Social Discrimination and Self-Esteem Among Gay Men in Tagbilaran City

Abstract

The study examined the association between reported social discrimination and self-esteem among homosexual males in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Specifically, it identified levels of perceived social discrimination and self-esteem among respondents, examined correlations between selected demographic parameters and the research variables, and investigated the relationship between perceived social discrimination and self-esteem. The study design adopted was a quantitative descriptive-correlational. A standardized questionnaire measuring perceived social discrimination and self-esteem was administered to 393 self-identified homosexual males in Tagbilaran City. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank-order correlation, and chi-square tests. The results indicated that, in general, the respondents reported modest levels of perceived social prejudice. However, most respondents had low self-esteem. Perceived social prejudice was significantly associated with selected demographic factors, including age, civil status, educational attainment, and employment, but not with geography. By contrast, none of the demographic characteristics were significantly associated with self-esteem. Further analysis revealed a statistically significant, weak negative correlation between felt social discrimination and self-esteem (p = -0.240, p < .001), indicating that higher levels of perceived discrimination were associated with lower levels of self-esteem. The results highlight the need to develop inclusive and supportive environments to improve psychological well-being among sexual minority populations. Although the general feeling was that there was little bias, respondents' ongoing low self-esteem suggests that additional social, cultural, and psychological factors may be affecting self-perceptions. Interventions that focus on self-acceptance, social support, and community involvement may have positive effects on the well-being of gay men.