Addressing Mental Health Stigma and the Challenges Faced by Sexual Minority Men: Insights from the Philippines

Introduction

Stigma leads to delayed treatment, decreased quality of life, and poor mental health (Martinez et al., 2020). Sweeney et al. (2024) explored mental health stigma reduction strategies for men. They emphasized that several interventions improved public, personal, and self-stigma, with psychoeducation and social contact effectively shifting public attitudes, while therapeutic techniques helped reframe self-stigma (Sweeney et al., 2024). Nonetheless, it is equally essential to consider that mental well-being and mental health stigma can vary based on social context, especially for sexual minority men (SMS), including gay and bisexual individuals. These men face unique challenges, as their mental health is not only influenced by general societal stigma but is compounded by the discrimination and prejudice associated with their minoritized sexual orientation (Alibudbud, 2023b; Meyer, 2003). In the Philippines, these challenges are rooted in cultural, patriarchal, and heteronormative norms, creating additional barriers to mental health care and social inclusion (for more information, see: Abesamis & Alibudbud, 2024; Alibudbud, 2023b).

Discrimination against SMS manifests in various forms, from direct exclusion to harmful practices. For example, some mental health professionals still engage in conversion therapy—a damaging psychological practice that seeks to change one’s sexual orientation (Manalastas et al., 2016). Furthermore, they can be excluded from mental health and psychosocial support services. For instance, some gay men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds reported being denied livelihood resources, such as fish cages, because of their sexual orientation during typhoon rehabilitation in the Philippines (Alibudbud, 2023a). These discriminatory behaviors can perpetuate trauma and erode trust in mental health services, discouraging SMS from seeking mental health support. The discrimination extends to young sexual minority individuals as well. Gay children have reported bullying and harassment from classmates and teachers in schools, including being mocked and ridiculed based on their sexual orientation, leading to marginalization from their social environment and increasing their risk of mental disorders (Human Rights Watch, 2017). The patriarchal expectations within Filipino society can further perpetuate mental health stigma. Men can be expected to embody strength and stoicism, avoiding displays of vulnerability such as crying or seeking help for depression (Martinez et al., 2020). This cultural belief equates mental disorders with personal weakness, creating a barrier to help-seeking behavior (Martinez et al., 2020). For SMS, these norms can intersect with their marginalized status, compounding the stigma they face. The fear of losing “face” or respect within their communities can discourage them from addressing their mental health needs (Martinez et al., 2020). Thus, heteronormative norms can intersect with mental health stigma, reinforcing marginalization and contributing to poor mental health outcomes among SMS.

Overall, addressing mental health stigma among men requires a multifaceted approach that considers unique social positions and marginalized contexts. By creating an environment where SMS feels valued and safe to seek help, society can take meaningful steps toward improving mental health outcomes and addressing stigma for this vulnerable population. For SMS, it is necessary to dismantle harmful patriarchal and heteronormative norms while fostering inclusive mental health services and equitable access to psychosocial support.