Following two surveys and four interviews based on the foundational research in chapters 1 and 2, results were drawn.

Western LGBTQ+ spaces were most chosen by respondents, citing safety and little discrimination faced as reasons. Despite this, white-centeredness is considered as face of queerness in these spaces (Lee, 2023 & Patel, 2023).

There were also observations that differences between LGBTQ+ identities of Filipinos and Western counterparts lead to negative perceptions towards Filipino queer identities.

Cultural conflicts between LGBTQ+ Filipino diaspora and non-diasporic LGBTQ+ Filipinos were also observed due to influence of religion and Filipino culture which people may find too conservative (Eleazar, 2022).

In one of the interviews, women’s, gender and sexuality studies professor Dr. Manalansan notes that the Philippines has an “all or nothing” attitude towards religion, contributing to the struggle of queer Filipinos with religious ties. Going back to pre-colonial ideas of gender may also help as a way out of these struggles. It was also emphasized that challenging concepts that discriminate against minority groups in general is essential (Manalansan, 2024).

Another observation was that respondents seek LGBTQ+ Filipino friends within LGBTQ+ spaces in order to cope. So while many LGBTQ+ Filipinos do feel safe in Western LGBTQ+ spaces and do not experience explicit racism most of the time, they may still feel exclusion, disconnect, or distance.

Some individuals choose to distance themselves from Filipino family and community members, while some individuals choose to go back to their Filipino roots.