via SPAFA Journal, 15 January 2024: I’m really glad this paper is finally out – Sioco et al. presents their study of discrimination and experiences encountered by women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in the context of Philippine archaeology. It was originally presented as a paper in the 2019 SPAFACON. While there is a robust literature of gender dynamics in archaeology, such papers specific to Southeast Asia is rare. The release of this paper nicely coincides with the upcoming seminar about archaeological ethics in Southeast Asia (30 January), which focuses of gender and sexuality.
More women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are noticeably enrolling in and graduating from the University of the Philippines School of Archaeology (formerly Archaeological Studies Program) since it was established in the mid-1990s. This paper presents the challenges women and LGBTQIA+ individuals face in this traditionally male-dominated field. We examine unknowingly discriminatory practices, attitudes toward women and LGBTQIA+ individuals, rights and responsibilities in the field and laboratory, research opportunities, intellectual property rights, a safe working environment, and other issues that came out during interviews. More importantly, it focuses on the victories of women and LGBTQIA+ archaeologists working in the Philippines. We end by recommending how we can improve the practice of archaeology for all individuals.
