'Pass sa halata!' : narrative analysis of femmephobia and toxic masculinity among gay men in Camarines Sur / Nemuel N. Oliveros.

Undergraduate Theses (ABELS) - English Language Studies Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2025

Includes bibliographic references.

This qualitative study investigates the manifestations of femmephobia and toxic masculinity within the gay community in Camarines Sur through their narratives. Despite certain research on internalized homophobia, femmephobia, and toxic masculinity, there is a dearth of localized studies that investigate how these issues manifest in the narratives of Filipino gay men, particularly in non-urban settings. By conducting semi-structured interviews, this paper analyzes how the six (6) purposively selected participants position themselves in relation to these issues, and how they vary across different narratives through the lens of Bamberg's (1997) three (3) levels of narrative positioning, queer linguistics, and femme theory. Findings reveal that participants navigate femmephobia and toxic masculinity through various linguistic strategies to construct and express their identities. Internalized homophobia frequently resulted in self-regulation and suppression of feminine characteristics, particularly amidst perceived heteronormative expectations. While some participants resisted societal pressures through advocacy and self-acceptance, others struggled with fear of judgment and social exclusion. Socioeconomic background influenced resilience, with individuals from more stable conditions exhibiting greater self-acceptance. This study highlights the devaluation of femininity in the gay community, which contributes to internalized stigma and reinforces toxic masculinity. Overall, this study fills research gaps by offering localized insights into the intersections of gender, language, and social power, contributing to the broader discourse in queer studies.