Marhabaan 'ana Min 'anat (مرحبا أنا من أنا): The Intersection between Gender, Ethnic and Religious Identity Among LGBTQ Muslim Filipino Youth

There is a dearth of literature on the experiences of LGBTQ Muslims in the Philippines with transecting sexual orientation with their religious and ethnic affiliations. The rapidly growing literature on the intersection of sexual orientation, religion and ethnic affiliation suggests their socio-cultural and religious incompatibility which exposes an individual at a higher risk of stigma, discrimination, normalization and socially acceptable forms of gender-based violence. This study investigates the personal, ethnic, religious and socio-cultural dimensions of self-understanding among LGBTQ Muslim youth in the Philippines. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with selected LGBTQ Muslim Filipino participants from Mindanao and Metro Manila were conducted to determine their affiliation to religious and ethnic identities, sexual orientation and relationship with family, peers, community, workplace and ummah (religious community). Additionally, this study explores their experiences of stigma, discrimination and socially acceptable forms of gender-based violence. This paper intends to explore the different mechanisms the participants employ to face these challenges of exclusion towards inclusion. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the intersectionality between gender, religious and ethnic identities in the everyday life among Muslim-Filipino LGBTQ.