#PASS THE SOGIE BILL!!!

[sunkissedlouis]

celebrated my first pride with the loveliest bunch that i met on here while surrounded by the wonderful lgbtqia+ community❣️ so much beauty, love, safety, and talent (and more+++ tbh) all around 🥰🥺

happy happy happy pride!! 🌈🌈🌈

💞 ilysm thank you loves @footy-met-mussy @callouiee @nouis-meltdown

#my heart is so happy! here’s to moreee #filo larrie fam 💖 #ri #pride month #so proud to be a part of this 🥺 #bc im not out to my fam (only my sister knows) and only the closest friends irl know #felt rly good being there and i felt just warmth and everything #ALSO today the city where i live #just launched a right to care card that authorises queers to make key medical decisions for their partners #sob i hope it becomes nationwide soon #SOGIE EQUALITY NOW!!!! #PASS THE SOGIE BILL!!!

[astrxealis]

got another person into granblue fantasy, an old friend B)

#⋯ ꒰ა starry thoughts ໒꒱ *·˚ #from SCHOOL !! we were just acquaintances before the pandemic but then uhmm #like last year...? suddenly started dming. fun! anyways super nice #oh i realize they are gay and trans too (as umbrella terms) im not as alone as i thought i was irl. nice <3 #yeah ... silly we haven't interacted irl yet we forgor how each other looks but also i found out today my friend in class from last year #remembers me as a friend and all uhm bcs my friend and her were talking about final fantasy... sniffs..... people remember me. wow #so yeah. and then uhm. yeah #THEY DID get into it sometime back but only now super properly i think... i won't be surprised if they don't get too into it though bcs time #and all lol! anyway right my dad uhhh..... oops.......... i forgor me and lune often have speeches relating to the lgbtq community #like the sogie bill should be passed or lgbtq struggles or stuff like that. same-sex marriage? #and they hear us very clearly. the walls are not very soundproof aha and once they were right inside. how fun #YEAH anyway my dad is hinting i think he'll support me and lune no matter what since we are family and idk he's cool i think #mom i'm worried about still but. yeah. i think i'll try to find the chance to come out to my aunt and maybe to her gay friend as well

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Protesters opposed to the recently-passed Bill 137 and the 1 Million March 4 Children (1MM4C) group rallied in downtown Saskatoon on Saturday.

The 1MM4C group, which held rallies across Canada on Saturday, is "advocating for the elimination of the sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools," its website describes.

Another group, called 1 Million Voices for Inclusion (1MVI) — which says it advocates for the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ people — organized counter-protests across the country to the 1MM4C rallies.

There wasn't a 1MM4C rally in Saskatoon, although its website says events were scheduled in Estevan and Regina.

The protests come after a new law, Bill 137, passed in Saskatchewan on Friday, requiring students to get parental consent before making gender-related changes to their name or pronouns at school. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

#cdnpoli #Saskatchewan #Saskatoon #Bill 137 #transphobia #queerphobia #reactionary politics

[aro-bird]

Hey, I should've probably made a post about this when the controversy first started but it's better late than never I guess. There's been some discourse on twitter about this, mostly from non-native Filipinos, so I have to say: Stop trying to say that the Filipino sapphic McDonald's commercial was just taking advantage of Filipinos.

Look, I understand that it's so easy to try to go "rAinBoW cAPiTaliSm!!!" on companies when you see them creating content for the queer community especially if the company doesn't really have a good track record. Hypocrisy is absolutely a thing you should point out especially when companies trying to capitalize on the groups they refuse to support. But FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP TRYING TO SPEAK ABOUT SHIT YOU DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT

If you're not aware, the Philippines has an awful homophobic and transphobic culture where, like a lot of Asian countries, they would tolerate you being gay but wouldn't accept you. It's not uncommon for people to get their identities erased by their families, their queerness forced into the closet, and family making suggestions to force you to be cishet. Not only that, but if you were public about being queer, you would either be mocked or harassed with some incidents possibly escalating to violence.

This culture of bigotry has created a push to make laws to prevent discrimination against people based on their sexuality or gender identity in the form of the SOGIE bill. The thing is, this law constantly gets push back from religious groups and even some members of the cishet majority since they don't understand what the law entails and think that the gays just want to hurt the "nuclear family".

You wanna know how bad it's been for the SOGIE bill? An anti-discrimination bill was first officially proposed in 2004 and none has had approval since. In February 2023, there was a news report that even uncovered a large disinformation campaign that was trying to spread lies about the current SOGIE bill so people would be against it passing into law. These were mostly spearheaded by Christian Evangelical groups that had had a stranglehold on queer rights in the country for decades.

There has also been a constant pushback against queer people and loud discrimination against them even on a societal level. Stories like that of Gretchen Custudio Diez who was a transwoman that had been arrested for trying to use the bathroom may have been given a transphobic spin by the larger anti-queer disinformation campaign, but there's still so many people that either mocked and ridiculed her before they heard anything else about the story besides "transwoman gets arrested for using the bathroom." I vividly remember my otherwise pretty supportive mother making jabs at it and even spouting some transphobic rhetoric before I had to correct her, and she's not really the type to be obsessed over Facebook or Twitter.

McDo creating this commercial is controversial and yes, could be considered pandering, but you need to get it into your head that the Philippines has different cultures and social issues from the fucking west. The Philippines may be listed as "one of the most gay friendly countries in the world" but that is such a gross understatement of the truth here. The Philippines is gay-tolerant, not gay-friendly, and anything that tries to normalize any gay relationship outside of queers being used as a punchline or some emotional sideplot gets criticized to hell and back.

The amount of sapphic Filipinos and other queer Filipinos that found joy, comfort, and hope because of this commercial could also not be understated. I've seen so many tweets and posts about how happy and represented they felt even with such a short ad and you shitting on that is just such a dick move, especially if you yourself aren't a Filipino who grew up and/or lives in the Philippines.

As much as I hate capitalism, corporations actually showing public support for the queer community is extremely necessary here since it normalizes queer people. In this day and age where not only do queer Filipinos barely even have rights but the global queerphobic right has definitely been influencing the Filipino internet which may even endanger any bit of progress queer activists had made for the past few decades, corporations being on the side of the community is super fucking important.

If you haven't seen the commercial yet, here's a link to the video. McDo has also made a more subtle mlm commercial before that you can watch here.

#mayaposts #queer #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia+ #philippines #queer rights #gay rights #pride #queerphobia #homophobia #transphobia #mcdonalds #rainbow capitalism #filipino queer #filipino

[heyampiita]

My 2022

December 31

After almost two years of working from home in the province, on March 2022, I had to go back to Manila because our company required us to work onsite.

On May, I lost hope in our country. Filipinos lost to fake news. Our country’s president for the next six years is another useless person.

On December, I learned how communication is not working in our company. If you speak, you’re perceived as someone who’s not mature enough to understand business. If you choose silence, you are at fault for not expressing your thoughts and disrespectful for making some people feel uncomfortable. Therefore, act as if you understand every management decision, and keep your arguments to yourself. Nod.

But there were also good things. More, actually. I just realized it when I browsed my IG stories.

I was promoted from Level 1 to Level 3, and moved to a different line of business on February. For three consecutive quarters, I was the top team member. I bagged the Top Team Member of the month award multiple times, too.

For the first time, I supported candidates on elections and went through a lot to vote for them. Though they lost, Leni-Kiko, it’s undeniable that they made a big impact in the lives of the Filipino people who truly believed in them. Volunteerism became a thing.

It just scarred my heart that the elections also confirmed that most Filipinos deny History, and are ignorant. Critical thinking, naught.

On June 30th, I participated in Pride march! 🏳️‍🌈 It was just a mini march, since it was only organized by our company. However, it was fun and warming. Hoping to participate in bigger Pride events soon. Pass SOGIE Equality bill!

Got inked with my boyfriend on August. The design was kind of mine. I combined two symbols. An arm band for mourning; it’s for my father. And an eye for seeking knowledge. I still have few designs on my mind, and I might get more tattoos this coming year.

November. After more than three years, I got to travel again. My friend, sister, and I went to Buscalan on a three-day travel. We got our first batok tattoo from Apo Whang-Od, the legendary mambabatok artist in the Philippines. It was also a plus that we got to interact with nice and interesting people during our trip.

December:

First time to have a quality time outside our house with my siblings: we went to Pinto Art museum. And ate at a barbecue place.

First time to watch a theatrical play performed by known artists. It was also my first random day with my sissy, Ying.

First and last time to see Banna Harbera perform. Best gig ever! 🥹

First random night with my mom and sister on Christmas day. We walked. Took hundreds of photos. And ate ice cream from Baskin Robbins because as of today, all stores in the PH are officially closed.

There are more things that I want to add to the list:

- first time to live in a studio apartment (improving lifestyle lols)

- first time in the firing range with my boyfriend’s family

- first time to receive books from co-workers without giving something in return

Now, I see, there are a lot to be grateful about in 2022. And I am hoping for more in 2023. Thank you!

[freezeurbrajn]

Hey Jay, Is Everything Really Going To Be Okay?

Recently in social media, there has been discourse about OPM songs about the LGBTQIA+ community and how it has affected the view and treatment of the said community. The discourse revolved around famous songs like “Titibo-tibo” by Moira or “Sirena” by Gloc-9, in which netizens shared the impact of these songs on their lives and expression as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, may it be positive or negative. Other songs were also analyzed such as “This Guy’s In Love With You, Pare” by Parokya ni Edgar and “Ituloy Mo Lang” by Siakol. While these songs are great points of discourse, let’s delve deeper into the song “Hey Jay” by Eraserheads and its impact.

Eraserheads, one of the most famous and influential bands in Philippine music history, create songs that capture and reflect aspects of Filipino life and culture, such as “Alapaap” and “Minsan”. Among their iconic discography, "Hey Jay" explores themes related to identity, acceptance, and most importantly, discrimination towards the LGBTQIA+ community. The song tells the story of Jay, a young man struggling with his sexual orientation and the societal pressures that come with it. Released in the late 1990s, I would say that the song was ahead of its time, tackling these issues during a time when the LGBTQIA+ was heavily discriminated against. 

Hey Jay, nabugbog ka na naman daw kahapon

Hey Jay, ba't kasi pumunta ka pa sa lugar na 'yon?

Alam mo namang galit sila sa tulad mo

Alam mo namang 'di ka nila maiintindihan

Hey Jay, nag-away na naman kayo ng tatay mo

Hey Jay, wala raw siyang anak na tulad mo

Alam niya namang wala kang kasalanan

Alam niya namang pinanganak ka nang ganyan

The verses of the song show the treatment towards the LGBTQIA+ community members such as Jay. These treatments can range from physical abuse to straight-up neglect due to someone’s sexual identity. The sad reality is: that although this song was written decades ago, these lyrics still reflect the truth in our country. In 2016, 75 percent of LGBT children reported physical abuse, and 78.5 percent experienced psychological abuse.

Hey just look to the left and just look to the right

Makikita mo naman na hindi pantay-pantay na

The song also tackles the prevalent gender inequalities during their time. But, until now, there are still no laws that protect the human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are still no laws that punish individuals and corporations for discriminating against someone due to their gender. Bills such as the SOGIE Bill are still not being passed due to the controversies surrounding it in a country where the upholding of religion is much more prioritized than the protection of the well-being and the rights of people regardless of their sexual and gender identity.

You can get it all up

You can get it all down

Ipagdasal na lang natin na balang araw ay

He-he-he-hey Jay

He-he-he-hey Jay

He-he-he-hey Jay

Everything's gonna be okay (Everything's gonna be okay)

Everything's gonna be okay (Everything's gonna be okay)

While the song revolves around the issues that face the LGBTQIA+ community, it also shows themes of hope that in the future, the treatment towards the community will get better. It conveys a sense of optimism that tomorrow will be better for people like Jay who experience discrimination. These lyrics show that despite the difficulties of the present, there is hope for a future where individuals like Jay can live authentically and without fear. 

Though written during a time when LGBTQIA+ was seen as a mockery, Eraserheads showcased a glimmer of progressiveness. The song is a reminder of the power of music to influence people and how music can convey a message of change and hope: hope that for people like Jay, things will get better. Sadly, these lyrics still reflect the reality that the community faces even after decades. The community still experiences discrimination and inequalities, and it remains unclear for people like Jay when “everything is going to be okay”.

Source/s: 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/591655/lgbt-pinoy-kids-abused-more-than-straight-peers-unicef/story/

[nabiverse]

i don’t really want to go on and on on twItter about the am* n*min drag performance issue because it’s already saturated with think pieces left and right + i’m lacking of sleep right now to have a full discussion with people so i’ll just share my thoughts (context can be found on tw*tter)

a lot of devout c*tholics, i think, don’t understand that lgbtq+ folks aren’t outraged about how people may find the drag performance to be extremely offensive and blasphemous—they’re outraged about the conditional allyship and tolerance towards the lgbtq+ community. no one is (or very few are) saying you shouldn’t be offended.

if you feel offended, insulted, and angry over the drag performance, you are valid to have these feelings and you can’t exactly have an off switch for the emotions that have risen from seeing someone you hold in high regard being “mocked”. you are allowed to feel offended. 

it’s not homophobic to have those feelings. what’s homophobic is that in response to the drag performance, you say: “kaya walang rumerespeto sa inyo eh (that’s why nobody respects you [lgbtq+ community])”, “gusto niyo ng respeto eh wala namang kayong respeto sa amin (you want respect but don’t respect us)”, “i retract my support for the lgbtq+ community”, and just all sorts of hate and anger that were, to me, excessive and disproportionate to the "crime" committed. some even went as far as to suggest that the drag performer in the video receive the death penalty or that because of this (nice separation of church and state there btw /s), the SOGIE bill shouldn't be passed.

when i first read the outrage on tw*tter, i thought someone did something akin to burning the image of Chr*st. all i saw was someone performing a rock remix of am* n*min while cosplaying J*sus. that's it. i find it so ??? that this one incident, this one short clip made people go "oh!! so now you don't deserve rights because you'll just abuse it." as if you aren't the same people to share j*sus memes and tiktoks with remixes of other r*ligious songs, wear tattoos, eat pork, go to ch*rch on sunday, etc. i don't know, i guess it's better to throw stones at others than to look at yourselves in the mirror.

#again you are ALLOWED to be offended #it doesn't mean that lgbtq+ folks should be denied the right to EXIST and that going beyond EXISTING is “too much” #also don't get me started on how you guys insinuate that m*slims are violent by saying “you wouldn't do this with a *slamic figure” #as if you aren't the same people who would make allahu akbar jokes and bomb jokes #please

[renesf]

Senator Risa Hontiveros Renames SOGIE Bill!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It’s been languishing in the Senate for some time now and the chances of its passing are still nil. “It” is the SOGIE Bill – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality, authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros. In order to increase its chances of becoming law, Hontiveros announced she was renaming the bill SHOKIE – Stop Harassment of…

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[mystaero]

EQUALITY IS EQUAL TO ALL COLORS

A Testimonio about Transphobia and Homophobia

In the Philippines, the Anti-Discrimination Bills are crucial pieces of policy that seek to protect marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, from discrimination. However, the exclusion of transgender individuals and still unfair look to LGBTQIA+ community from this bill is a clear violation of their basic human rights. Transgender people in the country face daily discrimination, harassment, violence, and the lack of legal protection worsen their vulnerability. The passing of this bill without including provisions that protect the rights of transgender individuals will only keep the cycle of oppression and marginalization. It is crucial that the Philippine government, and its people, recognizes the importance of including transgender individuals in Anti-Discrimination Bills and works towards creating a more inclusive society.

Unfortunately, the struggle for transgender rights is not limited to the Philippines. Since our age has access to more than one news site in the world, it is shown and seen in many countries, that transgender individuals face significant challenges in terms of their rights and acceptance. Transphobia, discrimination, and violence against the transgender community remain widespread, maintaining the cycle of marginalization and exclusion. The lack of laws, policies, and legal protection for transgender individuals makes it difficult for them to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment. This limits their opportunities for growth and development, provoking the existing inequalities.

To fight the issue of anti-trans bills and gender inequality, we must take a mature and rational approach. Firstly, governments must recognize the importance of protecting the rights of transgender individuals and work towards creating legislation that is inclusive and protects the interests of all marginalized communities. As taboo as it may sound, transgender individuals are still individuals who pay the same amount of tax and breathe the same amount of air just like any of us. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns must be launched to combat the stigma surrounding transgender identities and promote acceptance and understanding. We must also work towards creating safe spaces for transgender individuals and ensure that they have access to basic services and opportunities for growth and development. This can only be achieved by working together to create a more inclusive and unbiased society that values and respects the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

In conclusion, anti-trans bills and gender inequality continue to be significant challenges around the world, especially in our country. The exclusion of transgender individuals from the proposed "Anti-Discrimination Bill" in the Philippines and rejection of SOGIE Bill is a clear violation of their basic human rights, tolerating the cycle of marginalization and exclusion. To combat this issue, we must take an action to pursue which includes creating inclusive legislation, launching education and awareness campaigns, and creating safe spaces for transgender individuals. By working together towards creating a more inclusive and reasonable society, we can assure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect.

[lyblogs]

ON POLITICS AND TAKEAWAYS

Why is it imperative to pass a SOGIE Equality Law as part of gender justice?

The Philippines is said to be an LGBTQ+-friendly country, ranking 10th in a study conducted by Pew Research Center, where 73% of adult Filipinos surveyed agreed that “homosexuality should be accepted by society.” Comparatively, this has some level of truth especially when compared to neighboring countries, where being LGBTQ+ is a crime. However, we still we hear of transgender women being prohibited from using the ladies’ room, lesbians being raped by the men in their family, or gay kids being bullied in school. 

Therefore, it is imperative to pass the SOGIE bill into law because first of all, the SOGIE Bill is an anti-discrimination measure that calls for penalties for unfair treatment and prejudices directed at any individual based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Additionally, the SOGIE Bill is not intended to target or shift discrimination to individuals who identify as heterosexual or individuals who are attracted to the opposite sex. In reality, because heterosexuals also have a sexual orientation and a gender they identify with, it aims to protect everyone from all forms of discrimination. If the measure is approved, it will effectively put everyone on an equal playing field, meaning no one will be denied access to jobs, school opportunities, or health care because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Aside from this, the law would punish anyone, including businesses and organizations, who harasses or attempts to commit crimes against someone because of their sexual orientation. This includes promoting negative beliefs and encouraging abuse.

One cause for concern is the perception that the measure grants the LGBTQ+ group special treatment or "special rights". Many wonder why the fundamental rights that uphold human dignity and make it possible for everyone to be protected are insufficient. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination to a greater and more extreme extent than non-LGBTQ+ people. Additional safeguards for them are necessary precisely because of this. The SOGIE bill should be passed because society recognizes that women have historically and currently enjoy less privilege than men, just as the Magna Carta for Women did.

The protections provided by the measure might be regarded as "special," but it does not make them unjust. It is special because it is necessary. Simply put, non-LGBTQ+ members do not experience the same levels of bullying, prejudice, and hate crimes as LGBTQ+ members do because of their identities.

And the bigger problem is this: there is always a "but" attached to our statements of "we love" or "we accept." We do this to justify our prejudices and preconceptions. I suppose the Philippines is still more on the stage of tolerance than acceptance.

Respect should be the main focus at all times. It all comes down to appreciating people and embracing them for what they are, no matter how different your ideas or opinions may be.

[tryin2getbetter]

— PASS SOGIE EQUALITY BILL NOW!!! 🏳️‍🌈 . . . #selfie #ggss #asianboy #gaytwink #gaygram #outandproud #LGBTQIA #pinoygram #instamoment #igdaily #grammerph #teamios #lrpresets #selflove #selfcare #motivation #inspiration #livelovelaugh #eatpraylove #latepost #pridemonth #pridemarch #metromanilapride #alabforlove 📸: @bhamskierii (at Quezon Memorial Circle) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfQnFQqLE8U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#selfie #ggss #asianboy #gaytwink #gaygram #outandproud #lgbtqia #pinoygram #instamoment #igdaily #grammerph #teamios #lrpresets #selflove #selfcare #motivation #inspiration #livelovelaugh #eatpraylove #latepost #pridemonth #pridemarch #metromanilapride #alabforlove

[kamwashere]

tw: rape, murder

JUSTICE FOR EBENG MAYOR

“Ebeng Mayor was found dead after missing for 3 days. Reports say that Ebeng was believed to be raped and mutilated before murder. A wooden stick was shoved up their private part when they were found.”

#trans rights are human rights #ebeng mayor #lgbtq+ #trans #sogie #PASS SOGIE BILL NOW #kamwashere

[purplepakwan]

With the current local news regarding LGBT issues, family members are now visibly showing signs of homophobia and transphobia. My closeted gay heart is tired my friend. I'm really goddamn tired.

Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry you have to go through that… please stay strong, I know it’s tiring, believe me I understand. Trust me, things will get better. You got the whole community here for you, heck, even Gretchen was flooded by a fuck ton of help and support right when people saw her live stream!! The LGBT community is a fucking strong one and it’s full of love and support. 

Please feel free to also message me if you need someone to talk to, I’ll be here for you, hon.

To those who haven’t heard the news regarding Gretchen Diez, a Filipino trans woman who was harassed and arrested for simply wanting to use the restroom, here’s a link to it.  

#PASS THE SOGIE BILL NOW TANGINA #also terfs if you go near this post I will stab #sweetie please talk to me if you want!! I'm here for you!!! <3 #I hope you meant the news about gretchen btw omg kjfghdjf I just assumed it was #asks #TRANS RIGHTS #LGBT RIGHTS!!!

[ejlriolope]

Bigoted and Guilty: The World Anent Gender Equality

     The world is guilty of bigotry and notorious for being unjust regarding gender equality. Gender minorities are waging centuries worth of crusades to achieve equality in this world plagued by the poisonous patriarchal system and supremacist ideologies. Gender bias and demarcation are pervasive and entrenched in our society, as they still barricade radical grants of people’s liberty. Gender discrimination is any uneven treatment, including privilege and priority, based on gender. While Gender inequality is prejudice based on sex or gender causing specific sex or gender to be more privileged or prioritized than another (“Gender Discrimination: Inequality Starts in Childhood”). Throughout the course of history, sexism and misogyny are evident and enragedly justified, while Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) are marginalized. Women back in the days did not have the right to suffrage and education, as they were blinded by the thought of their inferiority towards men. In the Philippines, it was not until April 30, 1937, when women's suffrage bill was passed. Women were abused, gaslighted, and neglected. On the other hand, homosexuality was heavily persecuted, and they were tortured into believing that their existence is an abomination of God’s natural design because of their ‘immoral acts’, they were treated with loathing and atrocity. Over 64% or two-thirds of LGBTQIA+ individuals had encountered violence or abuse (“LGBTQ+ facts and figures”). Women and the LGBTQIA+ Community were exposed to unwarranted supremacist ideologies.      Gender discrimination manifests through Economic Oppression, wherein the competency of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals were questioned. Their compensations were lower than those of males, job opportunities are bounded for them, and the worst-case scenario is that they are being abused in their workspace. This intolerance also occurs in schools, homes, and communities. They are being targeted by gender stereotypes, shaming them with twisted agendas impeding their sense of security, validity, and productivity (Santos-Lyons). Gender-based violence pertains to adverse acts targeting an individual based on their gender. It is embedded in gender inequality, the exploitation of power, and destructive standards (“Gender-based Violence”). Women and the LGBTQIA+ community are subjected to Gender-based Violence, including people from various age groups, races, and indigenous backgrounds. Statistically, 736 million or one in every three women around the globe have been coerced to intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once (“16 things you need to know about gender-based violence”). On the other hand, 26 percent of gay men, 37 percent of bisexual men, and 29 percent of straight men are raped and experienced physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. While 46 percent of bisexual women, 17 percent of straight women, and 13 percent of lesbians have been raped (“Sexual Assault and the LGBTQ Community”). As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2017, National Demographic and Health Survey, one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence caused by their partner (“Violence Against Women”). The statistics reports are distressing as it shows the reality of society’s treatment of gender minorities. However, it is absolutely crucial to discuss these acts of injustice to stress accountability of how these individuals were victimized. Gender discrimination exists and is not limited to women and the LGBTQIA+, as men's narratives concerning this issue are unfortunately neglected. Utmost cases are unreported or not perceived as a violation at all. Advocating the elimination of gender equality must include everyone and apply to anyone victimized by stereotypes and disparity. Still, aside from focusing on developing our country, we should also focus on these kinds of social issues because we are all involved in them. It is imperative for us to open our eyes to these human rights violations and injustices. Given that, we must stay attentive in upholding everyone’s birthrights. There have been local movements challenging these revolting acts of gender discrimination. The hashtag #HijaAko is a movement that became viral back in 2020, as Kakie Pangilinan denounced the rape tolerating and victim-blaming mindset manifested through statements of media personality, Ben Tulfo. Nonetheless, the rampant demand for gender equality education was being sustained, initiated, and supported mostly by students. Countless webinars are accomplished in response to the increasing number of people who want to become aware and hopefully help to the clamor of eradicating inequality and discrimination, specifically the shaming, stereotypes, and stigma surrounding the matter.      Consequently, Republic Act No. 9262 or The Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004, Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, and the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality Bill or the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) are pivotal in promoting safe spaces and upholding human rights. Legal bases are significant to the gender rights movement as it safeguards the oppressed from exploitation and abuse as the laws ensure their welfare and future opportunities. That is why the passage of the SOGIE Bill as a recognized law is significant, as it protects not only the LGBTQIA+ Community but everyone from discrimination. The fortification of these laws denotes the grave commitment of the state to defend the interests of its citizens and actualize proper awareness condemning the stigma, victim-blaming, and shaming culture of the society and legitimately hold accountability, making the law fiercer upon serving justice. The movement regarding these issues has been overlong, abusive, and chaotic. It may sound cliché, but it is up to us whether to continue fighting against each other in the name of supremacy, or we sort out how to help people for their best interests and hold those who are accountable for committing or participating in these hateful acts. People's welfare must be prioritized in the absolute eradication of gender bias, discrimination, and inequality, striving towards the radical entitlement of people's liberty to express and be themselves and have equal opportunities ahead of them.

Bibliography “16 things you need to know about gender-based violence.” Concern Worldwide, 25 November 2021, 16 things you need to know about gender-based violence. “Gender Discrimination: Inequality Starts in Childhood.” Save the Children, https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-gender-discrimination-impacts-boys-and-girls. Accessed 2 January 2022. “Gender-based Violence.” UNCHR, The UN Refugee Agency, https://www.unhcr.org/gender-based-violence.html. Accessed 29 December 2021. “LGBTQ+ facts and figures.” Stonewall, https://www.stonewall.org.uk/cy/node/24594. Accessed 25 January 2022. Santos-Lyons, Maria Aimee. Recognizing GBV & Advancing Gender Justice. WISDOM PUP. 11 December 2021. https://www.facebook.com/wisdompup/videos/1052766305571592. “Sexual Assault and the LGBTQ Community.” Human Rights Campaign, https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-assault-and-the-lgbt-community. Accessed 29 December 2021. “Violence Against Women.” Philippine Commission on Women, https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/. Accessed 29 December 2021.

[apuadman]

It is your intention to use restroom does matter. You go in to relieve the call of nature (that is to poo or to pee) and not commit crime. 

#Pass Sogie Bill Now #Resist Together #Stop Gender Racism #Stop LGBTIQ+ Discrimination

[perezpjaren]

Die Beautiful, Live Beautiful

When I think of a film that represents an extremely marginalized gender group in the Philippines, Die Beautiful comes out on top. The film narrates the life of a transwoman, Trisha Echevarria, through her funeral. By her request, she is transformed into different celebrities during her week-long wake. And with every makeup look and every gorgeous gown, her bittersweet story unfolds. Every major event in her life is retold to highlight the grim realities of a human deemed “unnormal” by society in her pursuit for purpose and happiness.

While it showcased the flamboyant and entertaining life of Trisha as a beauconera, Die Beautiful didn’t shy away from presenting the ordeals she went through because of her identity. As a matter of fact, her dazzling looks and hilarious gimmicks provided an effective juxtaposition to the severity of her experiences. She constantly faced prejudice from a heteronormative society; was kicked out by her father without having the means to live by herself; suffered physical and sexual trauma; was emotionally manipulated by people she trusted; and was overall denied of her rights as a human being because of her gender. Die Beautiful is an artistic manifestation of real gender issues transwomen face in our society.

Trisha’s story reflects the unfortunate truth of many transwomen today. Countless stories of transwomen being subjected to discrimination and hate have made headlines. Some of these even reach worse levels like in the case of Jennifer Laude who was murdered by Joseph Pemberton in 2014. And Pemberton’s release in 2020 further proves the systematic injustice in cases involving transwomen. The fact that Die Beautiful didn’t have any scene of Trisha seeking justice implies a lack of support, protection, and justice for people like her. There’s not enough constitutional mandates that guarantee the safety of marginalized gender groups in the Philippines. And that has to change now.

The passing of the SOGIE[SC] Equality Bill will significantly help in alleviating the problems faced by marginalized gender groups like transwomen. Under this legislation, it outlaws people who perpetuate and use stigmas and stereotypes of other’s SOGIESC to inflict hate, violence, and abuse. It also addresses the socio-economical security concerns of people who are denied jobs and resources because of their SOGIESC. It promotes education and understanding of SOGIESC among people. And most importantly, it emphasizes that a person’s SOGIESC does not remove their inherent rights and dignity as human beings.

Die Beautiful, through its vibrant and colorful imagery of the lives of transwomen, reminds us that they are as valuable as any other person. And as per Trisha’s “If I will die and be blessed to live again, I want to still be who I am in this life today” spiel, we owe it to people like her to make the world a better place for them in the future. Because like us, they are humans who deserve to not only die beautiful, but also live beautiful.

References: Die Beautiful IMDb | Die Beautiful Netflix | SOGIE[SC] Bill

#gender and development #gender issues #transwomen #die beautiful #sogiesc #sogie bill