Republic of the Philippines

Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
DASMARINAS INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School Department

DIFFERENT PERCEPTION OF A FATHER WHO HAS ‘GENDER DYSPHORIC’ SON

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

Dasmariñas Integrated High School
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject Practical Research

by
Bagwas, Kenny Jean J.
Malonzo, Larie San T.
Quiros, Jomelito T.
Peñaranda, Hannah Kayla C.

HUMSS 11- B
AY 2017-2018

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The introduction chapter sets the preface for the research topic at hand. The

introduction illustrates the overall aim of the study, whilst addressing gaps in the

literature and justification for conducting research on the chosen phenomena.

A. Background of the Study

One of the most important milestones for many gay men and lesbians to express

their feeling is telling their parents about their sexual orientation. Gay men’s relationship

with their mothers are likely to be more positive than their relationship with their fathers,

and fathers are less likely to be told, and more likely to react negatively to disclosure

than mothers (Livingston 2016).

On the popular television show, Pepito Manaloto, Raymond and Bobot display a

Father-son relationship in which Bobot, the son, is a gay adolescent, but he chooses to

hide it to his parents because of fear in rejection. He comes up to their family friend

when her parents left him for 3-day work trip. When Clarissa (his cousin) and Bobot

playing together he accidentally spoke a “gay lingo” (gay language) that ends to him to

confess his true identity. Bobot wants to go in a LGBT event (LGBT Conference) that he

really wants to attend. But he is afraid to tell it to Aunt Maggi (Step mother) because he

thought that they will never accept his true identity. But later on, he was motivated by

his Aunt Elsa, and gain self-confidence to confess his real identity: that he is a gay. And

realize that his father knew his real identity since he was a child and accept him

wholeheartedly.

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 Homosexuals like Bobot, are facing discrimination in our present society. Former

Commission on Human Rights Etta Rosales in 2013 reported 141 cases of abuse

against member of the LGBT Community. Because of this tragic stigma, gays are

commonly afraid to let the public know their real identity and it is very crucial stage in

particular. The 2014 Philippines Country reported on "Being LGBT in Asia" notes that 28

persons were killed because of their sexual identities in 2011, so commonly some of

them act like straight man because banned from eliciting behaviors that are not manly; it

simply justifies the corresponding effects to their personality. Ryan et al. (2009)

established an important line of research that documented the importance of both

parental rejection and parental support. For example, family rejection was fond to be

associated with an increased likelihood of having depression, suicidal ideation, illicit

substance use and unprotected sex with crucial partners and to sum it up it simply

develops hatred, suffers discrimination, develops mistrust in people and having low self-

esteem. Inversely with that, the gays who are accepted by their families are seen as

enthusiast, cheerful, have high self-esteem and confidence.

The anecdote stated above maybe fictitious but it is happening in the reality.

Active parental guidance of fathers may reduce internal homophobia (Bregman et al.,

2013). Father is important in child's development (Pleck, 2010). Children, especially

sons, were looking at their father as a model. Fathers major responsibility is to provide

intimacy, discipline, worth and love for their children (Genio, 2015). It is important for

fathers to be hands on to their children or sons in terms of taking care of them. Also it is

important for a son to feel the love of a father in their house. Some homosexual

activities were rooted from unavailability of father's love and affection. Fathers should

3
put his children in the position to be successful (Pamaran, 2017). They are there to

guide and to lead their children to where they will go. They should not be the reason

why their son is oppressed. Without the guidance of the father, the son might have the

sexual development with the members of their own sex (Weinberg 2017) because of

searching a father's figure.

With the increasing number of abused gays in the Philippines, the researchers

aim to know the perspectives of fathers towards to their gender dysphonic son. Through

this study we will be able to understand the heart of those fathers and why they

approach their homosexual son in that way. The researchers will know his feelings and

emotions. The researchers wanted to know how fathers accept their son despite of their

gender condition.

B. Statement of the Problem

The researchers aimed to answer the following questions:

1. How do fathers perceive their "Gender Dysphoric" (gay) Son?

2. Why do you think your son became "Gender Dysphoric"?

3. How do Fathers embrace the fact that they have "Gender Dysphoric" Son?

C. Significance of the Study

This research will benefit the following:

Gender Dysphoric Man. Gender Dysphoric individuals will surely benefit because

theywill know the perceptions of a father who has gay son.And will develop a new way

to approach their own father.

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Fathers of Gender Dysphoric Man. They will gain moral support through this study.

And little by little, accept their gay son.

Families of Gay Individuals. They can now give the right support for the father who

had a hard time accepting his gay son.

Society. The society will benefit in this study because they will understand those fathers

who cannot accept his gay son. Through this study, the society may develop a method

that can make a father easily accept his gay son.

Future Researchers. Future researchers can use this study as their guide in making

their own research which aligned in this study.

D. Scope and Delimitation

The study focused only to the perceptions of fathers who accepted their gender

dysphoric or ‘gay’ son. The study was conducted in Dasmariñas City. The target

participants were fathers of selected three gay students studying in Dasmariñas

Integrated High School. The result of this study is not applicable to lesbians, bisexuals

and transgender. This study started January 15, 2018 and expected to be finished at

March 31, 2018.

E. Definition of Terms

Gay. A homosexual, especially a man.

Gender. The state of being male or female

Gender Dysphoria. The condition of feeling one's emotional and psychological identity

as male or female to be opposite to one's biological sex.

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Perception. A way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something a mental

impression.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The literature review chapter provides a deeper insight into the research topic

being investigated. The chapter contains critical application of theory relating to the

perception of fathers who have gender dysphoric son. The researchers get some

information from: Books, Magazines, Encyclopedia, Data base, and Journal.

A. Conceptual Framework

Different Percepectiion of Fathers who has

“Gender Dysphoric” Son

Three Selected Fathers (35-50 yrs. old)

of three selected students who are
studying at Dasmariñas Integrated High
School

1. Unique, Helpful, Studious, Kind,

1. How do Father perceive their
"Gender Dysphoric" (gay) Son?
2. Why do you think your son
became "Gender Dysphoric"?
3. How do Fathers embrace the fact
that they have "Gender Dysphoric"
Son?
Cooperative, Advantage, Industrious
2. Hesitant, Acceptance, Support,
Process, Genes, Environment,
Childhood
3. Acceptance, Motivation,
Guidance, Support, Advices

B. Theoretical Framework

Hermeneutical phenomenology states that all description is already

interpretation, it portrays that every individual has its own understanding and

interpretation of things in this world that everything is meaningful and every form of

human awareness is interpretive, wherein if individual is aware on one aspect it already

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an interpretation. In line with this, the researchers used this theory to simply explore the

understanding of participants and on how they describe and interpret the things around

them. The researchers used the hermeneutical phenomenology to classify the lived

experience and expose meaning through words wherein the researchers will know the

different perception of fathers to their gender dysphoric (gay) son through answering

and interpreting the several questions of the researchers. Thus, it is concerned with

human experience as it is lived. The researchers will know the experience of these

fathers and how they understand and interpret the situation that their son is gay. The

researchers will have depth understanding about the certain phenomena through

fathers on how they describe or interpret their feelings emotions the way they see their

gay son. Thus, the researchers will have reflection and analyzing on the participants’

answer.

C. Review of Related Literature

Genio (2015) said that fathers are little children's first hero. That is the first stage

of fatherhood. This is the part where most of the father withdraw emotionally and

physically. Playing this role as the mightiest and the best is too heavy for some fathers.

This cause the son to feel abandoned and betrayed. Absent fathers during this stage

create permanent scars.

Gang culture become the outlet of those sons who are left by their fathers. In one

study conducted in the Philippines, an average boy spent 7.5 minutes alone with his

father every week. The researchers found out in this study that the tendency is the child

may find the emptiness from others that can meet the comfort they needed.

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Disregarding all the conditions in the outside world. Father's time and effort mean a lot

to every individual and it also shape what kind of people they are in the future.

The researchers found out that active fathers to their son will also decrease the

possibility that their son will be homosexual. Adolescent stage is also a discovering

stage. This is where individuals will find their interests and will determine their role as

part of the society. We can consider poor fathering may also be the root why some sons

become homosexuals.

According to American Psychological Association “Transgender is an umbrella

term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression or behavior does not

conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth.”

According to Gao (2015), three decades ago, most Americans felt it would be

troubling to have a child tell them he or she was gay: In a 1985 Los Angeles Times

survey, nine-in-ten American adults (89%) said they would be upset if this happened,

and just 9% said they would not be. But views of homosexuality have shifted over time,

and today nearly six-in-ten (57%) say they would not be upset if they had a child come

out as gay or lesbian, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in May.

An important milestone for many gay men and lesbians is telling their parents about

their sexual orientation, our 2013 survey showed. Overall, gay adults are more likely to

have shared this information with their mothers (70% in the case of gay men, 67% in the

case of lesbians) than with their fathers (53% gay men, 45% lesbians). LGBT

respondents who said in our 2013 survey that they had not told their parents about their

sexual orientation or gender identity were asked in an open-ended question, “Why not?”

Two main reasons emerged: 1) Some felt it was not important to tell their parent, or the

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subject never came up; and 2) some assumed their parent would not be accepting or

understanding of this, or they worried about how it would affect their relationship with

their parent. Most gay men and lesbians who told their parents about their sexual

orientation, however, said their relationship with that parent either grew stronger

afterward or stayed the same, while very few said their relationship weakened.

In other case, Kaplan (2011) list down the basic issue in transgender’s mental

health and explain how transgender arises. Gender Dysphoria is an example, it is a

vague dissatisfaction regarding to the biological sex of the person when born that can

lead to anxiety, depression, restlessness and other symptoms. The said Dysphoria

constantly became the reason behind a person’s action to change their physical

appearance or body to be compatible with what they feel. “Fears about finding partners,

fears about violence and judgments, frustrations of having to change or explain legal

documents (driver’s license, passport, titles to property, diplomas, etc.)” are some of the

issues that a transgender woman can face.

In same case, Villasor (2017) stated that adolescents with gender dysphoria—a

condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there's a

mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity—are particularly at risk for

depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.

It was also evident in the 68-page report, “‘Just Let Us Be’: Discrimination

Against LGBT Students in the Philippines,” documents the range of abuses against

lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students in secondary school. It details

widespread bullying and harassment, discriminatory policies and practices, and an

absence of supportive resources that undermine the right to education under

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international law and put LGBT youth at risk.

According to the report of Thoreson (2017) stated that “In recent years,

lawmakers and school administrators in the Philippines have recognized that bullying of

LGBT youth is a serious problem, and designed interventions to address it.” In his report

he examined that even though our constitution has its own laws to address like a Child

Protection Policy to address the discrimination about gender basis, sexual identity,

sexual orientation and as a sends a strong signal that bullying and discrimination are

unacceptable and should not be tolerated in educational institutions but in contrast with

that, it not have been adequately enforced.

According to the news report of Beun, neurologists says that homosexuality rooted

in the embryonic stage. With a close finding of this, O’Keeffe et al. (2018), explains

about the heritability and neurophysiological difference of straight and homosexual men.

He believes that being gay can be inherit by genes undergoing epigenetic modification.

In other words, prenatal brain development had a huge role in one’s sexuality. And they

also found out that homosexual tends tobe more cooperative, kind and sensitive. And

gay men were more intelligent.

A similar opinion by Pleck (2012) in his study “Integrating father involvement in

parenting research” stated that father are important in children's development. Their

study emphasize the importance of participation of fathers in child's development. The

author gave importance to father-child relation. On their old study before together with

Lamb, Chewnov and Levine, they proposed construct paternal involvement which

includes three component construct: (1) engage, the interaction of fathers among his

children. It recognize if the fathers were giving just enough attention for his children. (2)

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accessibility, which tackles about the availability of a father for his child. (3)

responsibility, ensuring that the child is well taken care of as well as the father provide

his children's physical needs. In Pleck's current study, he revised the concept of

paternal involvement. (1) positive engagement activities, (2) warmth and

responsiveness, (3) control, (4) social and material indirect care, the activities that

parents will do for their child. And lastly, (5) process responsibility.

In this study of Pleck, the researchers see the importance of actively participating

of father in parenting. Providing the material needs of every child is not enough. Every

individuals deserves to be loved especially by their own parents. Spending enough time

will improve the child's confidence and social skills.

As the child grows, sooner they will enter in their transitioning stage to become

fully grown individuals. Weinberg and Steinberg in The World Book of encyclopedia

tackled homosexuality and adolescent. In accordance to the study of Pleck, the fathers

must actively fathering his children, especially his son. Because being part of

adolescent is also developing a sexual identity. Sexual orientation is determining

whether a person is sexually attracted to the opposite sex or of the same sex.

Homosexuals are those who are attracted to the same sex and heterosexuals are those

who are attracted to the opposite sex. before puberty, children spend most of their time

with the members of the same sex. This could be the reason they developed sexual

feelings towards the same sex. Lack of social support might give psychological distress

fir adolescents who are homosexual.

Based on the study of Willoughby, Lindahl and Malik, lesbian, gay and bisexual

youth are facing stressors about their sexuality. There were studies regarding on how

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these youths cope with their stressors. Almost 98% of the participants get the support

from family, heterosexual friends and sexual minority friends. Sexual minority friends got

the highest level of sexuality support. This study emphasizes that when the LGB youth

receive support, their emotional distress decreases. If every individual supports LGB

youths' sexuality, this will help them to have a good mental health record.

In line with that, the study of Livingston (2016) conducted in Africa about gay

men's relationships with their mothers are likely to be more positive than their

relationships with their fathers, and fathers are less likely to be told, less likely to be told

first, and more likely to react negatively to disclosure than mothers. His study made

three themes which he discussed namely "subliminal awareness prior to coming out,"

"epistemic rupture of internal systems of ideas/beliefs," and "acceptance as a complex

and ongoing dialectical and reconciliatory process." The themes support the view that

most parents are neither totally rejecting nor fully accepting of their gay sons. Although

the fathers may have attained a level of "loving denial" in the relationships with their gay

sons, most continue to struggle with the meaning and expression of same-sex sexuality.

Despite these challenges, it is recognized that the fathers are adapting to changing

circumstances and are trying to find ways to tolerate, accommodate, and in some ways

accept their gay sons.

Same findings in the study of (Bouris et al., 2010) they found out that gay and

bisexual men and their family and friends can take steps to lessen the effects of

homophobia, stigma, and discrimination and protect their physical and mental health.

One way to handle the stress from stigma and discrimination is by having social

support. Studies show that gay men who have good social support—from family,

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friends, and the wider gay community—have: (1)higher self-esteem, (2) a more positive

group identity, and (3) more positive mental health.

Moreover, Thoreson (2017) “LGBT students in the Philippines are often the

targets of ridicule and even violence,” a fellow in the LGBT rights program at Human

Rights Watch. “And in many instances, teachers and administrators are participating in

this mistreatment instead of speaking out against discrimination and creating

classrooms where everybody can learn.” Human Rights Watch conducted in-depth

interviews and discussions with 98 students and 46 parents, teachers, counselors,

administrators, service providers, and experts on education in 10 cities in Luzon and the

Visayas. LGBT students said that existing protections are irregularly or incompletely

implemented, and that secondary school policies and practices often facilitate

discrimination and fail to provide LGBT students with information and support.

In contrast with that study, (Ryan et al., 2009) found out that gay and bisexual

youth and other sexual minorities are more likely to be rejected by their families. This

increases the possibility of them becoming homeless. Around 40% of homeless youth

are LGBT. A study published in 2009 compared gay, lesbian, and bisexual young adults

who experienced strong rejection from their families with their peers who had more

supportive families. The researchers found that those who experienced stronger

rejection were about:(1) 8 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide, (2) 6 times

more likely to report high levels of depression, (3) 3 times more likely to use illegal

drugs, (4) 3 times more likely to have risky sex.

A biological study of (Bogaert et al., 2012) on their research, they found out that

homosexual men have older brothers than heterosexual men. Their findings has been

14
termed "Fraternal Birth Order Effect" Antibodies against Y-linked protein important in

male brain development produced by mothers with already born sons causing their later

born sons become homosexual. These anti-bodies are targeting Y-linked proteins that is

very important in developing male brain namely --protocadherin 11 Y-linked (PCD11Y)

and neurologin Y-linked (NLGN4Y). Mothers of gay, especially those who have older

brothers, they found out that those mothers have higher anti-NLG4Y.

They said that if a mother already have sons or fraternal birth order, the later

born sons have the tendency to be homosexuals because of the high rate of antibodies

against Y-linked protein. The development of male brain will be affected.

D. Synthesis

The researchers examined many different theorist’s academic work regarding the

perception, causes and effects of fathers who have gender dysphoric son. The

researchers have gathered theories, literature and studies comparing and contrasting

previous work. Based on the review of related literatures, the researchers found out that

fathering has a very crucial role in developing child's sexuality. A hero, that is how little

children see their father. They picture him as a role model for them to follow. But what if

the father don't have enough time to take care of his children? It will create a big impact

to the life of his children especially, to the sexuality of his son. As the father withdraws

emotionally and physically the son feels abandoned. Since their father was not able to

fulfill his duty to provide enough intimacy, discipline, worth and love, his son might

search for someone who can fill the empty spaces --even if they found it to someone

who is in the same sex. According to Pleck (2010), fathers should have participation in

his child's development. On one recent study in the Phililppines, average boy spent 7.5

15
minutes a week with his father and 50% of the respondents barely remember that their

father hugged them (Genio 2015). This is the result of not spending just enough time to

their children. It build gaps and spaces between them.

The researchers wanted know how would these fathers explains what could be

the reason why their son become gender dysphoric. As we research about the topic we

found a recent biological explanation by Bogaert (2017) along with his colleagues. They

explained fraternal birth order effect. Wherein they found out that most of the

homosexual man have older brothers. The mothers who had already gave birth to sons

have higher level of antibodies that is targeting the proteins responsible for the

development of the male brain. Making their later born sons become homosexuals. The

society could also consider as a factor affecting homosexuality. Some homosexuals

acquired their homosexual activities in their own society. Childhood plays a very

important roles in everyone's gender identity. As a young child, we are so innocent and

do not notice everything about our society. As a child, we spend most of their time

together with the same sex, as a result, when they hit adolescence, they begin to

develop sexual feelings because of the emotional attachments for them. Social

pressures is one of the major influence on many adolescents (Steinberg 2013). In

today's society, being part of third sex is not a problem at all as long as you are doing

just fine.

Though this society believes that all people are born bisexual (Steinberg 2013),

still, many homophobic individuals were suffering from rejection because of their gender

orientation. In the Philippines, LGBT students face discrimination and violent behaviors

from their fellow students. The law anti-bullying was not strongly enforced in schools.

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Based on the study of Ryan, Huebner, Diaz and Sanchez (2009), gender dysphoric

individuals were suicidal, depress, drug users and has sex-risky behaviors, especially

those who were rejected by their own parents.

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the researchers will discuss the research design, settings or the

place where the study will be conducted, instruments that will use in gathering data, the

participants that the researcher will need, and the procedure that they use.

The study aims to discover the different perceptions of fathers regarding their

gender dysphoric (gay) son. The researchers wanted to know how these fathers

handled their gay sons and what kind of father are they to them. Also, the researchers

aims to know what are the insights of fathers about the factors regarding the sexuality of

their son.

A. Research Design

The researcher used phenomenology as the research design in the study. The

researchers aimed to know the actual experience of one’s person based on their own

sensory experience and it attempts to understand people's perceptions, perspectives

and understandings of a particular situation (or phenomenon) and how they interpret

those experiences. The decision to use this type of design was based on its flexibility;

allowing for more freedom during the interview to explore essences of others'

experiences.

B. Settings

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 The study took place in Dasmariñas City. The researchers chose this place to

reduce the time that will be consumed, the energy and the financial stability of the

researchers.

C. Instruments

The researchers used semi-structured interview with open-ended questions and

may have follow-up questions for clarifications. The interview guide contained the

questions that revealed their perceptions about their gander dysphoric son. The

researchers used cameras to record the interview session. But if the participants do not

feel comfortable with the video recorder, the researchers will just record their voice.

D. Participants

The researchers limit the participants in three selected participants due to limited

availability of participants. The participants in this study came from Dasmariñas City and

who accepted their gay son, and the son studying in Dasmariñas Integrated High

School. The researchers set three criteria for the participants: (1) a father who accepted

his gay son, (2) age ranging from 35-50 years old and (3) willing to talk about his gay

son.

E. Procedure

The research study focused on the perception of fathers who have gender dysphoric

(gay) son. The researchers aimed to know how fathers handle their gay son and how

they differ in belief and perceptions on the factors that affect the sexuality of their sons.

The researchers used phenomenology in able to know the fathers own perspective and

their own experiences for us to evaluate their full understanding about their gay son.

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Using phenomenology, the participants will have their freedom to express themselves

as they talk about their experiences in accepting their gay sons.

The participants of this study were the fathers of three selected students studying in

Dasmariñas Integrated High School and also living in Dasmariñas City of Cavite. The

researchers set some criteria for their participants. A total of three interviews were

conducted with fathers who have gender dysphoric son. The researchers used semi-

structured interview with open-ended questions to attain flexibility in the answers of the

participants. The researchers collected and analyze the data at the same time until no

sub-themes emerged. The researchers recorded the interview and put the speech into

written form accurately. Participants were interviewed individually and they chose a time

and location that was convenient for them. Interview was continued until no data or

ideas emerged.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Figure 1.1. How do fathers perceive their "Gender Dysphoric" (gay) Son?

Perception of a Father to their Gender Dysphoric (Gay) Son

Mr. B "He is the only different. Because my thought Unique
exactly is, he is gay, he is partly gay."(Siya lang Helpful
ang kakaiba. Kasi yun na nga sa tingin ko bakla Studious
siya, may pagka-bakla. Yun.)
"Balbal is.. [industrious] Not him, in household
chores he is [great]." (Si Balbal kasi ano e. Hindi
siya, sa gawaing bahay ano siya...)
"Yes, the task of his older brother are different."
(Yung mga gawain ng kuya niya iba. kaya ayun
ang ano ko...)

That is why It is okay, I don't have...[problem]

because he is focused on his study." (Okay lang.
wala akong ano kasi, tutok naman siya sa pag-
aaral eh).
Mr. E "He is nice, obedient too. It's okay." (Mabait Kind
naman, masunurin din. Okay lang naman) Cooperative
"My children are grown ups, and we nurtured Helpful
them well." (Malalaki na naman yung mga anak
ko, tsaka pinalaki namin sila ng maganda)

Mr. R "But being different he is, I don't have problem Industrious

with it because you know right?" (Pero bilang Advantage
ganyan sya, wala akong problema don, kasi Helpful
di'ba?) Authority

"He is... we know this kind of people, they help in

...[household chores]... right?" (Ano naman yan,
alam naman nating yung mga ganyang, ano,
tumutulong talaga sa mga ano yan di'ba?)

"That's the good thing about them, and it does

not matter to me, no discussion about who you
are." (ayan ang mga advantage sa mga ano,
tsaka wala naman talaga saking ganon, walang
usapin sakin kung sino ka.)

21
 "That is why I have nothing to... [complain] but of
course there is still a masculine part somehow,
like once before, whenever his siblings made a
mistake he reprimanded them, sometimes not."
(Kaya wala akong mapag ano-han eh, pero
syempre may pag kalalaki pa ring part di'ba?
katulad nung minsan, pag nagkakamali yung
mga kapatid nya nasasaway nya, minsan naman
hindi)

"Just the other gays, isn't natural for males to

hold a ball along with male companions, but for
him he accompanies females" (Katulad ng sa
ibang bakla, di'ba ang natural na lalaki naman
nag lalaro, bola hawak, ang kahalubilo lalaki din,
sya )

In Figure 1.1, the three participants made a theme which are helpful, industrious,

kind, having a gay child was an advantage, and cooperative. In relation with that

particular perceptions, according to the study of O’Keefe (2018), gay men are generally

has a greater capacity for kindness, cooperativeness, and sensitivity. The participants

stated that their gay son is kind and helpful in terms of doing the house chores. Mr. B

perceived his gay son as a good gay because he is focused and good on his study.

Individual differences exist not only in the depth of our attributions but also in the types

of attributions we tend to make about both ourselves and others (Plaks, Levy, & Dweck,

2009). They showed trust to their gender dysphoric son by giving them freedom to

choose the gender they want. That shows the importance of having a good relationship

and acceptance. According to Pleck's study (2010), he emphasizes the importance of

fathers in child development. He gave importance to the father-child relation. On his first

study together with Lamb, Chewnov and Levine, they proposed construct paternal

involvement which include three components construct. First was engage, the

22
interaction of father among his children. Second is accessibility, which tackles about the

availability of the father for his child and lastly responsibility, ensuring that the child is

well taken care of as well as the father provide his children physical needs ---which the

participants do with their children.

Figure 1.2. Why do you think your son became "Gender Dysphoric"?

Certain factors affecting the Son in becoming Gender Dysphoric

Mr. B The thing I know from the elders, you will acquire Genes
it genetically. It is in our blood. (Sa pagkakaalam Environment
ko, sa mga kasabihan ng matanda, sa lahi eh,
may lahi kasi kaming mga bakla eh,)

"Not in siblings. In my cousins." (Hindi sa ano,

hindi sa kapatid ko. Sa mga pinsan.)

"Gays are often with girls, right?" (Kasi pagdating

sa mga bakla, ang karamihang kasama mga
babae diba?)
Mr. E "Some people who have the same surname with Genes
us were gays" (Sa mga ka apelyedo rin namin,
meron eh.)
"His aunt treated him like a girl. They just made Genes
him do what are normal girls were doing. That is Environment
why he thought he was also a girl." (Yung tiyahin Childhood
niya, inaano sya, bini-build up na ano, hindi yung
ginagawa ng babae, ginagawa sa kanya, kaya
parang tumatak sa isip na nya)

"Yes, thats it, as for me, because when we

deliver him to birth, when we deliver [...] Only his
Mother deliver him to birth [laughs] He was
normal, playing a ball then later on, when he got
with his girl cousin named ****, he stopped
playing the ball and get the barbie. [laughs] Then,
he started to play with it. There were times they
had a petty fight because of the barbie. But I do
bot know if that was the real reason [why he
became gay]. That was the only thing I know. (Oo
ganon, para sakin ah, kasi nung nilabas namin
sya, nilabas namin, [...] mama nya pala ang nag
labas sa kanya haha normal naman, humahawak

23
 ng bola tapos ito bandang huli, tumabi na sa mga
pinsan nya kay **** binitawan yung bola, kumuha
ng barbie haha, ayun nilaro nya na yun minsan
nag aagawan pa nga sila eh. Pero di ko rin alam
kung talagang ayun din sya, ayun lang sa tingin
ko. Ayun lang talaga)

"In our family, we have, we have a history. In my

father's side, some of my cousins are ...[gay]. So
they believe that was in the ...[blood]. It flows in
the blood, so I believe most cases are like that."
(Samin, talaga meron, kami, meron talagang
history, sa papa ko ilan yung ano ko pinsan ko na
ganon. Kaya sabi nila nasa ano talaga yun. Nasa
lahi, kaya para sakin karamihan na din yung
ganoon.)

As we can see in the figure 1.2, most of our participants' answers in the

Statement of the Problem number 2, that talks about the factors affecting their son's

sexuality, they stated that their son inherit it from their genes. A news report by O'Keefe

et al. (2018) states the Heritability of Homosexuality. He emphasizes the natural

selection that evolved throughout the time. Same-sex attraction can be formed

prenatally and via inherit genes undergoing epigenetic modification in utero. This

findings states that genes coding for the sexual orientation were already present during

the developing of fetus to respond to the signals coming from the mother and her

surrounding environment. Signifies that homosexuality is present at his early age of life

and can be inherit.

In the same findings with the news report of Beun, focused in determining factors of

homosexuality genetically and biologically in the early embryonic stage. Although XY

indicates the male and XX is for female, we should note that the androgen [X-

chromosomes] ---sex hormone of female--- was both present in both male and female.

24
 So this gave the researchers knowledge that because of this natural

phenomenon ---even the male contains X-chromosomes--- every male has the

tendency to be gay.

The researchers also ask the participants if they have older sons other than their

gay son. Two out of three said they have. This could lead to another prenatal

development theory that also falls under the genetics. The study was entitled "Fraternal

Birth Order Effect" by Bogaert et al. (2012). The greater the number of male fetuses

carried by the same mother, the higher the tendency that the later-born sons will be gay.

During the first male pregnancy, the mother's body reacts to some factors related to

male fetal development. Her immune system will detect Y-linked protein which is

responsible for the male brain development. The mother's body will develop antibodies

against these Y-linked proteins. Successive male pregnancies strengthen this immune

response. So if Mr. B already had three sons born having the same mother before, this

study shows the reason why his son became gay. The antibodies against Y-linked

proteins of his mother became too strong since he was already a fourth child.

Mr. E, the second participant had a son before his gay son. But died and he did

not specify when or why. Having biological brothers raises the probability of

homosexuality in later-born sons, even though these siblings were apart. (Bogaert et al.

2012)

So the researchers got the idea that Fraternal Birth Order Effect does not

support environmental factors such us whom the gay male child raised with when he

was a child. But genetics alone was not the only factor affecting homosexuality (Julie

2011). Mr. B and Mr. R ---our third participant--- believed that environmental factors

25
played a crucial role in their son's gender identity. Our first participant stated since his

son is gay, he assumed his son's friends were all girls. Peer pressure is a major

influence in adolescence today (Steinberg 2013). Adolescent stage is where the gender

roles developed and this is the stage where an individual will tend to discover himself.

While Mr. R said that when his son was still a child, his son's aunts always ask him to

do what a typical girl does, dressed him like a girl and usually play with his girl cousin.

The result was his son thought he was also a girl. According to Willoughby et al. (20XX),

most of the homosexual youth who received family and heterosexual support were

joyful, stress-free and their emotional distress decreases.

The researchers come up with the idea that those gays who are accepted are

happy because simply they are accepted by their loved ones. Because they gained

support they think nothing is wrong with being gay because somebody accepted them.

It is a fact that when you feel someone is supporting you, you will continue what you are

doing. It implies the "accepting-society" as one of the reason why some of the

homosexuals were no longer afraid to express themselves out.

Figure 1.3. How do Fathers embrace the fact that they have "Gender Dysphoric" Son?

The Fathers Embracing the fact that they have Gender Dysphoric (Gay) Sons

Mr. B "Indeed, at first I don't wish to be like that, but of course Hesitant
I won’t reprimand him everyday for that. I was just Acceptance
waiting for him to grow up. Even if we don't want it to Support
end like that. Somewhere, in some families someone Process
will grow up like that, like in your neighbor. It may be
natural for some to be gay. I recognize him, that's fine
with me." (Yun nga, nung una palang hindi ko gusto na
maging ganon sya. Eh syempre, hindi ko naman
sabihing araw-arawin na pagsabihan. Kasi hindi
naman... hindi naman... natin sabihin na gustohin mo
yan. Eh kahit sino kahit sinong may pamilya mayroong
talagang yung sabihin natin na, kung kapitbahay may

26
 anak kang ganoon. Natural lang siguro yun na may
anak kang bakla. Tanggap ko sya, okay lang sakin.)

"Can't avoid saying to him that...[act like a man]. If he

really wants to be gay, we can't do anything about it."
(Hindi naman maiwasan na sabihin mo na... eh kung
gusto nya, wala kaming magagawa.)
Mr. E "We accept and support him." (Tanggap naman, tsaka Acceptance
sinusuportahan namin.) Support

"We accepted him fully" (Tanggap na tanggap, buong

buo talaga).
Mr. R I already accept it without hesitation." Acceptance
(Tanggap ko na agad, oo.) Motivation
"I don't have any complain regarding that, I am not Guidance
insisting him to act manly, when at times I become Support
angry, I can only utter it by accident, act like a man but, Advices
... " (Wala, wala naman, ako inaano diyan, wala akong
inano sa kanya na... yung minsan pag magalit lang
ako, nababangit ko lang na ganoon, mag paka lalaki
ka naman pero...)

"Yes, but I can't do anything because that's what he, at

least for us, we only desrire what is good for him, that's
all." (Oo, pero sa ano talaga, wala na kong magagawa
kasi sya naman maano yun, basta samin, inaano
namin yung para sa kaniya, bilang magulang nya, yun
lang.)

"Of course I just keep it to myself, of course I carry on, I

just tell him to become professional, he already knew it.
Sometimes it seems like he can't point out that
outcome I am expecting yes, don't let others insult yot, I
said isn't? Just finish your studies and be professional,
people who insult you will admire you, don't let others
belittle your worth, just because you are like that." (Oo,
sinasarili ko na talaga, oo kaya lang, sinasabi ko lang
sa kanya na maging professional lang sya sa, alam na
nya yon, alam na nya ibigsabihin ko sa kanya, minsan
nga parang hindi nya ma-i... pinupunto ko na nga, ang
gusto ko lang mangyari, oo, wag mong hayaang na
tuksuhin ka ng ano jan, oo, sabi ko, oo diba? Tapusin
mo lang yung pag-aaral mo, maging professsional ka,
titingalain ka pa ng mga taong naka ano sayo, wag
mong hayaang na maliitin ka, porket ganyan ka.)

27
 It shows that the participants accepted their gay sons. Acceptance is very

important to every LGB youth. Those gay adolescent who were accepted by their

parents were seen as joyful and cheerful (Bregman et al. 2012). In accordance to this,

Thoreson (2017) also stated that those who experience parental rejection were suicidal

and low self-esteem. Gay adolescents who are accepted by their parents felt security

and love. Two of the participants accepted their children right away when they

discovered the gender condition of their son at a very young age. While the other

participant, Mr. B, had a hard time accepting his son who showed signs that he was gay

in adolescent age. He had a difficulty accepting his son, Despite these challenges, it is

recognized that the fathers are adapting to changing circumstances and are trying to

find ways to tolerate, accommodate, and in some ways accept their gay sons

(Livingston 2016) The researchers concluded that an individual come out as gay at a

very young age was easy for the fathers to accept them fully than those who come out

in adolescent or older age. Third participant, Mr. R also stated that there is no problem

with him that his only son was gay since the society was not against it. The report of

Gao (2015) shows that most of the people in America already agreed that

homosexuality should be accepted by the society.

28
 CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

A. Summary

This research study aims to understand fathers who have gender dysphoric or

gay son. Most of the fathers [men] were not open to discuss about their emotional

condition. The researchers decided to undertake the study to give chance to these

fathers to voice out their feelings and emotions regarding their gay son. The researcher

aims to know how these fathers accepted their gender dysphoric son, what are their

insights about the factors affecting the sexuality of their son as homosexual individual.

The background of the study was done by using international and national

related literatures. The background includes impact of poor fathering to the relationship

of father and son and discriminations and rejections received by the LGB youth.

The literature study was done in Chapter 2 on the research concluded, child's

sexuality could also be affected by poor parenting, effects of acceptance and rejection

of parents towards the homosexual adolescents and factors that affect homosexuality

--both biological and environmental.

The research approached was qualitative and the research design was

phenomenology. The research study participants were father who accepted their

adolescent gender dysphonic son that is currently studying in Dasmariñas Integrated

High School and also a resident of Dasmariñas City. Interviews were conducted with

three selected fathers who have gender dysphoric son using semi-structured interview.

29
The researchers use cell phone to record the voice of the participants while having the

interview; it was used with their consent. The interview was done during the available

time of the participants. The findings were presented and discussed in Chapter 4 by

making use of tables and graphic organizer.

Description of fathers towards their Helpful, industrious, kind, cooperative, authority,

gay son advantage
Factors affecting Homosexuality Genes, environment, childhood
Way of acceptance Hesitant, process, accepted immediately

B. Strength and Limitations

Several of strengths are present within this study. First as an under-take

population and topic, this studies attempts to voice out the emotions and perceptions of

fathers of gay sons. While most of the scholars focuses on maternal parenting

(Goodrich & Gilbride 2010), this study was exclusively for fathers. Second, this study

shows the needs of future research and lastly, fathers did not mention any shame or

guilt about their son's gender identity. Does this mean that parents are accepting LGBT

people? This question may open another door for another research topic.

However, there were some limitations in this study that needs attention. The

participants were willing to talk about their son's sexuality. Due to that, thus study

focuses only to the positive, the researchers intentionally selected fathers whom they

accepted their gay sons. Therefore, the findings does not cover those fathers who

rejected their gay son. And the sample size was too small to represent the whole

population of fathers who accepted and supported their gender dysphoric son.

30
 C. Conclusions

Four themes emerged from talking with fathers about their gay sons: (a) father

who accepted their gay sons has a positive outlook for their gay son (b) biological

factors of homosexuality believed to be true (c) environment plays a vital role in one’s

sexuality and (d) childhood experiences can also define the sexuality of an individual.

D. Recommendations

For the future researchers since this study had only focused on the perception of

fathers to their gay son, it is recommended the further studies be carried out on different

perception to their mother, siblings, people around them and professionals to see

whether there are any similarities in findings. It also recommended that further

studiescan be carried out in different places. Furthermore, future research could explore

the different components of the LGBT community such as lesbian, bisexual, and

transgender and see if the current laws protecting them were really implemented. The

researchers recommend further researchers to have curriculum for deep understanding

and give bigger emphasis to the role of father to their gay son.

31
 CHAPTER SIX
APPENDICES

A. Conceptual Framework

Different Percepectiion of Fathers who has “Gender

Dysphoric” Son

Three Selected Fathers of three selected students who

are studying at Dasmariñas Integrated High School

1. How do Father perceive their "Gender Dysphoric" 1. Unique, Helpful, Studious, Kind,
(gay) Son? Cooperative, Advantage, Industrious

2. Why do you think your son became "Gender 2. Hesitant, Acceptance, Support, Process,
Dysphoric"? Genes, Environment, Childhood

3. How do Fathers embrace the fact that they have 3. Acceptance, Motivation, Guidance, Support,
"Gender Dysphoric" Son? Advices

32
 B. Conceptual Map

Experience Characteristics
Childhood Kind, Studious, Unique,
Helpful, Cooperative,
Advantage, Industrious,
Authority

A Phenomenological
Study: Perception of
Fathers who Accepted
their Gender Dysphoric
Son

Biological Emotional
Component Component
Genes Immediate Acceptance
Hesitation, Process
Support

Environment
Component
Childhood

33
C. Consent Form

34
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