Date of Publication

12-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Karmia A. Pakingan

Defense Panel Chair

Ron R. Resurreccion

Defense Panel Member

Maria Guadalupe C. Salanga


Abstract/Summary

Transgender women living with HIV (TWLHIV) experience stigma in society, but little is understood about the intersection of transgender-related stigma and HIV-related stigma when they access healthcare. The narrative study explored how eight (8) TWLHIV experienced the intersection of the two stigmatizing identities in their interactions with their healthcare providers, their perceived impact, and their coping strategies. Findings revealed that due to transgender-related stigma, participants experienced marginalization, stereotyping, microaggression, misgendering, denial of care, and coercion. It was also revealed that participants experienced another form of marginalization, stereotyping, breaches of confidentiality, microaggressions, and denial of care due to HIV-related stigma. Due to the interaction of transgender-related stigma and HIV-related stigma, participants experienced other forms of marginalization, stereotyping, microaggressions, and coercion. Participants reported the perceived effects of stigma, such as emotional distress, healthcare disengagement, low self-esteem, limited access to healthcare, vulnerability in employment, absence of a safe space, financial strain, and exposure to unauthorized healthcare practices. Participants also narrated that they coped with the stigma experiences through standing up for their SOGIE rights, complying with healthcare treatment, not disclosing their HIV status, advocating for other PLHIV, standing up for their rights as patients, relying on social support, and seeking divine intervention. This study emphasized the urgent need for inclusive, intersectional healthcare protocols that address both gender identity and HIV status to reduce stigma and mental healthcare that addresses the perceived impact of the intersectional stigma.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Transgender women--Medical care; HIV-positive persons--Philippines; Stigma (Social Psychology)

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Embargo Period

4-22-2028

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Available for download on Saturday, April 22, 2028

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