The Bittersweet Struggles and Experiences of Filipino Gay Seafarers Onboard: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers working onboard commercial vessels. Ten (10) self-identified, unmarried Filipino gay men, all professional seafarers were selected through purposive sampling and participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Hycner’s (1999) Data Explication Process as cited by Groenewald (2004) to capture the essence of their shared experiences. Four core themes emerged: (1) “A Distress Signal: Discrimination and the Burden of Stigma Onboard” – uncovering persistent prejudice, exclusion, and microaggressions onboard; (2) “Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: The Arduous Masculine World of Seafaring” – highlighting the pressure to conform to rigid standards of masculinity within a hypermasculine culture; (3) “Sailing Close to the Wind: Love and Vulnerability in the High Seas” – exploring the complex emotional landscape of romantic attachments and feelings amid taboos; and (4) “Stem the Tide: Professional Excellence Beyond Sexual Identity” – revealing how participants anchored their worth in professional competence, transcending biases tied to sexual orientation. Based on these findings, the study recommends the institutionalization of a Social Diversity Program across the maritime sector. This initiative would be endorsed to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and integrated into the curriculum and training frameworks of Maritime Higher Educational Institutions (MHEIs) in the Philippines. Such a policy aims to foster a safer, more inclusive environment onboard and promote equality for LGBT seafarers aligning with global standards of diversity and human rights in the maritime industry.