Acceptance of LGBTs reflects kindness and respect for humanity – The Forum

 May 17, is the global observance of the "International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia,” commemorated in 136 countries worldwide.

In the Philippines, by virtue of a legislative measure forwarded by the House of Representatives Committee on Women and Gender Equality, May 17 every year will be the "National Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia." Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia refer to prejudice or hatred of homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals and/or transgenders.

The international global movement recalls the day when the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminated homosexuality from its roster of mental disorders in 1990.

While in some countries, homosexuality is prohibited and people are punished and even killed on the basis of their sexual characteristics, in Asia and elsewhere around the world, the Philippines is praised for being one of the most gay-friendly nations. In the 2013 Pew Research Center survey of 39 countries, it ranked 10th and was leading among 17 states that are accepting of homosexuality and other sexual orientations.

The Philippines is also one of the top countries that quickly adapted to the understanding of the wider spectrum of sexual identities with the expanded LGBTQI, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), including queer and intersex. It won't bear any harm if Filipinos express their willingness to be accepting of more types of people's sexual identities.

The Forum for Family Planning and Development (The Forum), the advocacy organization that works in communities to advance reproductive and sexual rights, said the accepting attitude of Filipinos is a sign of the maturing of society.

"If we continue to hold our LGBT family members, friends and colleagues and even LGBT strangers equal with everyone else, then we are a tolerant society that chooses to move towards one that is respectful of human diversity," said Chi Laigo Vallido, director for programs and advocacy of The Forum.

Vallido said the Filipinos' understanding is also reflected in the initiatives among some local government units such as Quezon City and Mandaluyong City to formulate and implement anti-discrimination ordinances that disallow abuse, exploitation, bullying and acts of limiting or dismissing employment, education and other opportunities for LGBTs.

There are also LGBT help desks in police stations of the Philippine National Police. The Department of Education has an all-encompassing child protection policy that covers LGBT children and youth. In 2013, the anti-bullying law, which included protection for LGBTs against bullying, was passed. The Philippines is also a signatory to various international covenants promoting human rights under the United Nations.

But Vallido said there are still many areas that stigmatize and disadvantage LGBTs. She called attention to the situation of many LGBTs living with HIV who face discrimination when accessing health services, use public places and facilities, wanting to go to school or wishing to work.

"There are also ample policies such as the new HIV and AIDS Law, but for some LGBTs living with HIV, disclosing their medical status to their family and friends proves too difficult because of their condition and sexual identity," she said. HIV and AIDS still carry the burden of stigma and discrimination to this day even if the Philippines is also being lauded for its HIV policies. 

Vallido also challenged the government, especially President Duterte, for perpetuating homophobia by calling some senatorial candidates and other persons as "gay," using the term to shame them and diminish their personality.

"We challenge the Philippine government, especially the President, to take initiatives to ensure that LGBTs and all Filipinos of different sexual identities enjoy the rights that are guaranteed them under the Constitution and international human rights statutes," she said.

She said the modest gains and the praises the country receives will not cover for the harassment and discriminatory acts that continue to be perpetuated on LGBTs.

"While we advocate for equality for all, we in The Forum continue to work among communities so that they become inclusive places where children can start learning about respect, kindness and tolerance to human diversity," Vallido said.

The Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc.

Room 305, Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Ramon Magsaysay Avenue,

UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines

Telephone: +632-4265484

Fax No.: +632-2771435

Email: forumforfp@gmail.com