Conflicts between religious beliefs and sexual orientation and resolution strategies of LGB members of Courage Philippines

• Main Authors: Ching, Kimberly S., Pineda, Jackline Louise D., Reyes, Pearl Janna V., Zaraspe, Stephanie Daria L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Sexual minorities > Philippines > Social conditions; Courage Philippines (Organization); Sexual minorities > Religious life > Philippines; Courage Philippines; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8833
• Institution: De La Salle University

This research explores the conflicts faced by Filipino LGB because of their sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Ten Filipinos with same-sex attraction ages 25 to 58 who are active members of Courage Philippines, a Catholic apostolate for persons with same-sex attraction, were interviewed on the subject of the conflicts they faced and how they have resolved these conflicts with the aid of the organization Courage Philippines. A semi-structured interview was used in the data collection process. The data gathered were subsequently analyzed through the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results of the study suggest that conflicts experienced by participants are mainly because of the previous belief that homosexuality is a sin in the Catholic Church, and having a lack of control in sexual urges. Subsequently, Courage Philippines was found helpful in resolving these conflicts by providing social support, realization and resolution of past deep-seated issues, and the integration of same-sex attraction and Catholicism.