Filipino masculinity and psychological distress: A preliminary comparison between gay and heterosexual men

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“…This suggests that adherence to masculinity ideals seems to be beneficial to Filipino gay men's psychological wellbeing -an effect that appears to contradict Pleck's (1995) dysfunction strain, which asserts that adherence to traditional masculinity norms leads to adverse effects. Rubio and Green's (2009) study provides important evidence for the treatment of Filipino heterosexual and gay men with mental health issues. Practitioners can explore their gay clients' conformity to traditional masculinity knowing that such norms have an impact on their mental health (Haldeman, 2006;Schwartzberg & Rosenberg, 1998).…”

“…According to Rubio and Green (2011) seven dimensions characterize masculinity in the Philippines: (1) sense of responsibility-demonstrated through hard work and fulfillment of commitments, and essential in Filipino boys' socialization training to become future heads of their families (Rubio, 2003;Liwag, dela Cruz, & Macapagal, 1998); (2) family orientednessthe definitive epitome of masculinity, which involves being a paternalistic provider and protector of one's family (Aguiling-Dalisay et al, 2000); (3) respectful deference to spouse, women, and elders -manifested in performing courteous deeds towards women/elders and in the view that both fathers and mothers have balanced roles in family decision-making (Angeles, 2001;Bantug, 1996); (4) integrity -involves having strong moral principles; (5) intellectual pursuits -presumption that educational excellence leads to employment security, which in turn results in becoming a good family provider (Bantug); (6) strength (physically and emotionally) -demonstrated in pain endurance, eloquence and being able to safeguard one's honour (Rubio, 2003;Jimenez, 1983;Margold, 1995); and (7) sense of communitybeing in harmony with neighbours and coming to their aid when needed (Margold). Rubio and Green (2009) further assert that Filipino men internalize these dimensions in two waysto characterize what an ideal man is and to evaluate their own masculinity.…”

“…Filipino Homosexuality Rubio and Green (2009) comprehensively discussed homosexual identities in the Philippines. Briefly, there are three types: (1) baklas, who closely resemble the effeminate cross-dressing gay men in Western culture but who only have sex with those they perceive as heterosexual men;…”

“…Even those investigations that do include non-White men are studied within the context of Western settings (Lazur & Majors, 1995). Rubio and Green's (2009) research is the only study to date that investigated the psychological health and GRS of Filipino gay men who are based in the Philippines. It was found that self-identified Filipino gay men experience greater discrepancy strain on family orientedness, respectful deference and integrity compared with heterosexual men.…”

Masculinity under the knife: Filipino men, trafficking and the black organ market in Manila, the Philippines

“…She identifies 'being good providers, virile sex partners, firm and strong fathers' as being at the centre of constructions of Filipino masculinity. Rubio and Green (2009) similarly found that Filipino masculinity differs markedly from Western ideals because of the emphasis on family orientation and less focus on aggression, emotional restriction, dominance and an overemphasis on strength. Filipino men are thought to be 'self-actualised' (ganap nalalaki) if they have started a family and can demonstrate that they are able to look after the family's welfare.…”