Rainbows Behind Bars: A Phenomenological Inquiry on Gay Filipino Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)

Life inside the jail is challenging for any person especially to members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This study explored the lived experiences of gays inside the jail. A phenomenological design was employed specifically the transcendental phenomenology to understand the reality of the five gay Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The study observed strict implementations of ethical guidelines to protect the rights of these individuals. Data were collected using in-depth phenomenological interviews. Colaizzi’s data analysis framework was utilized to analyze the data. From the narratives of the participants, four themes emerged namely: Inadequacy of Essential Provisions, Social Intimacy, Life-Changing Journey, and Evolving Perceptions of Jail Realities. These themes describe the life of gay PDL inside the facility and their journey towards positive personal transformation. It also describes how gay PDL navigate through different trials and challenges inside the facility, highlighting their resilience and strength. For the gay PDL, the essence of life inside the jail is transformation that supports the theories of Social Identity and Social Constructionism. In essence, the life of gay PDL includes significant shifts in perceptions and expectations of the carceral system. Future research may be conducted to explore the experiences of gay PDL in different facilities.