The Role of Experiences: Shaping the Gender Identity of Filipino

Female Bisexuals
Carissa Jane S. Marcos and Nikki Patricia E. Mina
Our Lady of Fatima University –
Antipolo Campus 2016

Introduction
Until now, bisexuality is a controversial concept. Many are concluding that
bisexuality does not really exist but rather a phase in knowing one’s sexual
orientation. In a research, scientists dismissed on three arguments: (1) Bisexuals
were heterosexuals who were “just experimenting.” (2) Bisexuals were people
confined in single-gender institutions (prisons, monasteries) who reluctantly made
due with the only available gender. And last, (3) Bisexuals were homosexuals who
did not want to be stigmatized as such, and so they feigned attraction to the
opposite sex.

In the study of J. Neil C. Garcia (1996), he enumerated the three most

important questions a Philippine-based gay theory should address: cultural
incongruity, gender oppression, and the class struggle. Furthermore, he added, “I
can nearly presume that the “answers” to each of these broad concerns should
involve the genealogy of sexuality in our history as a colonized people, a
revaluation of our present-day concepts of maleness and femaleness, and a
theoretical elaboration of the semi-feudal, capitalist class structures which have
guaranteed the oppression of homosexuals in terms of occupational pursuit and
symbolic relations.”

One of the most notable characteristics of Filipino society is its strong

family and community relationships. These are strengthened by the traditional
Filipino concept of “utang na loob”. This often creates a long-term relationship of
giving and receiving between individuals or families, and some obligations can last
for generations. The social values of loyalty, support, and trust are deeply
embedded in the Philippine identity. Respect for others, especially elder members
and people in positions of authority, is taught from an early age (Garduque, 2015).

This study focuses on the gender orientation of Filipino female bisexuals

that came from their experiences. The researchers define Filipino female bisexuals
as local women who experiences attraction towards both male and female. The
significance of the study is to provide an idea about the Filipino female bisexuals.
Research Questions
1. How is the concept of Filipino female bisexuals constructed through their
experiences?

Theoretical Framework

The researchers used Experiential Learning Theory proposed by

psychologist David Kolb which is a holistic approach that emphasizes how
experiences, including cognitions, environmental factors, and emotions, influence
the learning process. The researchers used this theory because it accurately
explained the role of experience in the lives of Filipino female bisexuals.

Method

Participants

The researchers used Experiential Learning Theory proposed by

psychologist David Kolb which is a holistic approach that emphasizes how
experiences, including cognitions, environmental factors, and emotions, influence
the learning process. The researchers used this theory because it accurately
explained the role of experience in the lives of Filipino female bisexuals.

Procedures

The following were conducted accordingly to the study. (1) Briefing the
participants. (2) Semi-structured interview was conducted. (3) Debriefing the
participants. (4) Transcribing the results. (5) Analysis of the data collected. The
anonymity of the participants was observed.

Data Gathering

The researchers used a qualitative case study approach. A qualitative study

gives emphasis on naturalistic observation and provides a description on the
qualities of life.

Data Analysis

In this study the researchers would use thematic analysis wherein it will
create themes and be able to discuss the data gathered thoroughly (Braun & Clarke,
2003).
Results

Theme 1: Internal Factors

Internal factors pertain to the subjective experiences of the respondents. The
internal factors are their feelings or emotions and cognitions.

1.1 Feelings or Emotions

The respondents practically rely on their feelings and emotions. They
often mentioned that they felt that they were bisexual because of the
attraction they felt for both the male and female. These feelings or emotions
were the main determinant for their bisexuality.

“Kase syempre hndi mo naman masasabi na bisexual ka kung

hndi mo nararamdaman yung feeling na mag kagusto ka sa dalawa sa
babae or lalaki.” – R1

“Isa siya sa parang feelings na di mo pwedeng pigilan.

Kumbaga parang… kusa mo siyang mararamdaman. Hindi pwedeng
magdikta ng ibang tao.” – R2

1.2 Cognition
The respondents had experienced reflecting about becoming bisexuals
at some point in their life. Reflecting in their true sexual preferences. They
also experienced a lot of cognitive dissonance wherein they weren’t very
accepting of what they were feeling towards the same sex.

“Siguro uh ano. Kase masarap din kasi makipag relasyon sa

babae. Feeling mo may kapatid ka na, may bestfriend ka na, tas may
lover ka pa diba. So parang nan dun na tayo sa, Oo pinapatulan ko
kasi MU kami pero nan dun parin yung yung pagiisip mo na labanan
mo yan, yun ganun.” – R1

“Nung nalaman ko yun parang na-confuse ako sa sarili ko na

baka yun na talaga yung ano.. nung 2nd year nga ako. Kasi parang
iba na yung actions ko, iba na yung sa ambiance ko sa paligid parang
iba na rin. Tapos inisip ko na kung, kung ganun din ba ko. Na ganun
di ba yung feelings ko, ganun. Tapos, kinilala ko talaga yung sarili
ko. One year akong nag-isip nun, noong 3rd year. Di ba 2nd year ko
nalaman, buong 3rd year…” – R2

Theme 2: External Factors

The external factors pertain to the external influences that were consistently
present in explaining the experience of bisexuality. These factors are the peers and
the culture of Filipinos.

2.1 Peers
During the time when the respondents were in the midst of their
confusion, they were surrounded with peers that were “tomboy”. It made
them grasp the understanding or realizations that was learned being with
them.

“Dahil nagkaroon ako ng isa, dalawa, apat ata na tomboy na

ksma lagi hehe. Pag siguro, hndi ko naman sinasabing BI sila, dun ko
nga nalaman yung sariling ako yung pagkatao ko kase kaibigan ko
sila as in bestfriend ko sila tapos nagkakagirlfriend sila. So sa, so
yung mga girlfriend nila yun yung nakakausap ko din.” – R1

“2nd year nga talaga yung na-experience ko na sila Cha.. ‘Uy,

astig! Babae sila tas yun nga…’ Napaisip ako dahil dun kay Ella kasi
nagbibigay sakin ng heart.. parang ano yun? Baka siguro ganun na
din ako, ganern. Parang konsepto ko kasi sa buhay ko parang pag
lalaki manloloko, ganun. Tapos nung pagka graduate ko, ayun nga.
Nakakilala ako ng sobrang better, ganun. Mas better pa sa lalaki,
ganun.” – R2

2.2 Culture
The respondents also experience some reluctances or hesitations to
express their bisexuality because they still feel bound to abide by the
traditional and conservative Filipino Culture. Aside from that, one of the
respondents still held beliefs from Christianity; which clearly discourages
sexual orientations other than male to female.

“Hmm dati diba sabi ko nung third year ko natuklusan tlga or

mas nalaman na ganun ako. May idea sila tapos yung mama ko,
tanggap nya. Sabi nya okay lang yan maganda yan. Tas yung father
ko syempre lalaki ayaw nya.” – R1

“Yung daddy ko hindi talaga kasi nga pastor kasi siya. That’s
why. Nasa abroad yung papa ko. Nanay ko lang talaga… nung una di
okay. Di ako kinikibo, pero pinaliwanag ko sa kanya na parang
ganito na nararamdaman ko. Nandito na tayo sa point na ‘to, kaya
wala na tayong magagawa kasi di ko naman ‘to pwedeng pigilan. Eto
yung nararamdaman ko. Siguro, ako talaga ‘to. Ganun. Tas kinilala
 nila parang as a family yung (partner), tapos okay naman sa kanila.
Uhm feeling ko mas hinuhusgahan ang mga bisexual. Kasi ayun nga,
parang karamihan ng ano. Karamihan ng bisexual, katulad nga
samin parang babaeng-babae. Kunyari, may nakakita sa amin,
magugulat na lang na parang ang labas samin, tomboy kami. May
mga nagcha-chat sakin na “Ay ano (babae) pala yung ganyan
(partner) mo.” Pero di naman nila sinasabi na mali yan, ganun.
Nagugulat lang sila… sa mga matatanda kung tatanungin mo, pag
pumatol ka o kahit bi ka, tibo ka na agad. Pero sa amin, parang
lumalabas na parang… bisexual.” – R2

Discussion
Based on the data collected, the researchers have concluded that the
construction of the Filipino female bisexuals could be categorize to internal and
external factors. The internal factors consist of the respondents’ feelings or
emotions, and their cognition. The external factors would be their peers and the
Filipino culture.

It could be implied based on the statements the subjects provided, that they
largely rely on their feelings to dictate their orientation. They also had some
difficulty providing other reasons for being bisexuals as well as traits and
characteristics that they uniquely identify with as Filipino bisexuals. Cognitively,
they experienced dissonance and had difficulty accepting what they were feeling
towards the same sex at first. They really took the time to reflect on the possibility
that they were bisexuals, before finally learning to accept it. The external factors
were the main causes behind their experienced dissonance because of their social
circles’ expectations of how they were supposed to act and who they were
supposed to like. At the same time, their peers who were “tomboy” or lesbians,
also held a huge influence on their decision to embrace their bisexuality.

The researchers consider the idea that the respondents may not be sure of
their gender identity and sexual orientation yet because of the difficulty they
experience to explain their bisexuality. It is also possible that they may only be
going through a phase, considering their young age. They also mentioned that they
still desire to get married and have kids as well. Basically, the main reason they
became bisexuals was their feelings. They were attracted to the same sex only
when the same sex showed interest by doing gestures of courtship. One of the
respondents even admitted vulnerability during the time she was courted by the
same sex, because she was hurt and fooled by a person of the opposite sex.
 Conclusion

The researchers recommend that more in-depth research about this topic
should be done to generate new concepts and better understanding of the Filipino
female bisexual. The age of further studies may also focus on adults who are more
secured or sure of their gender identity and sexual orientation, to get a deeper
understanding of Filipino female bisexuality based from women with wider
experience.

References
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2003). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology.
Garduque, J. (2015, March 14). Philippines: Socio-Cultural Setting. Retrieved
from SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/joseradingarduque/philippines-
sociocultural-setting-45842955
Madrigal, D., & McClain, B. (2012, September). Strengths and Weaknesses of
Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Retrieved from UxMatters:
http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2012/09/strengths-and-weaknesses-
ofquantitative-and-qualitative-research.php#sthash.WO3D1nL.dpuf
 Appendices

Appendix A

Consent Form
Research Title: The Role of Experiences: Shaping the Gender Identity of Filipino
Female
Bisexuals
School: Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo Campus
Researchers: Carissa Jane S. Marcos
Nikki Patricia E. Mina
A. Purpose and Conduct of the Study
The purpose of this study is for the researchers to get an understanding of
the concept, Filipino female bisexuals. This study will be conducted through a
semi-structured interview (voice recorded).
B. Risks and Inconveniences
There are no reasonable or foreseeable risks. The participants, however, may
feel discomfort while opening up their personal life during interviews with the
researchers.
C. Possible Benefits for the Participants
This study would be beneficial to the participants by enabling them to
express their thoughts and feelings regarding their gender identity and experiences;
and by helping to understand the bisexual community better. It could also serve as
an eye-opener to some people who are not aware of and make prejudices about
their situation.
D. Compensation
The food expenditures of the participants throughout the research process
will be provided by the researchers.
E. Provisions for Injury
If there would be injury or harm that occurred to the participants during the
research process, the researchers will not be liable to it.
F. Contact Person
If there are any questions or concerns regarding the study, the participants
may contact Ms. Carissa Jane S. Marcos, via cellphone, 0926-467-1978/0933-033-
4245, or email, ceedgemrcs@gmail.com.
G. Voluntariness of Participation
The participants are free of any coercion in participating in the study. They
may also withdraw in the research process anytime they want.
H. Confidentiality
The researchers will be responsible of the welfare and dignity of all involved
in the process. All gathered data (e.g. voice record) will be confidential.

Your signature below indicates that you have read and understood the information
given above
and that you voluntarily agree to be a research participant for this study.

____________________ _______________ __________

Name of Respondent Signature Date
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:
Email:
Contact:

PERSONAL DATA
Age :
Sex :
Date of Birth :
Birthplace :
Civil Status :
Religion :

Educational Background

A. Senior High School

School :
Address :
Track :
Strand :
Year :

B. Junior High School

School :
Address :
Year :

C. Elementary
School :
Address :
Year :