A Rainbow Sunset: LGBTQ Older Adults and Their Support System in Indigenous Community

Abstract

This study utilized a qualitative design that employs a descriptive exploratory approach to capture informant responses regarding beliefs and ideas concerning the perspective of LGBTQ older adults on aging in the indigenous community. The researcher used purposive sampling and referral method in gathering the informants of the study. Eight informants met the specified criteria outlined in this study, which required participants to be members of the LGBTQ community and above the age of 55. These informants were selected from various barangays in the municipality of Bontoc, including Poblacion, Bontoc Ili, Samoki, Callutit, Can-eo, Talubin, Malidcong, and Tocucan. The findings present a nuanced analysis on the challenges faced by LGBTQ elders, the current support systems available to LGBTQ elders in the indigenous community, including formal and informal networks, and the perceptions and attitudes of the broader indigenous community towards LGBTQ elders and their support needs. One of the most prominent challenges is the influence of traditional values and cultural norms, which most of the informants agreed that it can lead to exclusion and a lack of acceptance within the community. The study further revealed that formal support systems predominantly consist of government-sponsored senior citizen programs, while providing general support for senior citizens, often lack LGBTQ-specific components.  Lastly, the study emphasizes a diverse range of perceptions and attitudes within the broader indigenous community towards LGBTQ elders, reflecting the complex interplay between cultural traditions and evolving viewpoints. The study illuminates the intricate dynamics surrounding LGBTQ elders in an indigenous community, emphasizing the array of challenges they encounter. This underscores the significance of enhancing and expanding support networks, both formal and informal, to cultivate a more inclusive environment where LGBTQ elders are not just recognized but also valued and empowered.