This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design and case studies. Respondents were chosen using purposive sampling design. The general objective of this study was to determine the beauty and body modification practices among male-to-female homosexual individuals situated in Zamboanga City. A total of 111 respondents participated in this study. Analyses indicated that the use of oral non-prescribed contraceptive pills (45.95%) is rampant among MTFs in Zamboanga City. The majority of MTFs rely on cosmetic products to align the gender identity they felt to their physical characteristics. Body modification using surgery (breast augmentation: 3.60%) and silicone injections (1.80%) were rare, and were all done by a licensed medical practitioner outside the city. MTFs in Zamboanga City were generally knowledgeable about the effects of their practices on their health, although only a minority of them were able to list the different possible adverse effect of drinking non-prescribed oral contraceptive pills. This study pointed out the need to conduct further research on the prevalence of “do-it-yourself” transitioning, as well as their health-seeking behaviors. At the same time, this study challenges future researches on competencies of health providers in catering to specialized health needs for this populace.

Keyword: Homosexuality