Lesbian News

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Study finds lesbian/bisexual Filipina women more likely to attempt to commit suicide compared to heterosexual counterparts

"Sexual minority (lesbian/bisexual) Filipina women were up to twice more likely to report having thought about committing suicide and having attempted to commit suicide, compared to heterosexual counterparts," a new study says.

Eric Julian Manalastas, faculty member of the Department of Psychology, University of the Philippines Diliman, in a study on "Women's Sexual-Minority Status and Suicide Risk", reported that the sexual minority status of lesbian/bisexual Filipina women was "robustly associated with both suicide ideation and suicide attempt."

"Based on a nationally representative sample, same-sex sexual orientation appears to be related to elevated suicide risk among young Filipina women," the study says.

The study finding was based on a national survey of 8,922 Filipina women ages 15 to 24 from 16 administrative regions in the Philippines.

With this finding, Mr. Manalastas gave these recommendations:
1. Run a within-group analysis (i.e., LGB only, no more heteros) to investigate minority stress processes like internalized homophobia;
2. Spread the word to Filipino mental health professional community; and
3. Spread the word to LGBT groups and stakeholders.

The Manalastas & del Pilar study in 2005 finds that in a heterosexist culture like the Philippines, being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual (LGBT) confers minority status. The 2005 study says 1 out of 4 Filipinos do not want LGBT people as neighbors and 28% consider being lesbian/gay as “can never be justified.”

What do you think could be the preventive measures to prevent young Filipina lesbian/bisexual women from attempting to commit suicide?

2 comments:

  1. I think bisexual women here in Philippines didn't know the trend about it..Why did they commit suicide in the first place that almost all women here are looking and longing to sleep with them.In fact my survey reveals that they are the first priority among women, males are only next,sad but true.In just a blink of an eye women are eager to make love with them..

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  2. Marry an understanding Man who enjoys a bisexual women!! She will have the best of both worlds when she wants and needs it!!!

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