ANALYZING SOCIAL PREJUDICE THROUGH LANGUAGE PARADIGM: THE SITUATION OF THE LGBTQIA+ MEMBERS

Abstract

Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ is gaining attention these days and is growing more prevalent. One method used in this act is through language where people use words against them. However, social prejudice has not received enough attention, and few to no studies focus on using language paradigm to analyze this aspect in public school context. Therefore, this small scale-research aimed to assess the social prejudice of LGBTQIA+ members through language paradigm. The participants of this research were 10 LGBTQIA+ members from Cabiao and San Antonio who experience social prejudice and insults.

The thematic analysis revealed that language is used as a tool to derogate, stereotype, exclude LGBTQIA+ members socially and make them feel insulted and underestimated. Social prejudice also affects their focus and performance in doing school activities, makes them withdraw from school and lose their self-esteem. The study also found out that the participants tend to isolate themselves from society. Social prejudice instills self-doubt, fear, and depression in the participants. The coping mechanisms of the participants are never minding bullies, proving themselves that they excel, motivating themselves, and isolating themselves.

The researcher recommended that the LGUs should focus also about the LGBTQIA+ community, provide programs that protect them from social prejudice that is becoming rampant in the society.