PATTERNS OF VICTIMIZATION AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG LGBTQ+ COLLEGE STUDENTS
Behind the visible diversity within higher education lies an often-unheard reality of discrimination, resilience, and the continuous struggle for belonging among LGBTQ+ students. This study explored the patterns of victimization experienced by LGBTQ+ college students and the coping mechanisms they employed in response to these experiences. Guided by Minority Stress Theory, Resilience Theory, Intersectionality Theory, Cognitive Appraisal Theory, Social Learning Theory, and the Social Ecological Model, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design. Twenty-five (25) LGBTQ+ college students from Cavite State University–Bacoor City Campus were purposively selected and participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo software. Findings revealed three major patterns of victimization: (1) verbal harassment and offensive jokes, (2) social and academic exclusion, and (3) institutional and systemic victimization. These experiences resulted in emotional distress and psychological burden, erosion of self-confidence and identity suppression, and deterioration in academic participation. Despite these adversities, participants demonstrated resilience through internal emotional regulation, seeking peer and social support, engaging in personal outlets and healthy distractions, and participating in advocacy and awareness initiatives. The findings underscore that victimization extends beyond interpersonal interactions and is reinforced by institutional and cultural structures that limit identity affirmation and equitable participation. The study highlights the need for comprehensive institutional reforms that integrate inclusive policies, accessible mental health services, gender-affirming facilities, peer support systems, and sustained diversity education to foster safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students.