Breaking the Silence: The Lived Experiences of the LGBTQ Inmates as Victims of Sexual Harassment

LGBTQIA+ individuals (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual) in jails often face heightened risks of sexual harassment—incidents that frequently go unreported, unaddressed, and unresolved due to fear, stigma, or systemic neglect. This qualitative study investigated the barriers that prevented LGBTQ persons deprived of liberty from reporting such abuses, drawing on their lived experiences to identify underlying patterns. Conducted at Pampanga Provincial Jail with five participants, the study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) through in-depth, open-ended interviews to capture each participant’s narrative in their own terms. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) vulnerability to harassment due to sexual and gender identity, (2) silencing and suppression of LGBTQ victimhood, (3) coping through personal strength and spirituality, and (4) perceived safety and dignity inside correctional facilities. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of the emotional, cultural, and institutional factors that shaped participants’ experiences and responses. The study underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies and trauma-informed support systems within jails, contributing to broader efforts to protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of LGBTQ individuals in the Philippine correctional system.