This work has not been peer reviewed by the University of the Philippines Rainbow Research Hub or its project members.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
Lalaki sa papel, gay ang puso: Understanding the lived experiences of gay parenting in Palawan
John Mark A. Baculpo
This study aims to explore and understand the parenting experiences of gay men raising a child in Palawan. It seeks to identify the challenges they face in fulfilling their parenting roles within a conservative society and to examine the support systems and parenting practices that help sustain their families. Ultimately, the study contributes to a more inclusive understanding of parenthood, gender, and sexuality in the Philippine context.
To achieve these objectives, the study employed a qualitative exploratory design to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of gay fathers in Palawan. Qualitative research allows for the exploration of real-life experiences, perceptions, and behaviors to provide a deeper insight into human experiences. The exploratory design was chosen to uncover new perspectives and meanings behind how gay fathers navigate their parenting roles, gender identity, and social expectations within a predominantly conservative cultural environment. This design was suitable because it aimed to capture the depth and complexity of participants’ experiences, particularly in a topic with limited prior research.
The participants of this study were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used to identify individuals who fit the specific criteria, while snowball sampling helped locate other potential participants through referrals. The participants were self-identified gay men aged 30 to 50 years old, currently residing in Palawan, and raising at least one child—biological or adopted—for at least ten years since infancy. They could be either unmarried or married and living with a male or female partner. A total of eight participants were included in the study, which is considered an adequate number for qualitative research involving in-depth interviews. This age range was chosen because it represents a developmental stage where individuals balance career progression, relationships, and parenting responsibilities, all of which influence their life trajectory.
In gathering the data, the researchers used several research instruments including pens, paper, laptops, mobile phones (for audio recording), and notepads (both digital and paper) to document and record information. The data were transcribed verbatim using Microsoft Word and Google Docs to ensure that the participants’ original responses were accurately captured. The primary data collection method was a semi-structured qualitative interview, guided by validated interview questions reviewed by an expert in the field. This validation ensured that the questions were clear, relevant, and aligned with the study’s objectives. Semi-structured interviews allowed flexibility for participants to freely express their thoughts and experiences while maintaining focus on the main research questions.
For the data analysis, the researchers employed thematic analysis. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim to preserve the participants’ original statements. The transcriptions were then coded and analyzed to identify recurring themes that captured the essence of their experiences. According to Nowell et al. (2017), thematic analysis is effective in identifying similarities and differences in participants’ responses and in generating meaningful insights. The analysis was further guided by Social Constructionism Theory (Berger & Luckmann) and Minority Stress Theory (Meyer), which provided theoretical frameworks for understanding how social norms and minority status shape the experiences of gay fathers. Finally, the findings were interpreted through descriptive analysis, systematically describing and explaining the key patterns and meanings that emerged from the data.