“La Longitud del Cabello”: A Trans Story’s Socio-Biographical Analysis Towards Gender Equity, Development and Social Inclusivity

• In Event: Sociology of Sex and Gender Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 3. Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary Lives Across the Life Course

Abstract

“Ang Haba ng Hair” (La Longitud del Cabello) is a Filipino idiomatic expression that expresses appreciation of one’s physical and inner beauty, especially if one has succeeded in gaining a desired outcome, as in the case of a transgender having a cisgender partner. In the Philippines, LGBTQIA+ members with same-sex partners are not legally accepted; and relationships with cisgender is furthermore considered a rarity, hence the above expression. This paper presents a transgender’s tale, which stresses its importance towards gender sensitivity, equity, and social inclusivity (SDG 5).

This qualitative research hopes to (a) gain insights into the key informant’s (KI) life journey – chosen through purposive sampling and certain criteria, (b) identify recurring themes within the KI’s life stories, and (c) examine how the themes intersect with broader social contexts. Life course approach, synonymous with phenomenological research and content analysis, was utilized in data analysis.

Results showed recurring textural and structural themes, insights and theoretical and practical ramifications with the trans’ life journey, which intersect with broader contexts. The LGBTQIA+ community members (from educational to political) are deemed the study’s significant beneficiaries.

It is upheld in this paper that the outcomes and collective LGBTQIA+ stories may possibly lead to changes or revisions in social policies and relevant laws/SDGs. Domino effect may possibly be expected once personal experiences are collectively engaged and related to social contexts. Studying biographies may also lead to the understanding that changing personal circumstances may not necessarily lead to solutions to social problems. But changing social systems and social roles related and ascribed to them may be its panacea, as personal problems are rooted into social issues. “Translate personal troubles into public issues,” (Mills, 2000), and these may metamorphose into social change – gender equality and inclusivity.

Key words: Transgender’s Story, Life Course Approach, Gender Equality, Social Inclusivity

Author

• Noel R. Rafer, Bicol University