In the Philippines, a country known for its religious beliefs and sensitivity to issues of sexuality, it saddens me to see some of my friends being asked to change themselves and confess that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is wrong. They are even told to “cleanse” themselves in order to be accepted by society.
These stories lead many individuals to remain in the closet and only reveal their true sexuality to their closest friends who will accept them for who they are. In addition to acceptance, they are denied basic rights and equality. I am surrounded by members of the gay community, many of whom are my friends and colleagues. I do not view them as a social problem, but as individuals who have a significant contribution to make to society. They are valuable contributors to our nation’s development and economy, and they deserve to be treated with respect and without discrimination.
While we can acknowledge that our society has become more open and accepting towards the LGBTQIA+ community, there are still people who shame and discriminate against its members, often using social media as a platform to do so. As an ally, I believe in treating everyone with kindness and advocating for equality, regardless of their social status or sexual orientation. Providing acceptance and equality does not cost us anything as allies, but it can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals in the gay community.
The gay community is incredibly grateful to have allies who have taken the extra step of supporting the passage of the Sogie bill in Congress. This year’s Pride Month has made history, with numerous events organized by various organizations, mostly from the private sector. Even as a first-time attendee at a Pride event, I can see how far we have come since the first Pride march in Southeast Asia, which had only 30 to 50 participants and took place in Quezon City 29 years ago.
Now, we have over 110,000 members and allies participating in the Pride March in Quezon City alone. This overwhelming support empowers members of the community and fuels their commitment to fighting for their rights. Even after Pride Month, it is crucial to maintain equality and fair treatment for the gay community and continue discussions on the Sogie bill. Enacting this bill into law will not only help them feel safe but also grant them the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to marriage.
However, there are challenges ahead, primarily from religious groups and conservative individuals. This is a situation where the separation of church and state should be observed. These are two distinct institutions, with the Bible guiding matters of spirituality and the law striving to provide a better life for all individuals, regardless of gender, sexuality, or expression. Delaying the passage of the Sogie bill would be an injustice to Filipinos who deserve a better life.
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