Rainbow in The Convent: LGBTQ+ Community and Religious Vocation Inclusivity

Abstract

This study sought to determine the acceptability of the LGBTQ+ community and religious vocation inclusivity among the select residents in the City of San Pablo, Laguna in the Philippines. Transcendental phenomenology was employed using twenty respondents and were interviewed via Google Meet. Results showed that the respondents were generally accepting the LGBTQ+ community towards religious vocation inclusivity. Majority of them were generally accepting the LGBTQ+ members based on three thematic areas identified such as religious vocation as a call for everyone, LGBTQ+ expressions of religiosity and LGBTQ+ members as church leaders. However, the study also presented areas of development the LGBTQ+ community and religious institutions could dialogue towards improved welfare of the LGBTQ+ community in the realm of religious vocation inclusivity. Hence, this paper suggests further representation of LGBTQ individuals in various religious activities, and educational drive and discussions with religious organizations. The results imply a starting element for further research and education for both the LGBTQ+ and religious communities.