Promoting the Inclusion of Filipino Deaf Gay Men in the Private Sector

This paper is taken from my graduate research on the lived experiences of Filipino Deaf gay men employed in the private sector that aimed to document and examine their realities at the intersection of their marginalized identities. Guided by feminist standpoint epistemology, I conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven Deaf gay men participants and three key experts recruited through purposive sampling. The collected data generated three overarching strategies that participants co-developed to address Deaf gay men’s distinct experiences of intersectional discrimination in the workplace. These strategies are (1) the development of inclusive policies; (2) the implementation of education and awareness-building activities; and (3) the provision of reasonable accommodation. By surfacing these inclusive strategies that organizations can implement, this study hopes to contribute to the burgeoning discussion about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, particularly for individuals at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Ultimately, the findings can contribute to the objectives of this conference as they offer the possibility of positive change in the private sector, offering insights into how organizations can better support and empower individuals at the intersection of marginalized identities. Furthermore, it is crucial that Filipino Deaf gay men’s narratives of resilience and determination in navigating their workplace environments that favor the able-bodied, heterosexual image be explored to ensure that we incorporate their realities into our collective vision for a more inclusive future.