Performing Gay Life: Narratives of Gay Men in Different Walks of Life in

Catarman Northern Samar

Rationale:

This paper is aimed at determining how gay men, who venture into different
endeavors in life perform their sexuality in different spaces. These spaces include both
the place and the people where and whom the respondents of this term paper interact
with. The places that will be determined in this paper are church, school, household,
and public areas such as parks, streets, and public markets, and other establishments
that are accessible to the public. Meanwhile, the people with whom the respondents
interact with include peers, family members, friends, and strangers.

In addition, when the aforementioned spaces are determined, this paper will
further dissect the reasons and factors that shape the behaviors of the respondents in
relation to how they perform their sexuality.

Factors such as concerned religions, perceived family and social expectations

and fear of homophobic sentiments or rejections may arise upon determining the
behaviors of the respondents on how they perform their sexuality across spaces.

By understanding these, it adds perspective on gay men in Catarman Northern

Samar. We can attain knowledge or information about gay men in Catarman, and how
they differs or have some similarities in terms of sentiments or experiences of gay men
outside the municipality. In addition, we can more understand how gay men perform
their sexuality in their personal and professional lives in the municipality, highlighting if
they still experience some form of discrimination whether it is in a macro or micro form
of aggression because of their gender.

In addition, this paper aims to foster greater awareness and empathy among
individuals who might not fully understand the unique challenges they face on a daily
basis, using the perspective of their unique experiences and lifestyle choices. By
providing insights into the complicated aspects of their lives, this paper seeks to
promote a more detailed and understanding attitude toward gay men, emphasizing the
importance of recognizing the complexity and diversity of their experiences beyond
superficial stereotypes. Furthermore, the goal is to promote a profound understanding
and acceptance of the diverse range of experiences that shape the lives of gay men,
encouraging a broader recognition of their humanity and individuality.

Objectives:

1. Determine the orientation of the respondents on the gender spectrum.

2. Determine the spaces where the respondents interact with in terms of:

2.1. Places such as church, school, household, and public areas.

2.2. Circles of people such as peers, family members, friends, and strangers.

3. Determine how they perform their sexuality across spaces such as:

3.1. Places which are church, school, household, and public areas.

3.2. Circles of people which are peers, family members, friends, and strangers.

4. Identify factors that influence the performance of gay men’s sexuality across spaces.
Review of Literature

Finding the ways how gay men perform their sexuality across different spaces is
crucial for our understanding of the complexities and intricacies of gender identity
formation of people. It sheds light on the existing sociocultural systems operating in
society that influence how gay men behave. A multitude of research on the gender
discourse have been conducted, highlighting the intricacies of how gay men react to
these existing sociocultural systems, and few of them are included in this literature
review.

Objective 1:

The understanding of human sexuality and its various orientations is crucial in

recognizing the diverse experiences and struggles faced by individuals on the gender
spectrum. This literature review aims to explore the placement of respondents on the
Kinsey Scale and analyze the complex factors contributing to sexual orientation. By
determining the orientation of respondents, we can navigate the gender spectrum and
gain insights into the unique challenges individuals may encounter.

The Kinsey Scale, developed by Alfred Kinsey and his colleagues in 1948,
introduced the concept of a continuum of human sexual orientation. It challenged the
binary understanding of sexuality by proposing a range of orientations beyond
heterosexual or homosexual. This scale directly relates to our objective of determining
the orientation of respondents on the gender spectrum. By utilizing the Kinsey Scale, we
can categorize respondents based on their self-reported experiences and attractions,
providing a more nuanced understanding of their orientation.

Additionally, the Kinsey Scale played a significant role in challenging existing

laws and psychiatric classifications, sparking a broader understanding of sexual
orientation. Its historical significance provides important context for interpreting
respondents' orientations within a societal and psychological framework. By
acknowledging the limitations of the Kinsey Scale, such as its assumption of a binary
view of gender and its conflation of sexual behavior with attraction, we can approach
our research with a critical lens and strive for more inclusive conversations about sexual
orientation.

Furthermore, accurately determining the orientation of respondents on the vast

gender spectrum is essential, as gay men in different placements on the spectrum have
distinct experiences and struggles. This understanding supports the idea of a gender
spectrum, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse needs
within the LGBTQ+ community.

Christopher C. H. Cook's study, "The causes of human sexual orientation,"

explores the complex factors influencing sexual orientation. This study delves into
genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, shedding light on the development of
sexual orientation. It directly contributes to our objective by providing insights into the
factors that influence respondents' orientations on the gender spectrum.

Cook's research highlights the significant genetic contribution observed in twin

and genetic marker studies, challenging the prevailing notion that the social
environment is the primary determinant of sexual orientation. The study also examines
the role of non-social environmental factors, such as intra-uterine conditions, in shaping
sexual orientation. Furthermore, it explores hormonal influences during critical
developmental periods and acknowledges the existence of sexual fluidity, particularly
among women. By integrating perspectives from theology and the science of sexual
orientation, Cook's study advocates for interdisciplinary engagement, emphasizing the
importance of a comprehensive understanding of sexual orientation.

Objective 2:

Interaction between individuals who are heterosexual and homosexuals differs

but, in the workplace, it can be quite difficult to attain inclusion that has some
heteronormative ideas towards professionalism that hinders inclusion, according to
Jansen (2015) “The degree which an individual perceives that the group provides him or
her with a sense of belonging and authenticity.” Therefore, having a sense of belonging
must be felt whether individuals see themselves as queers or heterosexual in the
workplace, this can be seen as a space on which people can be affected and bring
awareness in their workplace according to their sexual orientation and how the negative
consequences it can give to homosexual individuals.

Such as the assumption that everyone are “naturally” heterosexual is hindering

the inclusivity that should be present in a place or space for everyone, these places has
brought the problem of heteronormativity in the workplace and how the “performativity”
of individuals that see themselves as queers affect their performance as well as their
professionalism because they are seen as not on the norm, according to (Brower, 2013)
“which could lead to LGBT employees concealing their sexual orientation in order to be
seen as professional.” because being part of the heteronormative culture means that
they are professional in the workplace, rather than “being out” in the workplace there is
pressure in which they would conceal their sexual orientation to be seen as professional
rather than being comfortable about their selves.

“Not only may LGBT colleagues face discrimination from their heterosexual
colleagues, heterosexual job applicants are rated (Horvath and Ryan, 2003) and treated
(Hebl, Foster, Mannix, and Dovidio, 2002) more positively than gay and lesbian
applicants.” When they are looking for workers, they see heterosexual applicants more
favorable to work with because of being part of the norm and its attempt to connect
professionalism towards gender which the Chief of Executives or institutions that are
looking for workers, they are unconsciously or consciously giving privilege to
heterosexuals rather than those individuals who are part of a queer community.

A new place gives courage to students who leave their homes to go to a

university or school that is far from their homes, which gives them a sense of liberty and
freedom to express themselves without being noticed by someone who knows them in
their private life, such as Paul who disclosed the influence of his distance from his home
on his coming out experience in graduate school. According to the article “No place like
home: The coming out experiences of gay men in student affairs and Higher education
preparation programs” on the subtopic “New place, New coming out, page 87-89) Cain
stated that the decision to come out during graduate school started an open house for
the program, prior to formal admission, this was an example of how a safe space that is
created by an institution made a positive change to an individual on which they gained
enough courage to “be out”, with the interaction of people like Cain which is creating an
inclusive environment by the aid of the school made Cain to be comfortable to come out
as part of the LGBTQ community while also making himself firm on his decision as a
queer individual.

Being friends with same gender may be seen as easier to maintain and grow
because of the heteronormative assumption that same-gender friendship are safe and
appropriate, but in men’s friendship there is a stigma because some may view it as
same-gender attraction which hinders the development and maintenance of close
friendship, with these stigma some may deny or alienate boys who wanted to have a
close friendship but also deny the freedom to not be judge by their peers just because
of their difference in sexual orientation.

But being friends with the same sexual orientation, according to (Galupo, 2009,
Nardi 1999) Nardi’s work, among others, discussed the tendency of gay men to
primarily seek same-gender friendships, particularly with gay men and other sexual and
gender minorities, which can be observed in some groups where there are two girls and
one boy in some parts of the Universities or schools, some gay men are also friends
with their fellow homosexuals which they create their own safe space to interact and
convey their opinions, or just chat with each other about anything that may come to their
mind where they can do anything or talk about anything without judgement or be safe
with one another.

According to the article and its sub topic “self-disclosure and communication in
friendships with heterosexual men” The perception that heterosexual same-gender
friends do not want to hear about their romantic or sexual experiences suggest that,
Disclosing some information about sexual intercourse or just chatting about the
heterosexual guy’s gay friend about their sex life cannot be openly talk about because
there are still some boundaries on their relationship since it may not be seen as
appropriate because of the difference of their romantic preferences, that may cause
uncomfortability to the guy’s part which hinders a space of comfort and understanding.
Objective 3:

The church plays a crucial role in shaping ones sexual orientation. This
describes the church involvement of young African American men who have sex with
men (MSM). Reports data secured from 76 individual semistructured interviews with
men between the ages of 18 and 29 who reported recent sexual behavior with other
men in Atlanta and Chicago that revealed high levels of involvement in African American
churches and its impact on self-esteem and sexual behavior. Notes that participation in
African American churches encourages sexual secrecy and is associated with
decreased frequencies of same-sex contacts. Suggests that African American clergy
and other church leaders can initiate dialogue with church-going MSM and redirect
ministerial efforts to foster inclusive, nurturing religious communities that no longer
marginalize these African American men.(Jeffrey Lynn Woodyard,John L. Peterson, and
Joseph P. Stokes, 2000)

Another study explore individual ‘s experiences of identity integration between

their sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Using both qualitative and quantitative
research methods. “ We examined identity integration in forty members and participants
of the Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCC/NY), a gay-positive church
located in Mid-town Manhattan” according to Eric M. Rodriguez, Suzanne C. Ouellette
(2000). The survey and interview data collected showed that: (1)a majority of the
research participants reported that they had successfully integrated their homosexual
and religious identities, (2) being integrated was related to higher role involvement at
MCC/NY, being a member of the church, attending more MCC/NY worship services and
activities/ministries, and attending MCC/NY for more years, (3) lesbians were less likely
than gay men to report past conflict between their identities, and more likely to report
being fully integrated, and (4) MCC/NY played an important role in helping these
participants achieve integration between their homosexual and religious identities.(Eric
M. Rodriguez, Suzanne C. Ouellette, 2000)

Alongside the church, home with the inclusion of the family and friends and
their social relation plays a pivotal role in shaping someone’s sexual identity and
orientation. “ We propose a novel conceptual framework for the study of gay male
identity formation in relation to the person’s self, family, and social relations. The three
basic processes of gay male identity are defined—self-definition, self-acceptance, and
disclosure—and theoretically linked to attachment style and social support. The results,
based on an Israeli sample of gay men (n = 121), indicated that self-acceptance and
friends’ support predict secure attachment in close adult , and that self-definition and
support from family and friends predict disclosure. Supportive family attitudes toward
same-sex orientation mediated the effect of general family support on disclosure”
according to Yoel Elizur and Arlette Mintzer (2001). These results suggest that the
independent assessment of identity processes provides a flexible alternative to stage
models’ assumption of a single linear developmental process, that the formation of gay
identity is associated with inner models of adult relationships, and that support of family
and friends have a different role in the coming out process and in the formation of one’s
adult attachment model.( Yoel Elizur and Arlette Mintzer, 2001).

Objective 4:

Factors that shape how gay men perform their sexuality stretch back to the
sociological origin of existing sociocultural norms that elicit expectations of how they
should behave. Mauss (1973) highlights that children learn by imitating adults they
perceive have the authority over things they believe they ought to mimic. Drawing from
this, Mauss (1973) argues that existing sociocultural norms of how members of society
behave find their roots from how children are introduced to society, confining them to
certain social and cultural expectations that they need to fulfill. In this way, these
sociocultural expectations play as a massive factor in how gay men's performance of
their sexuality is shaped in societies where masculinity and patriarchy dominate,
fostering heteronormative expectations.

In the heteronormative and gender-normative surveillance of Martino and Pallota-

Chiarolli (2001), they discovered that participants often felt pressured to conform to
traditional gender roles and stereotypes, leading to the suppression or modification of
their sexuality. Martino and Pallota-Chiarolli (2001) additionally revealed the role of
normalization practices in perpetuating these norms, creating barriers to authentic self-
expression of LGBTQ+ individuals. These findings underscore the profound impact of
societal norms and expectations on individuals' expressions of gender and sexuality.

However, amidst these challenges, Martino and Pallotta-Chiarolli (2001) also

identified instances of resistance and negotiation. Participants demonstrated agency in
navigating and challenging societal expectations, finding ways to assert their identities
and form supportive communities.

Drawing from this background, these social expectations result in members of

society harboring homophobic stigmas and sentiments against gay men. In the study of
Arora et al. (2022) entitled ”It’s a Man’s World: A Qualitative Study of Gender and
Sexuality amongst Australian Gay Men”, respondents elaborated on their perceived
pressures that compel them to conform to heteronormative expectations out of their fear
of homophobic treatments which included: fathers, male figures, mothers, religion,
school, authority figures, television, and movies. Arora et al. (2022) contends that these
pressures imply seclusion, which leads to how gay men perform their sexuality based
on heteronormative expectations across spaces.

Speaking of pressures or stigmatizing sociocultural systems and structures, in

the study of Peumans (2016) entitled "The Moral Breakdown between Religion and
Sexuality", the tension between religion and sexual freedom, particularly in Western
societies, is broken down, exploring how traditional religious teachings often clash with
modern understandings of sexuality, leading to moral dilemmas and societal discord.
Peumans (2016) adds that this tension compels a huge percentage of gay men to
negotiate their sexuality with the imposition of religious and heteronormative
expectations. In a study, these negotiations include selective disclosure, where
individuals choose whom to disclose their sexual orientation to based on perceived
acceptance or safety, as well as concealing their sexual identity in certain contexts to
avoid discrimination or harm (Heyse et al., 2021).

Additionally, participants in the study of Heyse et al. (2021) described navigating

heteronormative expectations by adopting behaviors or relationships that conform to
societal norms while maintaining their true identity privately or within supportive
communities be because of. Overall, these negotiations reflect the complex interplay
between individual identity, cultural expectations, and social context experienced by gay
men in conservative and religious environments.

Prepared by:

Franco Raphael L. Tido

Lance Kirby Sarzata
Reyboy R. Adora
Jinky Joy Corong
Cherry Gil Bernaldez