This work has not been peer reviewed by the University of the Philippines Rainbow Research Hub or its project members. The views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Hub or its project members.
2026 Philippine Queer Studies Conference
POSTER PRESENTATION
Living beyond the rainbow spectrum: The spirituality and gender fluidity of Filipino college students (basis for affirmative counseling approach)
Matt Calvin S. Dadivas
Counselors and therapists in Philippine society protect and become allies for students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The design and delivery of counseling and therapy services are being strengthened to help them. The present study aimed to discover, explore, and understand the lived experiences of Filipino LGBTQ+ college students in terms of their spirituality and gender fluidity. The study utilized qualitative research, phenomenology, and social constructivism as approaches to achieve its objectives. 10 LGBTQ+ participants, who report having a sense of spirituality and are experiencing gender fluidity, underwent semi-structured interviews. As the main research instrument, they were interviewed with a validated aide memoire. Utilizing Thematic Analysis, the study came-up with 7 conceptual themes (Consolation, Ordeal, Meaninglessness, Placidity, Assimilation, Self-Awareness, and Self-Fulfillment) reflected in the hypothesized theoretical framework The Life C.O.M.P.A.S.S. of Spirituality and Gender Fluidity. This can be used as a pedagogical tool for articulation and exploration in counseling and therapy. This may also serve as basis for creating other interventions, especially for the Affirmative Counseling approach, with spiritual, LGBTQ+ individuals as they find out and form their spiritual and gender identities/expressions, and live their unique lives to the fullest of their potentials and capabilities in their personal, social worlds.