ISSUES SURROUNDING THE PROVISION OF A DISTINCT LGBT CR

A Term Paper

Presented to

XXXXXXXXXXX

Instructor

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

Eng. 27: Writing the Term Paper in the Discipline

By

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

March 2018
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This paper would not have been possible without the help of the following:

To the Respondents, who have dedicated their time and effort in actively
participating in answering the questions provided. For their cooperation and hospitality
from the beginning until the end of our survey. For complying with us in gathering all the
necessary data that we needed in our term paper.

To Mrs. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, who has given her time, supervision, and

knowledge throughout the process of completing this term paper. She has been constant
in supporting the knowledge and skills of the students especially in making of this
requirement.

To the staffs of XXXXXXXXXXXX, for allowing us and providing us an

environment appropriate for our learnings. And also, we were able to practice our skills
with a great deal of courage to make this term paper.

Also, we are grateful for the personal encouragement and insights of our parents
whose support has been invaluable. Our most heartfelt thanks go to them for their
unfailing support and sound advice from the day one of the project and for giving us
financial support that we need in order to finish this study.

Lastly, to Almighty God for making all of these possible and for endowing us with the
wisdom to analyze the needs of our society. For the guidance and skills in providing
information to those in need. On touching our lives and strengthening us as we start and
end the day's work. In putting us together with our beloved fellow students as
instruments of your love, care and letting us share our gifts with others.

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 CONTENTS

Title Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Chapter 1
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Data Presentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table 1. Agreement on distinct LGBT comfort room 2
Table 2. Importance of LGBT comfort room 2
Table 3. Reasons of having limited or no CRs for LGBT 3

Table 4. Suggestions to address the issue on LGBT CRs 4

Chapter 2
Summary of Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Recommendation. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Reference List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

LGBT is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, which
describes the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person. LGBT community in the
Philippines is said to have started long before the colonization of other countries but their
struggle to become members of the society is ignored, evident on the numerous reports
of them being favorite victims of bullying, harassments, unequal or unfair treatments, and
discriminated. Despite the efforts of the LGBT community and their supporter to protect
their members against discrimination on their sexual orientation and gender identity and
the Philippines being labeled as the one of the “most gay-friendly” nations in Asia
according to a global survey entitled The Global Divide on Homosexuality (2013), this
community remains as one of the country’s minority sectors today who often experience
discrimination, alienation, and whose rights are disregarded. One right that is deprive
from them is their own comfort rooms. This demand for the provision of separate
restrooms for the LGBT community in the Philippines faces several issues.

In line with that this study aims to understand what the members of the LGBT
community experiences in our society and explain how these experiences contributed on
their demand to have their own distinct CRs. This paper will show the issues which hinder
the provision of their own distinct comfort rooms.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions: What is the extent
of the demand for a separate comfort rooms for the LGBT community in the Philippines?
What are the issues that surround in the provision of distinct comfort room for LGBT?
How can these issues be best addressed by certain organizations?

The present study may be beneficial to the following:

For the LGBT community to be able to voice out their concern to have a distinct
comfort rooms which can provide their basic need and protect them from the others.

For the nursing students to have an idea on what are the issues that surround the
LGBT community and will widen their understanding on how to address such demand.

Lastly, for the organizations to facilitate in implementing programs that can

help in addressing the issues concerning the LGBT community.

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PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

These gathered data were collected from 50 random respondents in XXXX

Canteen.

Agreement on Distinct Number of respondents Percentage (%)

comfort room for LGBT
Agree 11 22
Neutral 23 46
Disagree 16 32
TOTAL 50 100
Table 1. Agreement on Distinct comfort room for LGBT

The data above showed that there were 23 respondents who are neutral, 16
respondents are in disagreement, and only 11 respondents agreed with the provision.
The data showed clearly that respondents are neutral or in between as to whether there
should be a distinct comfort rooms or not for the LGBT community because for them they
all belong to the only two (2) main genders which are the male and female as shown in
Table 2. With these results, it can be said that LGBT members are still seen as male and
female, nothing more and nothing less. According to an article of the Institute of Medicine
(2011), lesbian, gay and bisexual are defined according to their sexual orientation while
transgender people are defined according their gender identity and presentation but
despite that their sexual identities are still male and female.

In addition to that, as shown in Table 2 below to evaluate the degree of demand or

importance of the distinct comfort rooms for LGBT, more than half of the respondents
believe that it is not that important at all with a percentage of fifty-eight (58). This result
can also be assumed that it is because they are still considered to be male and female.

Importance of having Distinct Number of Percentage (%)

comfort room for LGBT respondents
Not important 29 58
Quiet important 12 24
Very important 9 18
Table 2. Importance of having distinct comfort room for LGBT
 3

Table 3. Reasons to have Distinct comfort rooms for LGBT

Reasons to have Distinct Number of respondents Percentage (%)

comfort rooms for LGBT
For privacy 11 22
Avoid discrimination 10 20
Prevent harassment 10 20
For equality 11 22
Not necessary 35 70
Same gender, male or female 39 78

As shown above respondents have different reasons as to why there should be or

no distinct comfort rooms for the LGBT community. The researchers provided 6 possible
reasons. Seventy-eight (78) percent chose that LGBT members still have the same
sex/gender, male or female, and is followed by the reason that it is not necessary for them
to have their comfort rooms with a percentage of seventy (70).

Table 4. Reasons why there is a limited or no CRs for LGBT community

Reasons to have Distinct Number of Percentage (%)

comfort rooms for LGBT respondents
Acceptance 5 10
Alienation/Segregation 11 22
No support system 16 32
No proper/official identification 25 50
No space and costly 30 60
No law/bill passed 32 64

Presented in the table are the possible reasons identified as to why there are
limited or no CRs for the LGBT. The top 3 chosen reasons are: 1) there is no law or bill
passed for the provision of a distinct CR with a percentage of sixty-four (64); 2) there will
be no more space for an additional comfort rooms and that if implemented, it would be
costly with sixty (60) percent result since there are 4 different gender identities under.
 4

the LGBT community; 3) they do not have a proper or an official identification with a
percentage of fifty (50) because according to some respondents it will only cause them
confusion especially on what would be on the signage outside the CRs. In addition, from
an article made by Abad and Andaya (2017), they stated that having a different CRs
hinders the acceptance of a transwomen as a women and that it promotes segregation
which conveys an idea that the members of the LGBT community are different.

Table 5. Suggestion on how to address the issue

Suggestion on how to address the Number of Percentage (%)

issue respondents
Acknowledge the need/demand 40 80
Pass a law/bill 40 80
Develop programs 22 44
Provide assistance or resources 23 46
Collaborate with other organizations 35 70
Strengthen laws 41 82

Majority responded that organizations (LGBTQ+, GALANG, DOJ, etc.) should

strengthen the laws like Anti Bullying Law and Anti-Discrimination Bill which could
provide protection to the members of LGBT because as stated in the report entitled “Just
Let Us Be” (2017), the “policies, while strong on the paper, have not been adequately
enforced” which is why many LGBT members continue to experience bullying and
harassments. Also, the results as shown above indicates that based on the numbers of
respondents agreed that these possible suggestions can be the ways certain organizations
address the issues.
 CHAPTER 2

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary of Findings

After the gathering of the responses, findings show that the majority have a
neutral agreement on the idea of having a distinct comfort rooms for the LGBT
community and they believe that it is not important at all. It is also presumed that the
main reason for that is because they are still seen or considered to be male and female
despite their different identities and the respondents also believe that it is not anymore
necessary due to the existing CRs. Furthermore, the respondents identified and agreed
the different possible reasons why there is limited or no CRs for the LGBT. Among the ix
(6) reasons, the top 3 were the absence or lack of law/bill being passed, there is no more
space for additional rooms and it would be costly, and they do not have a proper or an
official identification which is said to cause confusion. Lastly, majority of the respondents
supported the suggestions that certain organization can do to best address the issue with
strengthening of the laws is considered to be the most important action to be done.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LGBT community, despite having their own identities are still
considered male and female in the society and having their own comfort room is not
viewed as a necessity. Also, the lack of law or bill passed in the Congress, having no space,
costly additional room to build, and having no proper or official identity are said to be the
issues which hindered the provision of separate CRs for their community. Thus, the
extent of demand for a distinct comfort room for the LGBT community is not that high.
However, certain organizations can somehow address this problem in many ways such
as strengthening the already approved laws and acknowledging the needs of their
community. This can help improve and lessen the inequalities their members continue
to experience nowadays.

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Recommendations

From the findings collected and conclusion, the researchers suggest to the following
proponents:

For the Students, to understand those LGBT members are also part of the
community and that their own needs must also be respected and meet. By considering
the rights of every human and to be mindful enough in their actions towards them in
order to make a better place to live in.

For the LGBT community, they must voice out their concerns and fight for their
rights. Although it is not necessarily a safe choice to think that there are some extreme
situations but keeping one’s identity a secret from the world or suppressing their selves
in becoming who they truly are can come at an extreme mental toll. Remember that being
an LGBT individual does not make them weird or undeserving of love and acceptance but
it will make them even more special. Also, to widen their resources in order for them to
be equip with their comfort rooms.

To the English Department Faculty, they are always part of the learning process
of the students with all the teachings, reprimands and encouragement. May they never
fail to guide and enhance the skills of every student in proper instructions for writing the
term paper to be done properly and correctly.

For the organizations, to improve further the current programs in fighting for the
rights of the LGBT and to continue to provide proper regulations to facilitate equality and
prevent any discriminations among the members of the LGBT community.

For the Future Researchers, who wish to conduct further studies involving the issues
surrounding the LGBT community, this study may be helpful for them as it may serve as
a guide or reference. In order to have a clearer vision with further discussions and
explanations, so that the readers will be able to comprehend and enhanced their skills
and understandings regarding to the said study.
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APPENDIX

Consent Form

The purpose of this research project is to know the Issues Surrounding the
Provision of a Distinct LGBT CR. This is a research project being conducted by 3rd Year
level nursing students for their English 27 requirement. Your participation in this
research study is voluntary. You may choose not to participate. If you decide to
participate in this research survey, you may withdraw at any time. The procedure
involves filling a survey that will take approximately 3-5 minutes. Your responses will be
confidential and we do not collect identifying information such as your name. We will also
keep your information confidential.

If you have any questions about the research study, please XXXXXXXXX, 3rd year
students.

Respondent’s Name (Optional): ____________________ Age: _______________

Sample Questionnaire

1. Are you a member of LGBT community? Or do you know someone who is a

member of the LGBT community?
o Yes
o No
2. Do you think there should be a separate CRs for the LGBT?
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
3. Why do you think so? (Select all that apply)
o For privacy
o Avoid discrimination
o Prevent harassment
o For equality
o It’s not necessary
o Same gender, male and female

Other reasons: _______________________________

 8

4. How important is it to have your own or for them to have their own comfort
rooms?
o Not important at all
o Quite important
o Very important
5. What do you think are the reasons as to why there are limited or no CRs for the
LGBT? (Select all that apply)
o They’re not that accepted in the society
o It only promotes alienation/segregation
o There is no support system
o LGBT has no proper (official) identity
o There’s no more space and costly
o There’s no law passed about it
o Others: _________________________
6. What would you suggest for certain organizations (LGBTQ+, GALANG, DOJ, etc.),
in order to address this issue on LGBT CRs?
o Acknowledge the need/demand of the LGBT for their own CRs
o A law/bill should be passed
o Develop programs on the provision of LGBT CRs
o Provide assistance or resources for implementation
o Collaborate closely with local activists and human rights defenders
o Strengthen laws (Anti Bullying Law and Anti-Discrimination Bill) that also
provide protection to the LGBT community
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REFERENCE LIST

Abad, M. and Andaya, A. (2017). Transgender student seek freedom of restroom choice.
Retrieved February 20, 2018 from
www.guidon.com/1112/main/2017/os/transgender-student-eek-freedom-
restroom-choice/

human rights first. (2012). How to Protect LGBTI Persons around the World from
Violence. Retrieved February 20, 2018 from
https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/wp
content/uploads/pdf/LGBTI_blueprint.pdf

Human Rights Watch. (2017). "Just Let Us Be" - Discrimination Against LGBT Students in
the Philippines. Retrieved February 20, 2018 from
http://www.refworld.org/docid/594bb9d24.html

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
Issues and Research Gaps and Opportunities. The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. 1, Introduction. Available
from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64810/

Pew Research Center (2013). The Global Divide on Homosexuality: Greater Acceptance
in More Secular and Affluent Countries. Retrieved February 6, 2018 from
http://www.pewglobal.org/files/2013/06/Pew-Global-Attitudes-
Homosexuality-Report-FINAL-JUNE-4-2013.pdf

Pobal (2006). More than jus a phase. Retrieved February 7, 2018 from https://www.ilga-
europe.org/sites/default/files/more_than_a_phase.pdf

Rozul, C.D. (2017). The History of LGBTQ + Visibility in the Philippines. Retrieved
February 8, 2018 from http://www.loveyourself.ph/2017/06/the-history-of-
lgbtq-visibility-in.html

Wikipedia contributors. (2018, February). LGBT rights in the Philippines. Wikipedia, The
Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 8, 2018 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBT_rights_in_the_Philippines&ol
did=823547117