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

Elmer John E. Basa

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Elmer John E. Basa. The Bittersweet Struggles and Experiences of Filipino Gay Seafarers Onboard: A Phenomenological Study. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 2025, https://journalarjass.com/index.php/ARJASS/issue/view/105, 23 (6), pp.50-60. 10.9734/arjass/2025/v23i6701. hal-05080754

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

Elmer John E. Basa a*

a VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., Bacolod City, Philippines.

**Author's contribution**

The sole author designed, analysed, interpreted and prepared the manuscript.

**Article Information**

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2025/v23i6701

**Open Peer Review History:**

This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers, peer review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here: https://pr.sdiarticle5.com/review-history/135998

Received: 17/03/2025

Accepted: 19/05/2025

Published: 22/05/2025

**Original Research Article**

## 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

<footnote>*Corresponding author: Email: elmerjohnbasa@gmail.com, e.basa@vma.edu.ph;</footnote>

<footnote>**Cite as:** Basa, Elmer John E. 2025. "The Bittersweet Struggles and Experiences of Filipino Gay Seafarers Onboard: A Phenomenological Study". Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences 23 (6):50-60.
https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2025/v23i6701.</footnote>
(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.

Keywords: LGBT psychology; maritime; phenomenology; Philippines; Asia.

# 1. INTRODUCTION

The visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella has increasingly permeated various aspects of Filipino life and culture marking an evolution in social paradigms, attitudes, and public consciousness both on land and at sea (Inton, 2017). Across generations, Filipino perspectives on gender diversity have gradually shifted; however, significant challenges remain particularly within traditionally conservative and male-dominated fields such as the maritime industry.

The seas, tides, and sails have long held untold stories of men grappling with their identities (Watkins, 2023). Maritime spaces often serve as metaphors for confinement where men isolated with their shipmates and the vastness of the ocean are removed from the broader societal context for extended periods (Moore, 2017). Within this isolated environment, rigid gender norms are reinforced since the maritime profession emphasizes quasi-military discipline, hierarchical authority, and strict obedience (Barker et al., 2014). Consequently, seafaring has been historically framed as a hypermasculine and patriarchal domain.

Within these constraints, Filipino maritime professionals commonly experience mental health challenges, including stress, fatigue, and emotional distress stemming from prolonged separation from family (Brooks & Greenberg, 2022). In addition, LGBTQIA+ seafarers face specific concerns in the shipping industry and raising issues on their personal and professional lives including struggles on their identity, love, discrimination, harassment, and humiliation (International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network, 2023). Recent reports from ISWAN, (2023) highlight a concerning surge in cases related to seafarer welfare emphasizing the urgent need for an improved welfare and support within the maritime sector. Though the maritime industry operates under several laws and regulations, there is no single comprehensive international law specifically dedicated to LGBTQIA+. Moreover, most maritime laws use

general and broad anti-discrimination language without specifying sexual orientation or gender identity (Kitada & Rodríguez-Chaves, 2024) since the past decades, gender equality in maritime has been evolving in international legal instruments in terms of progress in the inclusion of gender sensitive language and specific provisions.

For maritime students and educators in higher education institutions, these realities offer critical insights. Understanding the full breadth of challenges at sea including issues tied to gender identity is essential for preparing a new generation of maritime professionals. Such understanding necessitates the development of more holistic, inclusive training approaches that acknowledge the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of life at sea (Vorster, 2016).

Despite the Philippines being one of the world's top suppliers of maritime labor (Chibana, 2023), the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers remain largely undocumented in maritime academic literature. There is a noticeable absence of focused qualitative research examining the intersection of gender identity and life aboard vessels particularly within the highly masculinized and heteronormative shipboard environment.

By adopting a phenomenological approach, this study addresses a gap by documenting and analyzing the nuanced realities of Filipino gay seafarers, thereby addressing a significant research gap and offers valuable insights that can inform inclusive maritime policies, gender-responsive education, and the broader push for diversity and equality in the maritime sector. For maritime institutions, integrating such perspectives into curriculum and training can foster a more inclusive, resilient, and socially aware generation of students and seafarers.

# 2. METHODOLOGY

## 2.1 Research Design

This study employed a qualitative research design specifically utilizing a phenomenological
approach. Phenomenology offers a powerful means of understanding subjective experiences and gaining deep insights into individuals' lived realities (Rodriguez & Smith, 2018). Through this approach, the researcher aimed to explore, describe, and understand the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers onboard.

## 2.2 Participants

Ten (10) self-identified gay Filipino seafarers participated in this study sharing their lived experiences of working onboard commercial vessels. Of these participants, eight were deck or cadet officers while two served in engine-related roles. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, a method designed to intentionally recruit individuals with direct and relevant experience of the phenomenon under investigation (Creswell & Plano, 2011). Eligibility criteria included (1) unmarried Filipino male, (2) professional seafarer, and (3) self-identified as gay men. To safeguard participant anonymity, each was asked to provide a pseudonym, along with basic demographic details such as age, rank or position, and years of maritime service. Snowball sampling was also used to broaden recruitment, wherein participants referred others within their personal and professional networks (Naderifar et al., 2017). A key contact facilitated the initial connections, ultimately enabling the study to secure ten participants.

While the study offers rich in-depth insights into the seafaring experiences of gay Filipino men, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The relatively small sample size and the use of non-probability sampling methods limit the generalizability of the findings. As such, the conclusions drawn are context-specific and may not reflect the broader population of LGBTQ+ seafarers. Nevertheless, the narratives presented contribute meaningfully to a largely underexplored area within maritime and queer studies offering a foundation for future research.

## 2.3 Instrument

The researcher utilized a semi-structured interview protocol to facilitate data collection. Given that the participants were currently onboard and located in various parts of the world, the guide was designed to generate relevant sub-questions during the interview phase.

The interview guide was written in both English and Hiligaynon to accommodate participants'

language preferences. To ensure the validity of the guide questions, the researcher sought the expertise of a Psychology professional, who reviewed and validated the instrument. This validation was documented through the expert's signed approval on the interview protocol.

## 2.4 Data Gathering Procedure

The participants' lived experiences were collected through a combination of written essays and individual in-depth interviews. Prior to the interviews, the researcher coordinated with the On-Board Training Office (OBTO) secretary and a faculty colleague to identify potential participants as the OBTO maintained ongoing connections with alumni. Through these referrals, ten participants were purposively selected.

The interview protocol and informed consent form were sent to participants via Gmail and Facebook Messenger, giving them time to review the materials and submit initial written reflections. At the time of data collection, seven participants were onboard their respective vessels, while the remaining three were in Manila, preparing for deployment.

Interviews were conducted via Zoom, each lasting between 45 minutes to one hour. With participants' consent, all sessions were audio-recorded for transcription purposes. The interviews were conducted in a mix of Hiligaynon, Filipino, and English—the participants' natural languages—and were later transcribed and fully translated into English for analysis.

To preserve the cultural authenticity, Filipino-English honorifics and expressions such as "sir" were retained in the transcriptions and quoted data. In Filipino culture, particularly within educational and hierarchical environments, "sir" is commonly used to address male authority figures such as teachers or administrators. In this study, participants referred to the researcher as "sir" in recognition of his professional role as a teacher and school administrator. This linguistic choice reflects the cultural norms of respect and hierarchy inherent in Filipino communication. Retaining such terms in the data adds depth to the analysis by acknowledging the social dynamics present in the interview interactions.

## 2.5 Data Analysis

In this study, qualitative data analysis followed a systematic and reflective process to deepen the
understanding of the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers. Consistent with Bogdan's (1982) notion that qualitative analysis involves carefully organizing collected materials to construct meaning, the study adopted Hycner's (1999) term "explication" to emphasize preserving the wholeness of participants' experiences rather than fragmenting them. Following Hycner's Explication Process (as cited in Groenewald, 2004), data analysis proceeded through several stages:

First, the researcher engaged in bracketing and phenomenological reduction by setting aside personal biases to remain fully open to participants' meanings. Second, significant units of meaning were delineated by extracting and refining statements while minimizing presuppositions. Third, these units were clustered into thematic groups, identifying significant patterns within the holistic context of the narratives. Fourth, each interview was summarized, validated through member checking, and revised as necessary to ensure accurate representation.

Finally, general and unique themes across participants were synthesized into a composite summary, highlighting both shared and individual experiences while preserving minority perspectives. The analysis culminated in articulating the essence of the phenomenon, employing metaphorical and linguistic expressions, as suggested by Sailor, (2013), to convey the socially and culturally embedded meanings of participants' lives at sea.

# 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section presents the themes that emerged from the analysis of the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers onboard highlighting the contexts of these experiences and the "essence" of the phenomenon under study.

## 3.1 A Distress Signal: Discrimination and the Burden of Stigma Onboard

This theme captures the urgent and often the silent struggles of Filipino gay seafarers facing discrimination and stigma in the enclosed, high-pressure environment of ships. Bearing the weight emphasizes not just the presence of prejudice but the emotional, psychological, and professional toll it exacts over time. The most prevalent form of discrimination is the one that involves episodes of harassment and situations

of questioned competence among our seafarers (Machado & Costa, 2022). According to the International Labor Organization, (2019), discrimination often arises from perceived non-conformity to heteronormative standards. Individuals who do not align with these expectations such as women perceived as "masculine" or men perceived as "feminine" frequently face harassment and exclusion. Furthermore, it signals a call for recognition, understanding, and change that often go unheard in the maritime world.

### 3.1.1 Isolated but pervasive homophobic incidents at sea

This subtheme exposes the paradox experienced by Filipino gay seafarers while acts of homophobia may seem isolated, they are rooted in the broader shipboard culture since both overt and covert incidents of discrimination and harassment reinforce the persistent realities of exclusion at sea (Inton, 2017). Homophobia, a form of sexual prejudice, encompasses attitudes and behaviors that are overtly hostile toward homosexual individuals (Fraïsséa & Barrientos, 2016).

When Participant 1 embarked the ship, "I feel that I'm not welcome to him (Ship's Captain)...he allowed me (to embark) since I was sent by the company and I have nothing to do about it and the way he treats me, it's very unacceptable..." Moreover, he was perceived as a gay man and he felt uncomfortable and was less treated favorably.

Meanwhile, Participant 3 recounted an incident where, after drinking with a workmate, he was invited to sleep over in his workmate's cabin. A ship officer saw him entering the cabin and immediately assumed that something inappropriate had occurred. Their minds became clouded with malicious and lewd assumptions about his actions, "We were issued something happened to us (sexually), but no matter how much I tried to explain and convince them that nothing happened, they refused to believe...they had already judged me based on my identity. That's just how they viewed it and I consider that, sir*, as discrimination..."

In addition, Participant 7 resigned, he made it clear to his superior that the reason for his departure was discrimination, "...the reason I quit was because of discrimination against me, especially since I'm gay."
### 3.1.2 Microaggressions and the weight of stigma

This subtheme highlights how behaviors from the gay seafarers' colleagues overt acts, subtle microaggression like jokes, insinuations, and exclusion often create an environment of 'otherness' that eats away the participants' self-worth and social belonging.

Participant 1 claimed that "When people hear the word "gay", they equate it to 'sex' and 'immorality'. All they ever think of me is I will take advantage of my co-workers..." Moreover, stigma has been present even onboard and has affected his psychological and well-being. At times, he found himself overwhelmed by these thoughts as he tried to fight back and resist, saying "......and so I try to fight it, to straighten myself out, to be straight (as a man)..." It caused him stress and mental strain. He worried and it instigated anxiety, "I worry about my image, that they might view me negatively, and that their respect for me might be lost."

There was a time when Participant 4 joined his workmates in pole-dancing during their leisure time. While others participated as well, he was the only one called out for it. His superior (the ship's captain) confronted him about the situation. "...The tone was really harsh...I felt nervous, I could feel the tension because of the way he was looking at me...He really scolded me and said, 'I don't like what you did last night, don't do it again.' He was really upset...He was really angry. It was intense...Is it because I'm gay?"

Participant 6 felt mortified, disheartened, and deeply saddened, "...I felt I had hit rock bottom, that there was nowhere lower to go. He made me feel how difficult it is to be gay on board a ship. I felt sad for being gay because I realized this is how other people feel toward us..."

### 3.1.3 Living in the shadows and the choice to conceal or disclose

This subtheme explores the participants' dilemma of whether to hide or reveal their true gender identity to their co-workers onboard. Faced with discrimination risks, some participants choose concealment over disclosure, living double lives that strain their mental health and authentic self-expression. Concealment, as defined by Miller & Major, (2000), involves hiding a stigmatized identity to avoid the negative

consequences of stigma and often serves as a coping mechanism against discrimination. Meyer, (2003) further explains that concealment strategies range from outright lying to "covering," or selectively censoring aspects of one's identity while maintaining emotional connections. For gay seafarers, concealment becomes a crucial act of self-protection within the stigma-laden environment of shipboard life.

Participant 3 successfully managed to conceal his true identity, although he acknowledged that he had the option to either disclose or hide it, "I managed to hide myself from most people, but I am very much aware of who I truly am. I conceal my true self to maintain the respect. No one onboard ever found out, not even in the entire company, sir..."

However, when Participant 1 was promoted to an officer and achieved a higher rank on the ship, he began to adopt a facade at sea, acting straight and projecting a more masculine demeanor, "...When my shipmates started glorifying me of my high profile, that was also the start of my pretensions. I concealed myself to sustain the respect I'm getting from them."

Fear became both a reason to hide and a motivation to disguise one's true self. Respect was often reserved for those perceived as heterosexual, rather than extended to individuals whose identities diverged from their assigned gender.

However, for Participant 6, he emphasized that he had the option to choose whether not to disclose his identity to people he believed would accept him, "I don't always show it, sir. It depends on my environment and the level of acceptance from people....I showed it to them because they accepted me (selected group of people). But for those people who I know won't accept me, I hide who I really am." Sometimes, blending in or appearing insignificant can be a way to protect yourself from mistreatment, "In my present company, nobody knows of what I am." Furthermore, the need to conceal one's identity to survive professional life at sea points to a "survival over authenticity" mentality that could be addressed through proactive diversity education.

This theme further reveals a persistent internal conflict in the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers, the psychological burden of deciding whether to conceal or reveal their sexual identity
onboard. While life at sea offers opportunities for career advancement and personal growth, it also places individuals in a social environment where deviation from heteronormative norms can lead to isolation, discrimination, or even compromised safety. As a result, many participants in this study described choosing to “live in the shadows,” deliberately concealing their identities.

This dilemma reflects what Savage & Barringer, (2021) identify as minority stress, the chronic strain that arises from concealing one's identity in unsupportive environments. Though their research focused on aging LGBT individuals and housing concerns, their insights are strikingly relevant at sea. Concealment may protect against immediate harm but over time it exacts a psychological toll depriving individuals of emotional security and authentic connection. The participant narratives underscore the profound impact of social support when crew members feel seen and accepted, the burden of concealment is significantly reduced, and disclosure becomes less threatening.

## 3.2 Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: The Arduous Masculine World of Seafaring

This theme captures the relentless demands placed upon Filipino gay seafarers to conform to the rigid standards of masculinity deeply embedded in the maritime profession.

### 3.2.1 Social construction of masculinity and hypermasculine standards

This subtheme examines the life of gay seafarers within a shipboard culture that valorizes toughness, stoicism, and "manliness," making acceptance difficult, especially for those who exhibit effeminate traits. It explores the social construction of masculinity defined as the behaviors, roles, and relationships culturally associated with men, independent of biological sex (Kimmel & Bridges, 2011). These socially constructed expectations create additional barriers for gay seafarers who must navigate both professional demands and rigid gender norms at sea.

For Participant 2, the struggle of embodying femininity in a male-dominated context has been emotionally and physically exhausting, "(the) seaman's job is a very strenuous activity. It requires physical, mental, and emotional strengths. Being feminine and having a height of

5'2" and a weight of just 47 kilos in my first vessel assignment, it was very exhausting to get my job done."

### 3.2.2 Conceptualizing mental toughness through suppression and endurance

This subtheme explores how gay seafarers cultivate their own version of "mental toughness" by quietly enduring discrimination and suppressing emotional needs to conform to the rugged ideals of maritime life. The internal struggle to prove one's "fitness" as a seafarer often results in emotional exhaustion and identity suppression revealing the hidden psychological cost of resilience. Mental toughness, as Lin et al., (2017) describe, involves positive psychological resources crucial not only for success in demanding environments but also for preserving mental health.

Participant 3 viewed himself as less masculine due to possessing traits typically associated with femininity. To cope with the physical demands of seafaring work, he relied on his mental strength using his mind as a tool to reframe his experience, endure the strain on his muscles and tendons, and push through the challenges of the job, "I just thought... what I only remember is that I have to survive... So, of course, that's why they say 'Life goes on...' What I keep thinking about, sir, is that my only strength is myself. I know that, I'm determined....So what I keep thinking is, if I stay as a rating, I won't last long as a seaman. But if I become an officer, then that's it...and I can do it. So, what I really keep thinking is that this is how I'm coping with my struggles and challenges." Moreover, it highlights how gender expectations silently oppress minority identities invites maritime educators to reshape notions of leadership and resilience to be more inclusive.

## 3.3 Sailing Close to the Wind: Love and Vulnerability in the High Seas

This theme captures the emotionally fraught yet profoundly human experiences of Filipino gay seafarers who develop romantic feelings for their fellow crew members while onboard. It further reflects their internal struggle about discovering desire where personal affection must be carefully handled to protect themselves from professional and social repercussions.

### 3.3.1 Falling in love in a hostile environment

This subtheme explores how gay seafarers find themselves develop deep emotional connections
and sometimes romantic attachments with colleagues despite the unspoken taboos against same-sex relationships onboard. These feelings often bring both profound joy and intense fear.

Participant 2 narrated, "My captain calls me 'Baby'...like really, 'Baby-baby.'...I actually felt delighted, like wow, he's already a captain and yet he calls me 'Baby.'...I was happy. And then... there's also my struggle with getting attracted to my co-workers...hahaha, yes! Hahaha (to) Filipino co-workers, sir. I've never been attracted to those foreign ones with their 'beauty', (but with Filipino colleagues)"

On the other hand, Participant 5 narrated his blossoming and blooming feelings to one of his colleagues where he developed romantic feelings from, "...As time pass by, I started to feel something to this certain guy...We had a mutual understanding and my feelings for him grew bigger...Every day at work I was so inspired and motivated..."

However, just like any other love story, he eventually said that "I can't say, sir, that he's attracted to me. It's probably just for convenience, like when I'm on the ship, I become like a woman for him. I act like his wife on board, massaging him, preparing his needs, and taking care of him. Maybe he just misses the feeling of having someone who looks after him. So, I don't feel like he's attracted to a man or anything, but then again, as they say, 'Love knows no gender.'"

Furthermore, Participant 5 confessed that it is really difficult to feel for somebody in this situation, "It was so difficult...to be attracted to someone while doing something that you're not supposed to..." and later he experienced the darkest chapter of his seafaring career, "But in this life, it's not always a happy life. It was one of my greatest pains when he disembarked from the ship and broke up with me."

When this happened, everything in his world collapsed. It was 'over-acting', but it is true. His performance was greatly affected. "...When we broke up, and I was really vulnerable...I couldn't move on...he was straight (as a man)...That's why I was hesitant at first to go along with it, because I never expected that he would be the one to insinuate it or insist that we be together...Eventually, I started developing feelings for him."

### 3.3.2 Avoidance coping and camouflaging

This subtheme covers the participants' way to protect their careers and personal safety. They suppress their feelings distancing themselves from potential romantic interests or camouflaging their affection through coded friendship. This is referred to as avoidance behavior where the participants alter their behavior to avoid their budding romantic feelings to their fellow crew members (Scott, 2021).

Participant 4 shared his experience of how he tried to manage his growing feelings toward his co-workers at sea. "You know, sir, how it's like you're attracted, right? I feel like... hahaha, it's almost like I've committed a crime. If I get attracted to someone, the moment I do, I feel like I've committed a crime because this shouldn't be happening...But for me, I really try to avoid anything like that. If there's something, I stop it. It shouldn't happen. It's wrong, right? and It's unethical, right?"

Lastly, he emphasized the bittersweet experience of feeling attracted and consciously choosing to avoid it. "So, you know, sir, I've experienced this before... when I felt like I was really attracted, I tried to distance myself. It was sad to do, and I wasn't really willing, but I had to. I did it because I knew it would minimize the damage in the end...It was just like that...hahaha..."

Romantic attraction onboard reflects a universal human need for emotional connection, one that becomes especially pronounced in the isolating environment of seafaring. Yet, within a maritime industry steeped in hegemonic masculinity, a cultural construct that upholds heterosexuality, emotional restraint, and stoicism as professional ideals (Connell, 1995) expressions of affection are not only discouraged but often perceived as risky (Wharton, 2009). For Filipino gay seafarers, such feelings must be carefully monitored, suppressed, or redirected to safeguard both their professional standing and social inclusion.

This constant self-regulation gives rise to a profound form of emotional labor as articulated by Hochschild (1983) wherein individuals must manage their emotional expressions to meet institutional norms and expectations. In an environment where vulnerability is mistaken for weakness, and queerness risks marginalization, gay seafarers often suppress their emotions not because they lack the capacity for connection but as an act of survival within a system that
privileges heterosexual masculinity. Emotional control thus becomes an unspoken yet essential skill for enduring life at sea (Wharton, 2009).

## 3.4 Stem the Tide: Professional Excellence beyond Sexual Identity

Being a sailor should be prioritized. The participants in this study deliberately compartmentalize their personal identity from their professional identity believing that competence and skill should be the sole measures of their worth. Despite hardships, some participants achieve professional triumphs rising to leadership roles serving as quiet but powerful counter narratives to discrimination. Moreover, participants view themselves primarily as members of the seafaring workforce, not defined by their sexuality. By emphasizing shared behaviors, values, and professional philosophies, gay seafarers foster diversity within the shipboard community.

Participant 1 mentioned that he doesn't perceive himself as gay because, in the back of his mind, he was there to work, "I really don't feel like I'm different, it just feels like I'm there to work, sir. I don't know if you've ever felt that way, where you're no longer aware or conscious of who you are...I don't connect my sexuality with anything that happens there, so I don't feel like I'm different from them...This is who I am."

After what Participant 5 has experienced, he reminded himself that "...this should just be about work. Because, as a seafarer, I don't take advantage of the situation in a sexual way, like some others might...on the ship, it's all about work... that's it, just work." Lastly, he added, "Basically, my identity only shows when I'm on land. In my 11 years of being a sailor, I believe

that gays should not be labeled as unsuitable for the seafaring industry as performance and output is not dependent on one's sexuality."

This theme emphasizes a key insight that inclusion does not lower standards, it unlocks potential. The narratives of Filipino gay seafarers in this study reveal that despite facing stigma, prejudice, and societal expectations to conform, they consistently strive for excellence in their roles. Connell's (1995) theory of hegemonic masculinity helps explain the structural pressures at play. In a male-dominated field like seafaring, professionalism is often framed through narrow ideals, toughness, stoicism, and heteronormativity. And yet, despite these burdens, the participants consistently demonstrate that LGBTQ+ identity and professional excellence are not incompatible. In fact, when individuals are allowed to be authentic and are supported by inclusive institutional environments, their morale, commitment, and productivity can thrive. Authenticity, rather than being a liability becomes a source of strength.

## 3.5 Essence: The Bittersweet Struggles and Experiences of Filipino Gay Seafarers Onboard

Amidst the surging tides, destructive storms, vast and profound waters that linger and characterize the seafaring profession, the lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers are best captured through the metaphor of bittersweet struggles and experiences. These are the “Bitter” struggles marked by the hostility and burden of discrimination and stigma and the “Sweet” experiences exhibited by affection, love, and resilience while onboard.

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 1. Evolved conceptual framework of the study</figcaption></figure>
4. CONCLUSION

This study has achieved its objective in
exploring, describing, and understanding the
lived experiences of Filipino gay seafarers
onboard capturing their ‘bittersweet’ struggles
and experiences at sea. Through their narratives,
the essence of their experiences reveals a
profound interplay between vulnerability,
resilience, and silent strength.

The bitter struggles of their journey are marked by discrimination and the burden of stigma. Participants responded through strategies of identity management, either choosing to hide their sexual orientation or disclosing it selectively to trusted individuals. Shipboard life demanding in its physicality also shaped the seafarers' conceptualization of mental toughness. When faced with relentless labor and social isolation, they found strength within, reframing hardships, enduring challenges, and affirming that, like the unyielding tides, difficulties too will eventually pass. Amidst storms and surging seas, they learned to anchor their spirits in hope that every sunset at sea heralds the promise of another sunrise.

The sweet experiences emerged in the deep
emotional connections they formed with fellow
crewmates. The quiet blossoming of affection
and love speaks to a shared humanity, affirming
the universal nature of 'man' on emotional
vulnerability. Despite the constraints imposed by
a hypermasculine environment, these moments
reflect the core truth that gay seafarers, like all
humans, seek connection, belonging, and
understanding. Yet, professionalism required
them to exercise avoidance coping, suppressing
emotions, regulating attachments, and
maintaining discretion to uphold their dignity and
ethical standards as seafarers.

Ultimately, participants drew a clear boundary
between their sexuality and their professional
identity. Their competence, efficiency, and
contribution to the maritime workforce are not
and should never be defined by their gender
identity and homosexuality, like a bud slowly
blooming under challenging conditions
represents a complex but natural part of human
diversity. The psychological dimensions of their
journeys underscore long-standing truths
affirmed by scientific inquiry that identity and
capability coexist without contradiction.

Moving forward, this study highlights the urgent
need for gender education and development

programs within both sea-based and land-based
maritime sectors. By promoting fairness,
acceptance, equality, and equity, institutions
such as Maritime Higher Educational Institutions
(MHEIs), shipping companies, and regulatory
bodies like the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) can foster a culture where diversity is
recognized not as a liability but as a source of
strength and resilience in the global maritime
community.

Maritime Higher Educational Institutions (MHEIs) on the other hand may prepare social diversity programs to be infused in their curricular and co-curricular programs through the Student Affairs and Services (SAS) in gender and development. Gender research-based result dissemination could help raise awareness to maritime students and maritime faculty about the mental health, psychological, and social well-being of gay seafarers.

Furthermore, this study recommends expanding
future research to include a broader range of
participants, such as seafarers from other
sectors of the LGBTQ community (e.g., lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning
individuals), as well as straight colleagues who
have worked alongside them onboard. Including
diverse gender identities and orientations would
enrich and deepen the understanding of lived
experiences within the seafaring profession.

In this note, this study underscores that the
experiences of Filipino gay seafarers are central
to understanding how identity, labor, and human
dignity intersect in the global maritime industry.
The findings may challenge maritime institutions,
policymakers, educators, and the public to
reconsider whose voices shape conversations on
professionalism, inclusion, and wellbeing at sea.

Creating safe and equitable shipboard
environments is a collective responsibility shared
by training institutions, policy regulators, and
maritime professionals. The vastness of the sea
should not mirror uncertainty or exclusion but
reflect a culture where all can live and work with
dignity, free from fear. By amplifying voices, this
study contributes to a growing movement for
cultural transformation in the maritime industry.

ETHICAL APPROVAL AND CONSENT

The researcher secured informed consent from
all participants to ensure that their involvement in
the study was voluntary. Participants were
assured that all information they provided would
be treated with strict confidentiality, recognizing
the sensitive nature of their profession and
personal identities.

The researcher thoroughly explained that their
real names would remain anonymous, and any
identifying details would be kept confidential.
Participants were also informed that the data
collected whether written or recorded would be
used exclusively for research purposes. All
materials were securely stored during the course
of the study and scheduled for proper disposal
after the completion of the research to further
safeguard participant privacy.

DISCLAIMER (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)

Author hereby declares that NO generative AI
technologies such as Large Language Models
(ChatGPT, COPILOT, etc.) and text-to-image
generators have been used during the writing or
editing of this manuscript.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I extend my deepest gratitude to the participants
of this study for generously sharing their lived
experiences. Without their full trust and
openness, the success of this research would not
have been possible. I also sincerely thank Capt.
Niño Elson O. Salabas, PhD, President of VMA
Global College, and Dr. Remedios Johanna S.
Vargas, Executive Vice President, for their
invaluable support and encouragement
throughout the course of this study.

COMPETING INTERESTS

Author has declared that no competing interests
exist.

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