Philippine E-Journals

Navigating the Binary: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences and Coping Mechanisms of Gender-Diverse College Students

Anthony M. Mon | Emelyn M. Bugayong

Discipline: Cultural Studies

 

Abstract:

This study explores the systemic intersection between institutional regulations and the daily social lives of gender-diverse students (N=26) within a regional university campus. Using qualitative analy- sis across four core Statements of the Problem (SOPs), the findings reveal a campus environment characterized by conditional inclusiv- ity. While structural metrics show high peer acceptance and active di- versity programming, participants note persistent challenges, includ- ing generational microaggressions from faculty and the structural erasure of bisexual and asexual identities. Systemic friction centers primarily on binary infrastructure and rigid uniform regulations, which induce severe bathroom navigation anxiety and place an un- necessary administrative burden on students seeking dress code ex- emptions. To manage these daily minority stressors, students utilize calibrated classroom advocacy alongside self-protective strategic si- lence. Students also rely heavily on relational buffers-such as secure queer peer networks-and intentional intrapersonal isolation, fre- quently retreating to quiet campus spaces like the library to maintain psychological well-being. The study highlights a critical gap between top-down administrative policies and the lived realities of students. To address these issues, this paper offers actionable institutional rec- ommendations, including retrofitting all-gender spatial facilities, de- coupling uniform guidelines from gender binaries, and codifying pro- tective local anti-discrimination ordinances.