Victimization among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Filipino College Students: The Role of Lifestyle and Neighborhood Characteristics

Abstract

Sexual minorities (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders or the LGBT) have become more accepted in the Philippines. However, sexually-oriented criminal victimization still exists, mirroring current situations of their counterparts worldwide. In this study, we argue that victimization among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals is, nevertheless, non-random, and variations in victimization are related to lifestyles and neighborhood characteristics. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of risky lifestyle and neighborhood characteristics on LGB victimization using the data from a self-report survey at a university in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Results support our arguments: risky lifestyle and living in proximity to crime generators and crime attractors increase the likelihood of victimization among sexual minorities.