THE EXTENT OF PARTICIPATION OF LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS IN ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN BUTUAN CITY

This study aimed to investigate the extent of participation of LGBTQIA+ students in academic programs and non-academic activities of the universities in Butuan City during the school year 2022-2023. It further looked into the differences in gender preferences, age, sex, year level, and course.The quantitative research design was utilized, employing the researcher-made questionnaire for data gathering. A total of 74 respondents from Father Saturnino Urios University and Caraga State University were chosen through snowball sampling. The ANOVA was employed to determine the significant difference in participation in academic programs and non-academic activities when respondents were grouped according to profile. The study found that in academic programs, LGBTQIA+ students were highly participative in group work activities, while in non-academic activities, LGBTQIA+ students were just merely for enjoyment as part of the university. The findings also revealed that there is no significant difference in participation in academic programs and non-academic activities across different ages and gender preferences. In terms of year level, there is a significant difference in participation in academic programs while there is no significant difference in participation in non-academic activities. From the findings, the researcher proposes an action plan-related activity recommend to Gender and Development Program to educate and elevate awareness of LGBTQIA+ existence and gender preference in the context of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression