Men, on homosexuality: Knowledge, attitudes and views in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Iloilo

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the knowledge, attitudes and views of male teachers on homosexuality. In consonance with the objectives of the study, it was hypothesized that the male teachers’ level of knowledge, attitudes towards homosexuality vary according to age, marital status, educational attainment, place of residence, religion, family environment and peer influence and these factors are best predictors of their knowledge and attitudes towards homosexuality. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between level of knowledge of attitudes towards homosexuality of male teachers. This study made use of the quantitative-qualitative method of research. Complete enumeration of the three-hundred eighty-one male teachers of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Iloilo served as the respondents of the study. Data were collected through a sample survey and Focus-Group Discussion (FGD) and processed using the Social Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for MS Windows 17.0 software. This study revealed that: The male teachers respondents of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Iloilo were generally married with Master's degree, 46 years and older, with the mean age of 43.32. Most of them were Roman Catholic, reside outside oblation, and have gay or homosexual members of immediate family, relative and friend. The male teachers had an average level of knowledge on homosexuality. Majority of male teachers are aware of the fact that “homosexuals frequently disclose to a close friend before disclosing to parents and other family members. However, the least known item to them was “In the last 25 years there has been an increase in homosexuality.” This means that male teachers are not particular with digits or numbers. Male teachers had a favorable over-all attitude towards homosexuality. The mean attitude score on homosexuality is 56.31. Majority of male teachers have favorable attitude and a few had unfavorable attitudes towards homosexuality. The level of knowledge of male teachers on homosexuality varies according to marital status and religion. However, no significant difference was noted among the three levels of knowledge on homosexuality in terms of age, educational attainment and place of residence, family environment, and peer influence. The attitudes of male teachers towards homosexuality vary according to marital status, religion, and peer influence which varied with those who had strong favorable and favorable attitudes. However, no significant difference was noted among the four groups in the attitudes towards homosexuality in terms of age, educational attainment and place of residence and family environment. As to relationship between level of knowledge and the attitudes of male teachers towards homosexuality, it showed that knowledge on homosexuality of male teachers isnot associated with their attitudes towards homosexuality. Only marital status and religion were found to be significant predictors of male teachers’ level of knowledge on homosexuality. However, age, educational attainment, place of residence, family environment, and peer influence could not determine respondents’ level of knowledge on homosexuality. On the other hand, only religion, family environment and peer influence were found to be significant predictors of male teachers’ attitudes towards homosexuality. Age, marital status, educational attainment, and place of residence could not determine respondents’ attitudes towards homosexuality. The issue on morality and legality on homosexuality is based on the moral law, the Bible and humanistic morals. However, there was a misinterpretation of the scripture. The basis on how teachers understand homosexuality did not confirm to what the Bible is saying about the morality of homosexual behavior. There was also a conflicting view between how the participants interpreted homosexuality and its conceptual definition. Teachers run great risk of losing their jobs or profession, their position, family support if they are open about their sexual orientation. However, it was found out that sense of acceptance is the key factor in the development of homosexuality. Conclusions On the basis of the findings of this study, it is reasonable to conclude that: Male teachers of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Iloilo are married, old aged and highly qualified to teach, with strong Roman Catholic faith, oblation residents and gay-friendly. The average level of knowledge on homosexuality of male teachers means that they have a better grasp of the concepts of homosexuality which could yield to a better understanding of homosexual behaviors or what it means to be gay or homosexual. The favorable attitudes of the male teachers towards homosexuality means that they are now more accepting, permissive and open minded with the concept of homosexuality and they are more likely to recognize homosexuality as an acceptable behavior in the society. Male teachers differ in their level of understanding an attitude towards homosexuality in terms of their marital status, religion, family environment and peer influence. The level of knowledge of male teachers on homosexuality is not associated with their attitudes towards homosexuality, which means that irrespective of their level of knowledge, their attitudes towards homosexuality remain favorable. The level of knowledge of male teachers on homosexuality is best predicted by marital status and religion. On the other hand, male teachers’ attitudes towards homosexuality are best predicted by religion, family environment and peer influence. Homosexual teachers prefer not to disclose their sexual orientation because they are afraid to lose their jobs, position, and family support. Acceptance of their family, friends, and society in general is the key factor in order for them to be more open about their sexual identity. In the context of morality and legality of homosexuality, the participants have a different interpretation of what the Bible says about morality. There is also a need to clarify among the participants that homosexuality is a learned behavior and homosexual behavior is an act. Therefore, it is a sin based on the scripture.