Attitudes towards Homosexuality of Teachers and Administrators in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Findings from attitudes towards homosexuality and approaches to addressing gender and sexual diversity through their pedagogical decision-making in Naga City public schools are reported in this paper. This pragmatic-parallel mixed-method study used two processes in obtaining data. Using a questionnaire, a sample of 334 teachers and 37 administrators participated in a survey study in Naga City, Camarines Sur, to examine their attitudes towards homosexuality. Results showed that both groups of respondents posted for a moderate level of positive attitudes and a high level of negative attitudes while in, subjective norm, teachers posted moderate level while administrators were high level. No significant differences were posted among the groups of respondents, and none of the predictors are associated. For the qualitative part, this study drew on empirical data from semi-structured interviews with 9 teachers and 4 administrators, which helped to develop an understanding of their approaches in addressing gender and sexual diversity in their classroom and school. The complex theoretical approach of queer, culture, and transformative learning was employed to investigate the extent to which respondents address the acceptance of homosexuality in schools. Further results are discussed in this paper.

Keywords

• homosexuality
• attitudes
• teachers
• administrators
• gender diversity