Workplace Challenges Based on Sexual Orientation Among LGBTQIA+ in the Restaurants of Calamba City

Challenges in the workplace can take many different forms, but it generally involves unfair treatment based on characteristics such as gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This study is an attempt to gain a thorough understanding of the discrimination experienced by employees at quick-service restaurants, guided by the Gender Spectrum Theory which refers to the idea that gender is a spectrum not limited to male or female, and that gender is externally communicated through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice and other forms of presentation. This study, which utilized a convergent mixed-method design, aimed to determine the top workplace challenges faced by employees in quick-service restaurants, explain discrimination based on those stated challenges, identify emerging themes, and, lastly, propose an action plan based on the results and findings. Respondents of the study included five (5) currently employed crew members from a quick-service restaurant in Calamba City. Findings revealed that lack of empowerment and career dissatisfaction were the top workplace challenges that the participants encountered. When asked to define gender discrimination, they indicated that it involves the right to express one's gender or the kind of person one is. The most prevalent difficulties they encountered had to do with their physical appearance. The themes that emerged are divided into the major themes of gender discrimination, gender equality, workplace discrimination, workplace challenges, and workplace policies. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating and implementing legal legislations like the Magna Carta for Women and the Safe Spaces Act to ensure equal opportunities for people of diverse SOGIESC.