“We Do Not Need to Hide”: Coming Out Narratives of Filipino Bisexual Individuals

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that involves feelings of romance and sexual desire for more than one gender. A narrative qualitative design was used to examine bisexual Filipinos' stories before and after coming out and their views on the coming out process, including when and how it happens, the challenges they encountered, and how it affects their relationships. Ten (10) young adult bisexual Filipinos (seven bisexual women and three bisexual men) aged 18 to 23 were interviewed. Respondents shared their negative and positive experiences with coming out and how they manage biphobia and bi-invisibility. Findings showed that participants' relationships changed before and after coming out. They became more comfortable with their families and friends knowing about their sexual identity. In addition, they have a better connection with their "self" as they feel freer and self-aware. Unmet needs such as lack of representation in media, gender and sexuality education to the Filipinos, support from other LGBTQIA + communities, and establishing safe space were also discovered. This study adds to the knowledge of bisexual individuals who encountered biphobia and bi-invisibility while coming out. Mental health professionals and authorities can also use the findings to understand the issue better, meet bisexual people's needs, plan and create effective programs, and help bisexual Filipinos who have struggled to come out.