in photo: Members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transexual-queer (LGBT) community wave rainbow flags during the during a turnover ceremony of bicycles for “Bekshies of Manila” on 28 June 2021. The Manila City’s “Bekshiekleta” project, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and FoodPanda Philippines, gave 50 bicycles, 50 android phones and 50 mobile load packages worth 5,000-pesos, including job opportunities, to benefiaciary-residents and members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transexual and queer (LGBTQ) community. The Bekshiekleta is part of the Manila City government’s celebration of Pride Month, and is among the activities included in the city’s activities in celebration of its 450 anniversary. (Michelle Alquinto)
June is pride month, a commemoration of resistance against police brutality in 1969 when police officers raided a gay bar called Stonewall Inn that prompted demonstrations by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus (LGBTQ+) community. This led to the gay liberation movement and paved the way for the recognition of the human rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms or E-Net Philippines believes that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.
We are in solidarity with the community and fully support the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill in the Philippines, a proposed measure that seeks to address the crucial issues of different treatment of an employee or anyone engaged in rendering services, denial of admission or expulsion from an educational institution, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of SOGIE. This is a challenge for the State to advance equality and non-discrimination of persons of diverse SOGIE. It is the responsibility of the State to protect the rights and uphold the dignity of all by providing an enabling environment free of discrimination and stigma for everyone to enjoy their human rights fully, and for the LGBTQ+ community to be able to freely express themselves and contribute to the betterment of the community.
SOGIE Equality bill is for EVERYONE.
The bill mandates that rights and basic needs should never be curtailed or neglected based on one’s gender or sexuality, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or a straight woman or man. The bill ensures that educational institutions protect LGBTQ+ students as it would any other student.
Educational institutions should be a safe place, and the first place that promotes equality. It should be the place where young Filipinos learn how colorful the world is and how they can thrive in the many ways that might be different.
For the right to education to have meaning for all students—including LGBT students—teachers, administrators, and lawmakers need to work together with LGBT advocates to ensure that schools become safer and more inclusive places for LGBT children to learn.
As we end this Pride month, may we continue celebrating diversity, calling for equality, and resisting together alongside the rest of the LGBTQ+ community.