Gensoc Notes 9

Beginnings of Masculinity

We have studied how women are represented in the arts. We have learned that women’s
perception of themselves as either being ugly or beautiful is influenced by the perception of beauty by
the society, the society not being able to help being western in orientation.

Women’s ways of knowing are relational. They usually learn femininity and their roles through
association or attachment. Their caring and nurturing is learned from childhood through emulation.

An American psychologist Carol Gilligan is famous for her study of women’s ways of learning. A
young girl socialized with the roles of caregivers will grow up to be responsible in caring for young
children.

As a tradition man usually leave the house to

work making them absent during their children’s early years. This leaves the male children with
no male role models. The absence of male parents leads to the boys’ learning about masculinity and
male roles through disassociation from their mothers. Somehow there is a conscious attempt on the
part of boys to disassociate themselves from women’s tasks. The difficulty of men to empathize may
actually be rooted from their disassociation from women who are known to have empathy in raising
children (Rodriguez, 2018).

What Makes a Man a Man?

When a man cries, is he a real man? When a man physically hurts a woman, is he a strong man? When a man
is softie, is he not a man?

Kimmel’s Four Rules of American Masculinity in the 1970’s:

1. No sissy stuff. Masculinity is based on persistent denial of the feminine.

2. Be a big wheel. Wealth, power and status are all markers of masculinity.

3. Be a Sturdy Oak: What makes a man a man he is reliable in crisis, a shoulder to cry on, a tree for
shelter.

4. Give ‘em Hell. Risk taker, living life on edge.

Proving Masculinity

A. How to explain the ever changing man: from the industrial to the sophisticated, emotional,
wonderful, until emergence of the grounded man.
How to explain the ever changing man: from the industrial to the sophisticated, emotional, wonderful, until
emergence of the grounded man.

Some subcultures have their ways to initiate boys to manhood. These are rituals that may include the initiation
process to enter fraternities, gangs, or clubs. Others welcome manhood through extreme physical activities,
sports, or even through hating homosexuals. Men may also detest performing tasks known to be women’s
(Rodriguez, 2018).

Masculine Cultures:

1. Lad Culture – it is a variety of masculinities and cultures in UK university communities, which shape
the identities and attitudes of men and women as they move in and out of university life.
 ● Often linked to the crisis conflict in the West
● In the campus culture, men in universities bring about practices that objectify and sexualize
women and the LGBT to recover their manhood

2. Hookup Culture – counterpart of lad culture in the US.

● The use of sexuality to define masculinity
● Use of sexuality to represent socialized gender: power, detachment, competition

Masculinity as Power

Man’s fear of losing his masculinity may be tied to the fear of losing power. A man is a powerful man
when he controls various resources. Now we have a reason for some men being controlling.

Masculinity has this fear of becoming effeminate when they stand to defend the non-dominant. This
fear is a manifestation that a society thinks lowly of women.

Is the Philippines a Masculine Country?

First we analyze the values that dominate the Filipino culture. If we include competition, achievement
and success, we may be driven to realize that the Philippines is a masculine country. If we consider the value
of caring for others and about the quality of life in the community, then the Philippines is more of a feminine
country.

Masculinity has many faces because its definition is ever changing. For one, the role of men in the
family is being redefined as women go abroad to work, leaving the men to take care of the children. It means
that the gendered character of men is not absolute. And there is nothing wrong about it. The betterment of the
family is meant for the betterment of the community.

Very important is:

I would like you to read A Brief Essay on How to Be a Man: What Makes a Man a “Real Man”? at
https://www.knowledgeformen.com/what-makes-a-man/ and gain more understanding of how men have also
evolved through the years. After all, the society may have just focused on the striving to be powerful and
superior to the traditional man that it has failed in seeing the sincerity, vulnerability as well as the emerging
strength of the developing man. I hope you will appreciate the article written by Andrew Ferebee.

Rodriguez, Agustin M. (2018). Gender and Society. C & E Publishing: Manila

https://www.knowledgeformen.com/what-makes-a-man/
https://internationalmensday.com/30-great-manhood-quotes/.

LGBTQI+ Equality

“Love is pure and true. Love knows no gender.”

- Tori Spelling
We have just studied men and their masculinity. We all know that there are not just feminine and
masculine genders in society but there are a number of others. Let this discussion shed light to the other
genders found in society.

First, how do you honestly feel about thriving in a society with more genders other than feminine and
masculine, or even gay and lesbian? Are you confused? Or do you feel there are just too many to comprehend
that you would rather just accept because it may be too difficult to weigh your feelings and conviction?

Can you tell now who is who? Does it give you some hypothetical question you ask even yourself? How
much do you know about your own gender?
 What is the LGBTQ+ Community Fighting for?
(https://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/10)

The LGBTQ+ people are fighting for equal rights, not necessarily special rights. Discrimination can be
based on sexual orientation. An LGBT person can be kicked out of school, denied a job simply because of who
they love or how they express their gender, and we know that is not fair. And in most countries, same-sex
couples cannot legally marry. This is something which may not be very difficult for us to live with, as we are
traditionally conservative and never have we allowed same-sex marriage in the Philippines.
It is so unfortunate that people around the world face violence and inequality—and sometimes torture,
even execution—because of who they love, how they look, or what they are. Sexual orientation and gender
identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. That basic, the
LGBTQ+ people are fighting to exist in this society with equal rights with men and women.

LGBTQ+ in the Philippines

(https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/philippines/family/lgbt)

Let us take a look at the status of the LGBTQ+ in the Philippines.

The traditional Filipino culture is known to be conservative when it comes to its values especially on
morality. It is more like a mixed picture for the LGBT community in the Philippines. Despite the country signing
up to many international agreements promoting human rights, LGBT rights are not always supported by the
state. One plausible reason is we have always been accustomed to the straight and conservative culture. Our
idea of morality includes marriage to bind a man and a woman so they may raise a family that will eventually
sustain the society. Although, same-sex activity is not criminalized, and sexual orientation is mentioned in
various laws. Still we go back o the readiness of the society to embrace all forms of relationships.

The most pressing issue for many in the community remains the lack of an anti-discrimination bill. Since
the 1990s numerous proposals have been made without success. On the policy level there are both pro- and
anti-LGBT policies in offices, institutions and private establishments. There are a number of official orders
against discrimination and a code of ethics that promote the respect of diversity and LGBT well-being.
However, people can still be discharged from the military on the basis of sexual orientation and cross dressers
can still be barred from night clubs. This only implies that while we claim that there is respect for the LGBTQ+
there is no inclusion yet.

Acceptance of the LGBT community varies among differing groups. The young are most accepting but
there remains a widely held view that acceptance is based on LGBT Filipinos conforming to stereotypes and a
narrow set of occupations. There is some LGBT representation on television and electronic media but there
are still problems for the community in the country. A striking example of this can be seen in the higher murder
rate; in the first half of 2011 there were 28 LGBT related killings.

LGBT persons do not have the right to marry someone of the same sex. While adoption is allowed by a
single LGBT person, it is not permitted for a same-sex couple.

Education
The LGBT community is often subject to discrimination, bullying and abuse in academic institutions. In 2012,
the Department of Education introduced an order to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation
regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. There has also been more positive news for LGBT people
in the educational environment with pride events on campuses and the election of LGBT individuals to student
councils.

Employment
Discrimination is common in the workplace both during the recruitment process and during employment.
Sexual harassment has been reported and concern over HIV discrimination in the workplace is obvious.

Media
The media is often criticized for sensationalizing the coverage of LGBTQ+ events. However, the growing
influence of the internet is considered to be having a positive impact in restore the balance. LGBT issues are
now being tackled on different platforms.

Health
HIV is the primary health issue for the gay community. There is a national HIV strategy but there are
challenges with lack of resources and problems with access to HIV testing. For the transgender community,
information on hormone replacement therapy is hard to come by. In general, there is a need for the
psychosocial health needs of LGBT Filipinos to be addressed through supportive service providers.

I just want to make it clear: Not only are the LBTQ+ are likely to have AIDS. Anyone can get it!

Another interesting topic is the SOGIE BILL.

The SOGIE BILL

I am sure you have heard of the much talked about SOGIE Bill. Let us get to know more about it. I have
read it from a Cosmo article at https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/sogie-bill-philippines-a613-20190919-lfrm.
Let me share it with you:

Main points: What is the SOGIE Bill?

The SOGIE Bill is basically an anti-discrimination bill. It recognizes that many people, whether
they're LGBTQIA++ or cisgender, experience discrimination based on their SOGIE. The bill seeks to protect all
people from this kind of discrimination.

According to Atty. Kristine Mendoza, a lawyer who works at the office of Sen. Hontiveros, "The bill
aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of SOGIE, so even the 'straights' are protected by this bill."

Who will the SOGIE Bill affect?

Everybody, actually! Every person has SOGIE, so, as Atty. Mendoza says, "the bill applies to all. Even
cis heteros (heterosexual)s have sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The SOGIE Equality Bill
does not provide LGBTIQAs with special rights."

Some people have said that there isn't really a need for a SOGIE Bill, since there are many members of
the LGBTQIA community who are accepted and successful in different industries. But according to Atty.
Mendoza, "There are also members who live their lives deprived of basic rights, such as the right to
work, the right to education, the right to access to health services, facilities, and establishments, and
others, simply because of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Discrimination has
been a reality in the lives of LGBTIQAs. While some might not have been discriminated against, or might not
have felt stigmatized, it does not negate the lived experiences of others who have."

Basically, just because you haven't experienced it or seen it happening, that doesn't mean it doesn't
happen at all! Maybe you should ask the different LGBTQIA people you know if they've ever experienced any
discrimination. And don't forget, discrimination has happened—and still happens! — to cisgender women, too.

What is covered by the SOGIE Bill?

With the SOGIE Bill, certain activities can now be declared discriminatory, and you can actually file
charges if any person, corporation, or organization commits these acts. These activities include the promotion
of stigma (like if you say HIV cases are increasing because of gay men having sex), and denial of access to
public service, with special mention of military service.

Per Atty. Mendoza, it will also be a violation if there's "differential treatment of an employee, a job
applicant, or any one engaged by virtue of a contract of service" because "companies should hire based on
merit and not based on anyone's SOGIE. To deny the right to work based on SOGIE is a clear case of
discrimination and is penalized by the bill when it becomes a law."

What else is a violation? "Denial of admission to, expulsion from, or discipline of a student by an
educational institution," meaning "exclusive boy’s schools should accept Trans men and exclusive girls’
schools should accept trans women."

If the SOGIE Bill were already a law, the case of Gretchen Diez would be a clear violation already,
since this a discriminatory act: "Denial of access to establishments, facilities, utilities, or services." This
means "trans women should be allowed to use female bathrooms because they are women. The same goes
with trans men and male bathrooms."
Other examples of violations include:

● Refusal or revocation of accreditation, formal recognition, or registration of any organization, political

party, or institution
● Denial of access to medical and health services
● Denial of application or revocation of professional license
● Forced medical or psychological examination to determine and/or alter a person’s SOGIE without his or
her consent (This bill requires the approval of the appropriate Family Court for minors)
● Harassment by the police or military

Any person, corporation, or organization found guilty of these acts can be slapped with a fine! And it's
no small amount, as it ranges from P100, 000 to P500, 000. The court can also sentence the guilty party to
imprisonment for a minimum of one (1) year but not more than twelve (12) years, and community service
comprising human rights education and exposure to the plight of the victims.

The bill also has provisions for administrative sanctions for government officials who refuse to investigate,
prosecute, or act on complaints for violations.

The SOGIE Bill also mentions programs to promote non-discrimination and diversity; Social Protection
Programs to protect those who are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination on the basis of their SOGIE; and
diversity programs and policies. It also mandates all government agencies to develop and implement SOGIE-
specific gender sensitivity education and information dissemination.

References:

Rodriguez, Agustin M. (2018). Gender and Society. C & E Publishing: Manila

https://www.knowledgeformen.com/what-makes-a-man/
https://internationalmensday.com/30-great-manhood-quotes/
https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/21/style/lgbtq-gender-language.html
https://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/10
https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/philippines/family/lgbt
https://www.cosmo.ph/lifestyle/sogie-bill-philippines-a613-20190919-lfrm