LGBT psychology in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper presents an account of the initial developments towards an LGBT psychology in the Philippines. We situate this on critical events leading to: (1) an official policy by the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) against anti-LGBT discrimination in 2011, the first in south-east Asia; and (2) the institutionalisation in 2014 of the PAP’s LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group. Organising efforts have focused in four areas: research, education, advocacy, and practice. National conferences have served as naturally occurring moments for mainstreaming and visibility within the profession. Research progress is evidenced by the publication in 2013 of a special LGBT issue of the Philippine Journal of Psychology. Education efforts have involved teaching an undergraduate elective on LGBT psychology, training of psychology teachers to integrate sexual and gender diversity, and conduct of ‘LGBT Psych 101’ seminars. Advocacy has focused on ‘giving away’ LGBT psychology through engagement with the activist community, media, and support for anti-discrimination legislation. Finally, initial work in professional practice has been around raising awareness of LGBT issues in counselling. We reflect on these initial successes and present lessons learned as well as next steps for the development of an LGBT-inclusive psychology in south-east Asia.

Incorporating LGBT+ mental health into psychiatric residency and training: perspectives from the Philippines

“…For instance, a troubling episode in a 2011 Filipino national television programme showcased a mental health professional advising parents of LGBT+ children to employ conversion therapy as a means of achieving a ‘happy family life’, notwithstanding the therapy's well-documented detrimental consequences on mental health. 5 , 11 Although several Filipino psychologists have taken the initiative to develop courses and practices addressing the mental health needs of LGBT+ people, 5 challenges in LGBT+ mental healthcare are still apparent. These challenges manifest in the underrepresentation of LGBT+ needs in the curricula of the country's medical and health professions education, such as the limited training on gender-affirming care and the stigmatisation of transgender identities.…”

“…1 Despite these advancements, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) community in the Philippines continues to endure abuse, discrimination and prejudice stemming from their gender and sexual orientation. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] LGBT+ mental health services and training in the Philippines Discrimination and prejudice against LGBT+ individuals contribute to the elevated prevalence of mental disorders within this population. 8,10 Disturbingly, more than a quarter of the Philippine population exhibits negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians.…”

“…Emerging evidence suggests the potential mental health benefits of this increased support and acceptance within the LGBT+ community in the country. 5,11 healthcare training in other regions, [12][13][14] these proposed concepts can be integrated into Philippine psychiatry residency programmes through mentorship, didactic sessions, clinical rotations and online training.…”

The BPS Psychology of Sexualities Section Annual Conference 2017

“…The programme featured six oral presentations, five posters, four Pecha Kucha style presentations, and one keynote address. As a relative newcomer to the UK context with a background in LGBT psychology from a different country context (i.e., the Philippines; Manalastas & Torre, 2016), I participated in the conference for the first time with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and the standpoint of a Ôfriendly outsiderÕ (Greenwood & Levin, 2007). As such, I aim to not just offer a summary of the conference but to Ôreflect backÕ (Greenwood & Levin, 2007, p. 125) on the event as a whole.…”

Gender in mental health: toward an LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming psychiatry and mental healthcare in the Philippines

“…However, these negative attitudes toward LGBTQ+ Filipinos have also been reported among mental health professionals. For instance, a Filipino psychologist on a national television show advised parents with LGBTQ+ children to consider conversion therapy to achieve a “happy family life” despite evidence of its deeply damaging consequences ( 10 ). These negative attitudes are further complicated by the limited number of trained counselors who can address their depression, suicidal tendencies, self-acceptance, anger, and family relationship issues, as highlighted by a UNDP and USAID report ( 2 ).…”