Homosexuality: A Phenomenological Inquisition about The Lived Experiences of the

People Involved in Same Sex Relationship

Devine Angelie A. Nahial123, Jhian Giff C. Macapagal123, James M. Mendoza123, Ferjay Mae G.
Mongcupa123, Ma. Angela G. Nacario123, Patrick Raven Paulino123, Ralph Padilla123, Danhica B.
Rocha123, Catherine Rodes123, Mikhaela P. Santos123, Christian C. Varua123, Jonmarze L. Yumul123,
Ms. Kristine Ly M. Merete, RPm1234

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Practical Research 1

2
Senior High School

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Our Lady of Fatima University

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Research Adviser

March 2018
1.0 Introduction

In the present generation, same sex relationship is commonly accepted in the society
neither teens nor adults, this acceptance may operate general support (Doty et.al, 2010). Same
sex relationship is the interpersonal relationship between person with the same sex. The
population of the homosexual individuals is increasing continuously, understanding the size
of LGBT population is a critical first step on informing a host of public policy and research
topics (Gates, 2011). Homosexual individuals are more likely to encounter additional
supports from friends, family, and community which may enable their positive adjustments
(Snapp et.al, 2016). Despite all the acceptance that supports the homosexual community, the
issue of discrimination is not vanished. Homosexual individuals will hardly surpass the
discrimination even though there are many organizations that supports their race that helps
them to fight for their human rights (Edsall, 2003). One of the reason why homosexuality is a
big deal and controversial issue in the society is the Catholic Church that is known to be a
contradictor in LGBT community, according to Stuart (2003) the Catholic Church only
teaches that in the end all other identities are dismissed and there is only one identity to hope
in. Same sex marriage is also one of the most argued issue between Catholic Church and
LGBT community that catholic church is strongly contradicting the legalization of it. Lorenz
(2006) stated that the continuous possibility of federally sanctioned same sex marriages might
surprise those who believed that the Defense of Marriage Act recognizes only those
marriages between men and women.

Discrimination is ubiquitous phenomenon that they are facing today. There is a

pervasive pattern of discrimination and prejudice against transgendered people within society
(Lombardi et.al, 2008). Homosexuality is controversial not only in and of itself but for the
light it throws on society at large, often from unexpected and disturbing angles (Edsall,
2003). Also the relationship quality that includes the needs and satisfaction that the couples
neither can give nor can not to each other.

The main purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of couples involved
in same sex relationship. The inquiry of the lived experiences of the people involved in same
sex relationship will benefit the lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals through giving an
informative and reflective study to the present and future readers because of its
phenomenological research design that can give a moral impact to the people. This research
can give the lesbian, gay, bisexual community a strength and courage because the researchers
 aims to affect peoples with wrong mindset into broad and reflective that can help the
homosexual individuals to deal with the society proud and free. This study also benefit the
homosexuals by disseminating the complaints and lived experiences of the homosexual
couples that may educate the ignorant peoples, inspire the other couples who will relate to the
situation and the most important is to share the knowledges that the researchers had gained.

2.0 Research Methodology

2.1 Research Design

The study will be possible by the means of using a qualitative approach and
phenomenological research design on gathering information from the respondents. Because
Qualitative Research is a process that they need to allow themselves ample time to reflect on a
topic that they have chosen (Casinto, 2016). Qualitative research answers research question that
arise from the researchers interest which are a reflection of beliefs and values (Parse, 2001).
Through this method the researchers will able to know the lived experiences of people involved
in same sex relationship.

2.2 Research Locale

This research is dedicated into people who are involved in same-sex-relationship in

Valenzuela City because the said city helps the LGBT community in awareness and prevention in
Sexual Transmitted Diseases, Nicolas (2015) stated that they will show other cities that the Local
Government and LGBT people in Valenzuela City are united in the goal of giving safety
precautions to the LGBT community. It helps the researchers to supplement workable
respondents and information that reached the standard designated in the research.

2.3 Key Informants Selection

Upon searching the possible respondents, the researchers has set standards in selecting their
respondents. First, the participator must be in late adolescents (17-22 years old). Late adolescence
is the last phase of emotional growth of a child as they enters adulthood (Papalia & Feldman,
2012). Second, the respondents must be involved in a 1-3 years same-sex-relationship because
individuals undergo developmental changes and commitments over the longevity of their
relationship (Elder, 2000).
2.4 Research Instruments

According to Dino, Rivero and Gonong (2016), A use of open-ended questions is one of the
required instrument to conduct a one on one interview, also semi-structured interview because it
consists of predetermined questions and at the same time this allows the respondent to freely
answer the questions based on how they think and feel about the research topic. These helps
researchers to gather a credible information. Lastly is the recorder, it helps the researchers not to
miss any single information that they had gather from the respondents.

2.5 Research Ethics

The priority of the researcher is the protection of the respondents dignity by the means of
respect through mentioning codenames instead of their real names for their individual privacy
because the researchers needs all statement confidentially from the respondents that is why their
protection is a must. Barnes (2000) stated that Data should be presented in such a way that
respondents should be able to recognize themselves, while the reader should not be able to
identify them. As much as possible the researcher must do a proper citation to avoid plagiarism
for its safety because if not, there will be possibilities of accusations toward the researcher that
may result of facing negative consequences. The researchers wants to know the lived experiences
of the persons involved by the means of nonabrasive questioning to keep the respondent from
being offend and humiliated.

2.6 Data Collection

In this inquiry the researchers applied a qualitative form of research for gathering credible
information, through this the researcher will conduct interview with the chosen participants. The
interviewer will perform a one-on-one open-ended questioning with the respective respondents
this will result a great systematize investigation because the conversation will be too broad that is
enough to sustain the needed data that is needed to complete the study. This method will be
performed by the interviewer and its assistant researcher that is reliable for the responsibility that
is given by the head researcher. Through all of this it helps the research to be more credible and
reliable that may result on making excellent research.

3.0 Results and Discussion

There are statements narrated by the (5) respondents who are involved in Same Sex
Relationship. The age range of the respondents is from 17 to 22 years old with at least 1 to 4
years involvement in the relationship. Each respondents have their individual interpretation of
transcript. A brief demographic profile or background is entailed to support the following data.

The arising themes and categories for the respondents are presented through Thematic Map
in a form which shows the chapter organization in order to all the readers to easily follow and
locate findings.

3.1 Problems

The experiences of the people involved in same sex relationship may help the individuals
for its psychological growth where they can already reflect on the problems and become matured.
Problems enable persons to separate from the dominant stories that have been shaping their lives
and relationships (Malone et al, 2005).

3.1.1 Early Stage of the Relationship

Most couples encountered problems in early stage of their relationship, as Santos (2010)
stated that the beginning stages of the relationship is scary, that unsure stage is full of questions.
It's often tough to spot potential relationship problems when you're in the early stage of it (Steber,
2017).

“Uhmm katulad sa iba maraming ups and downs syempre, ganon.” (Just like others, we
are experiencing ups and downs, of course.) – Respondent 1

3.1.1.1 Relationship Maintenance and Adjustments

Adjustments and Relationship Maintenance is important in the relationship particularly in

the early stage of the relationship and to make the relationship last. Positivity, openness and
assurances most clearly represent communication based approaches for maintaining relationship
(Taylor et al, 2008). As indicated by Allan (2015) good relationships are a balance of give and
take. By adjusting the expectations even just a small amount, the couple can strengthen their
relationships tremendously.

“Syempre ano nagtitiwala sa isa’t isa yun lang syempre yun ung unang una sa, unang
unang kailangan sa relasyon pagtitiwala ano pag may problema naguusap lang kailangan talaga
pagusapan di pwedeng wag parang normal lang din sa boys and girls na relasyon ganun lang
din.“ (Of course trusting each other, that is it. The first thing is trusting, if there are problems we
just have to talk about it and not acceptable if we do not. It is just normal, just like a men and
women relationship. That is it.) – Respondent 5

“Mag adjust talaga kasi di kami yung couple na babae’t lalaki parehas kaming babae kaya
magaadjust kami kaya lahat napagkakaintindahan.” (We have to adjust because we are not a
man and woman couple, we are both woman that’s why we need to adjust and because of this we
can understand each other.) – Respondent 4

3.1.2 Judgement from the Society

The couples involve in same sex relationships are unfortunately receiving discrimination
from the society. The amount of discrimination that still exists for queer couples can not be
denied (Moore, 2016). Possibly most of the couples are ignoring the discrimination for the
healthiness of the relationship.

“Normal naman na yon pagka ganitong relationship kaya parang kailangan nalang, alam
mo yung maging matatag, Kasi ano lang naman yan eh kami yung nasa relasyon hindi sila, so
hindi dapat mag matter yung sasabihin ng iba.” (It is normal when it comes to this kind of
relationship, that is why we need to be strong because we are in the relationship, not them. The
opinion of others does not matter.) – Respondent 1

3.2 Coping Strategies

In order to solve and face problems in a relationship, homosexual couples must have
coping strategies, as stated by Papp and Witt (2011) coping strategies independently predict
partners well-being and relationship functioning. It may result a strong and healthy relationship.

3.2.1 Understanding

Understanding ones emotions in a relationship is important. Being able to trust their lovers
with their feelings is part of having great relationship, it also gives the couple more strength to
deal with it, whatever the issue is (Goldsmith, 2016).

“Pag nag-aaway dapat yung isa iintindihin walang dapat ma pride ganon.” (If there is a
misunderstanding, no one should be prideful.) – Respondent 4

3.2.2 Family Support

 Family support is one of the key essentials in a successful same sex relationship. Additional
supports from family can enable their positive adjustments (Snapp et.al, 2016). Garnefski (2009)
also stated that family support to the persons involved in the relationship can prevent emotional
and behavioral problems.

“Ahhh. Wala wala silang sinabi, sinuportahan lang kami. Kase di naman kami pabigat,
mas better nag tutulungan kami sa side namin.” (They do not say anything against us, they just
support us, because we are not a burden. It is much to help each other in our both sides.) –
Respondent 2

3.2.2.1 Acceptance

Family’s acceptance predicts greater self-esteem, social support and general health status, it
also protects against depression (Ryan et al, 2010). Therefore the family’s acceptance to their
relationship can give a positive effect to the both individuals.

“Wala okay, ay nung una against sila samin kasi syempre babae, parehas kaming babae
ano okay nung bandang huli tinanggap din nila.” (It is okay. At first they were against us
because we are both woman. But in the end they had accepted us.” – Respondent 5

3.2.3 Communication

Communication is one of the important foundation of a relationship because it can lead to

healthy relationship. Betts (2015) stated that when communication begins to break down in a
relationship, it can be a struggle and distress to the party, therefore effective communication in
relationship is urgent on strengthening its foundation. Communication is the substance of
relationship, without it there is no relationship (Guerrero et al, 2011).

“Ano lang syempre, everytime na may problema andun yung mag-uusap. Yun lang naman
yung pianaka kailangan, kailangan yung cooperation ng bawat isa.” (Everytime there is
problem, we just need to talk because that is the most importantant, also the cooperation of each
other.) – Respondent 1

3.3 Satisfaction

Relationship satisfaction can be measured by the emotional self-disclosure within a

relationship. Self-disclosure is the process of telling another about one’s intimate feelings,
attitudes, and experience (Sprecher & Hendrick, 2004). Means satisfaction in a relationship is a
must to meet each other expectations.

3.3.1 Fulfilling the needs

Fulfilling needs in relationship is important, fulfilling these needs are important in order to
satisfy each other in a relationship (Eswaran, 2017) Therefore, fulfilling the needs in a
homosexual relationship is necessary to one’s satisfaction.

“Napupunan naman lahat ng pangangailangan naming syempre pag mahal mo gagawa ka

ng paraan para sainyong dalawa.” (All our needs to each other are fulfilled, of course if you love
someone you will make a way to do something for each other.)

“Natutugunan naman naming mga pangangailangan naming gumagawa kami ng paraan

para sa isa’t isa para maibigay yung gusto ganon kapag gusto ko ng ganun? Bibilhan nya naman
ako, kapag gusto niya ng ganon bibilhan ko din sya.” (All the needs are fulfilled because we are
making ways for each other. If I want something, she will buy it for me and if she wants
something too, I will buy it for her.) – Respondent 4

3.3.2 Happiness

According to Lyubomirsky (2007) happiness is the experience of joy, contentment, or

positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile in
life and even at a relationship. Means they know that they are happy in the relationship when it
brings good in their lives.

“Umm go with the flow lang kami eh, alam mo yun you only live once, ganon lang yung
motto naming dalawa, parang ginagawa din kasi naming tropa, lover, yung ganon yung isa’isa.”
(We are just going with the flow, you know you only live once. That is our motto, also we are
treating each other as peers, lovers etc.) – Respondent 1

4.0 Conclusion

This research study clearly presents that being involved in same sex relationships should
not be an issue because a homosexual relationship is the same with heterosexual relationship,
only the differences is the homosexual relationships has a bigger adjustments because the couples
are in the same sex. In the statement of the main problem which is knowing the lived experiences
of the couples involved in same sex relationships, couples are more likely experiencing problems
during the early stage in their relationships were they are making adjustments for the maintenance
of their relationship that results of a lasting relationship. Second, is the judgement from the
society that they are normally facing. Based on the respondents, judgements are normally present
in their lives because of the wrong perceptions of the society towards them but couples are
strongly facing it and instead of being affected they are just disregarding the discriminations and
consider it as a challenge to strengthen their relationship.

In order for the couples to face and solve the problems they must apply coping strategies to
their relationship which is necessary for the both of them. Based on the respondents statements
understanding each other is very important especially their emotions to have a happy relationship.
Second is family support and acceptance, it can give a positive effect to the relationship of the
couples such as adjustments and facing a problems, because when they have the support of their
families they will be confident and motivated. Third is communication, it is also important in a
relationship because no problems can be solve when there is no communication. Based on the
respondents statements, communicating is their way of solving problems because they can be
able to settle things and understand each other which is true because if there is no
communication, the relationship will be useless.

Satisfaction is one of the necessities in a relationship because relationship satisfaction can

make the couples faithful to each other. Based on the respondents statements fulfilling the needs
of each other can satisfy them mostly in material things, couples should give and take in order for
them to be satisfied and equal. Lastly is the happiness that is very important to have a better and
healthy relationship.

5.0 Recommendation

The researchers of this qualitative study wants to know the Lived Experiences of the people
involved in Same Sex Relationship to bring the knowledge to the people who needs to understand
the situation of the people involved in this kind of relationship. The researchers will recommend
in the future researchers that if ever they will conduct a study about the The Lived Experiences of
the People Involved in Same Sex Relationship they should have a deeper study of this
phenomena. This study can help the other people who are involve in the same sex relationship
and also to the future readers and researchers.