Filipino LGBT psychologists presented 16 new research studies at this year’s largest gathering of psychologists and other mental health professionals.
This is the fifth year of strong, visible LGBT programming at the Psychological Association of the Philippines. The annual PAP conference attracts more than 700 professional members from all over the country.
Psychology faculty and graduate students showcased their research in two dedicated symposium sessions titled “Pride: Supportive Contexts for LGBT Well-being” and “Prejudice: Studies on Stigma in LGBT Lives”. Presenters came from various institutions including the University of the Philippines, Miriam College, University of Santo Tomas, University of San Carlos Cebu, De La Salle University Manila, and Mahidol University Thailand.
Four of the studies delved into Filipino gay men’s experience on Grindr, suicide risk and parental acceptance of LGBT youth, commitment to LGBT identities, and Cebuano gay couples strategies for staying together. The rest explored a range of queer topics, including everyday experiences of sexism, anti-LGBT victimization, bullying and depression, attitudes toward transgender people, gay men living positively, and LGBT climate in Catholic schools.
Rounding out the LGBT sessions were a “Meet, Greet & Mingle” session hosted by the LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group, and a half-day professional workshop on handling homophobic and transphobic bullying led by Vangie Castronuevo and Ricky Clores of DLSU Dasmariñas.
