty. In other words, men are born free and equal and the only

legitimate political authority is the authority consented by all the people governed. Thus,
 19

this theory implies that all laws must uphold the rights of equality among citizens and

individual freedom.

The social contract theory is related to the study since the LGBT is being the

object of politics. It is understandable that the government public should give equal rights

and activity to induce LGBT members politically and be part of politics. Since this theory

promotes equality, it fits to the title of engagement of LGBT as the subjugated group and

has less participation to the politics.

Political Equality is the extent to which citizens have an equal voice over

governmental decisions (Verba et al, 2001). Their preferences and needs as citizens must

be equally heard through voting and other political activities like campaign contributions,

direct contact with officials, protest and other. Through these activities, the citizens are

bound to be democratic and seek to control public office and influence the person with

authority.

This concept is related to the study since political equality does include the

decision of LGBT in a governmental decision, it is presupposed that LGBT decision shall

be taken note of and are considered in any action that takes partly the collective decision

as whole.

Political participation is any activity that shapes, affects, or involves the political

sphere. People can elect representatives, who make laws and policies. People can

communicate their, preferences, interests and needs to government by involving

themselves in public debate. Such political activities can support government officials,

institutions, and policies, or aim for change (Verba et al, 2007). There are three types of

participation: Conventional participation pertains to activities that we expect from good

 20

citizens. Another is, unconventional participation, activities that are legal but often

considered inappropriate. Students, youth and those with grave concerns about a regime’s

policies are having the high tendency to engage in unconventional participation. And

illegal participation, the activities that break the law. Most of the time, individuals end up

on illegal participation only when legal means have failed to establish significant political

change. Apparently, political participation and democracy are inseparable and mostly

compatible with. “Where few take part in decisions there is little democracy; the more

participation present in decisions, the more democracy there will be” (Verba and Nie,

1972).

This concept is related to the study for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender

are also a subject to the state. They are subject to voting, rallying, lobbying, influence

political leaders, and join any political activities. LGBT is also a political person subject

to political arena. They can participate and engage to politics like an ordinary person

doing so. In other words, LGBT is also a legal person who has a right to exercise these

terms.

Subsequently, the concept of democracy is needed in order to execute political

equality, since they are inseparable entities. Though democracy literally means rule of the

many, it does include its principal principle which is to establish the protection and

promotion of people’s rights, interest and welfare. And thus, political freedom lies at the

concept of democracy.

This concept is related to the study since the researcher cannot foster participation

wherein there is a limited freedom of the LGBT. The more democratic the state is, it
 21

implies that there is more political participation. The LGBT in a democratic state is given

a chance to enter into a politics; engage and be more participative.

In addition, political socialization is the process by which political culture is

transmitted in a given society. This process of political socialization exists at both

community and individual levels, and it extends beyond the acquisition of political

culture to encompass the learning of more sophisticated political ideas and orientations.

Political socialization is a lifelong process and a variety of individuals and institutions

contribute to its shaping effect. For instance, individuals are politically socialized by such

groups as their peers, family and social class. Furthermore, they are socialized by existing

laws, media, religion, education, their own gender, and more. Basically, the process is

never ending and the factors which shape it are all encompassing (imej.wfu.edu, 1999).

In other words, political socialization is the activity which an encoder and decoder

exchange ideas on a certain topic, apparently, it concerns with politics and thus, acquire

and gain political knowledge through political learning. Political socialization does not

only revolve around to the topics regarding political news or issues but it also revolves on

the political culture of the individual by which a value or belief is passed down.

In connection to the study, political socialization is a process by which LGBT

form their ideas about politics and let them acquire political values. Now, that we have

internet and social media, political socialization becomes vague. Social attentiveness also

increases, and thus, one can acquire political learning easily. It makes the LGBT

knowledgeable about politics such as issues, development, economics and social

problems. Political socialization will promote political attentiveness. In any means,

political socialization is an action by which political engagement is concern.

 22

The research paradigm provides a comprehensive plan and sets the clear direction

of the study. What are the questions, what are the processes to answer these questions and

what output can be derived from the study is stated on the paradigm. Figure 1, shows the

input, process and output of the study.

First input, are the level of political engagement of the LGBTs in terms of:

Electoral Indicators and also the Indicators of Political Voice.

Second input is the level of political attentiveness of the LGBTs along mass

media which includes the following: TV, radio and printed media, and in social media for

the use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The processes involve the analysis and interpretation of the level of political

engagement of the LGBTs in terms of: level of political engagement and level of

political attentiveness. The identification of a significant difference in the level of

political engagement of the respondents in terms of Electoral and Political Voice and also

the identification of a significant difference in the level of political attentiveness of the

respondents in terms of Mass Media and Social Media will also be employed in the

processes.

Furthermore, the process will also constitute the analysis and interpretation of the

significant difference in political engagement and political attentiveness, and lastly, the

formulation of IEC (Information- Education Campaign).

The output of the study is IEC (Information- Education and Communication

Campaign) that can be proposed to enhance the political engagement of LGBTs in La

Union.
 23

Input Process Output

I. Analysis and
interpretation of the
level of political
engagement of the
LGBTs in terms of:
a. Level of
Political Engagement
b. Level of Political
Attentiveness
I. Level of political
engagement of the II. Significant
LGBTs in terms of: difference in the level
of political
a. Electoral engagement in terms
Indicators of electoral and
political voice.
b. Indicators of IEC (Information-
Political Voice III. Significant Education and
difference in the level Communication
of political Campaign) that can
II. Level of political attentiveness in terms be proposed to
attentiveness of the of Mass Media and enhance the political
Social Media.
LGBTs in. engagement of
IV. Analysis and LGBTs in La Union
a. Mass Media
interpretation of the
b. Social Media significant difference
in:
a. Political
Engagement
b. Political
Attentiveness

IV. Formulation of
IEC (Information-
Education and
Communication
Campaign)

FEEDBACK

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

 24

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to assess the political engagement of the respondents in City of

San Fernando and Municipality of Naguilian La Union. It specifically seeks to answer the

following questions:

1. What is the level of political engagement of the respondents in terms of:

A. Electoral Indicators;

B. Indicators of Political Voice?

2. What is the level of political attentiveness of the respondents in terms of:

A. Mass Media (TV, radio, printed media);

B. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)?

3. Is there a significant difference in the level of political engagement of the respondents

in terms of Electoral and Political Voice?

4. Is there a significant difference in the level of political attentiveness of the respondents

in terms of Mass Media and Social Media?

5. What can be proposed to improve the political engagement of the respondents?

 25

Definition of Terms

The following terms are operationally defined for better understanding of the

study.

Electoral Indicators include the list of activities which are undertaken by LGBTs

during elections which include campaigning for officials and exercising their right to

vote.

Indicators of Political Voice refers to a list of criteria that allows the LGBTs to

be heard in politics and to let the members of society be aware of their existence.

LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. In this study, members of

the LGBT community are comprised of the homosexuals, opposite of heterosexuals who

are often regarded as “straight men” or “straight women”.

 Lesbian also known as tomboy or tibo in Filipino is a homosexual woman

who is romantically or sexually attracted to another woman.

 Gay also called bakla or bading in Filipino refers to the homosexual males

who are attracted to another male.

 Bisexual or silahis is someone who is in all ways attracted to both sexes,

male and female.

 Transgender refers to a person whose gender identity does not correspond

to that person’s biological sex assigned at birth. A transgender I one who

officially altered his/her gender by undergoing sex change.

 26

Mass Media is a disparate collection of media technologies that is able to reach a

large audience via mass communication. In this study, it is limited to television, radio and

printed media.

Political Attentiveness refers to the political involvement and consciousness of

LGBTs in terms of their immersion to mass media and social media.

Political Engagement is the state in which members of the LGBT are politically

aware or conscious and are involved in political activities, matters and issues.

Social Media are the applications and websites which enable users/ account

owners to create and share content or to participate in social networking. In this study, it

is limited to the frequently used sites namely- Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.