The Work-Life Experience of LGBTQIA+ Managers in the BPO Industry: A Phenomenological Inquiry

This study explores the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ managers in Cebu City's BPO industry through the lens of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Anchored in phenomenology, the research delves into how these individuals make sense of their identities, challenges, and leadership journeys within the context of a dynamic, often heteronormative corporate environment. Semi-structured interviews and participant observations were employed to gather deep, qualitative insights, allowing the emergence of themes that reflect the nuanced realities of navigating leadership roles as LGBTQIA+ professionals. The analysis revealed five interrelated themes centered around inclusion, authenticity, resilience, and the delicate balance between personal and professional identities. These thematic patterns illuminated the inner strength and reflective processes participants engaged in to persevere amid perceived adversities. This phenomenological inquiry underscores the critical importance of understanding leadership through the subjective, embodied experiences of marginalized identities. While limited in geographic scope and participant diversity, the findings offer meaningful contributions to the broader discourse on inclusive leadership, identity, and workplace diversity from a phenomenological standpoint.