editorial art by Enrico Santisas


For far too long, members of the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community have faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and even within their own homes. The scars left by bullying and societal rejection are deep and lasting. One student recalls, "They say that gays are the main focus of HIV. I'm a bit ashamed of that, because I was once in a section where I'm the only gay, and they kept pointing at me." This is the painful reality that many endure every day being singled out, ridiculed, and shamed for simply existing as they are. How many more stories like this must we hear before action is finally taken?

The SOGIESC Equality Bill, first introduced in 2000, seeks to end this cycle of violence and ignorance. It aims to protect every Filipino regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation from discrimination. Although it was endorsed by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality in December 2022, it was pushed back yet again in February 2023 due to pressure from religious groups. For over two decades, this vital piece of legislation has been continuously shelved, depriving countless individuals of the protection and dignity they deserve.

While the Philippines shows signs of progress, such as drawing over 110,000 people to Quezon City’s Pride festival and ranking high in LGBT social acceptance in Asia this cannot overshadow the fact that there is still no national law that protects LGBTQIA+ people from being harassed, denied opportunities, or targeted simply for being who they are. Pride celebrations are powerful symbols, but without policy change, they remain just that symbols, not solutions.

We urge our lawmakers, our leaders, and our fellow citizens to open their hearts and minds. The SOGIE Bill is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community, it is for everyone, because every single one of us has a sexual orientation and gender identity. To delay it any further is to deny justice. Let us not wait for another generation to suffer in silence. Let us be the voice that says, "Enough." Let us pass the SOGIE Equality Bill—because equality should never be up for debate.

#PassSOGIENow #LGBTQRightsAreHumanRights