Strengthening Capacities Towards a Resilient Future: The case of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Tacloban City, Philippines after the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

<p>This thesis explores the experiences, challenges, and roles of people who identify as sexual and gender minorities in the context of disaster risk reduction management and practices. In recent decades, national and international institutions have exerted substantial efforts to reduce disaster risk and strengthen disaster management. In response to the increasing number and magnitude of weather events and climate impacts worldwide, this thesis takes into consideration the significance of equity and inclusion in different stages of disaster risk reduction management (DRRM). It focuses particularly on recovery and rehabilitation activities that can build resilience towards disasters. As a case study, it investigates the post-disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts carried out in Tacloban City after the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Typhoon Yolanda, in November 2013. The tropical storm left thousands of casualties, with millions of people homeless and/or displaced, forcing them to live in a temporary or permanent shelter. The research approach was transformative and informed by principles of participatory action research. The methodology followed the appreciative inquiry process of the 4 D’s - Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny. This approach was strength-based and involved working with local, community organisations and government officials. Data were collected using key-informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (including some participatory techniques), and a structured survey of residents in the city and permanent shelters. These data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study reveals how post-disaster interventions and strategies after Typhoon Haiyan reflected heterosexist assumptions, which undermined recovery and rehabilitation efforts. These assumptions, and the wider heteropatriarchal system of which they are a part, served to magnify some existing inequalities, vulnerabilities, and social exclusion based on gender and sexuality. This social system, however, also facilitated the development and/or realisation of endogenous skills and capacities of gender minorities. As such, they were able to take leadership roles and carry out recovery activities unavailable to heterosexual residents. In light of this data, I argue that people who identify as sexual gender minorities are potentially a neglected resource in times of disaster and recovery. If their capabilities were recognised and integrated into DRRM policies and practice, efforts could be enhanced to promote recovery and resilience in hazard-affected communities. Additional work is also needed to challenge the wider system of heteropatriarchy outside of times of disaster to minimise further marginalisation of gender sexual minorities during post-disaster relief and rehabilitation. Overall, this research contributes towards the development of a shared understanding about how a community's capacities and/or strengths can be improved and utilized within disaster risk reduction management and practices by focusing on sexuality and gender.</p>