As the midterm elections approach, LGBTQIA+ leaders, advocates, and allies gathered to present what’s dubbed as the “LGBTQIA+ Community Agenda”, which challenges candidates to adopt its principles in their platforms.
The community agenda urgently calls for full inclusion and protection of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos on multi-spaces, from workplaces and schools to healthcare systems, media, and governance.
“The LGBTQIA+ Community Agenda surfaces the long-standing demands of the community, many of which remain unaddressed, especially our call for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill. This delay highlights even more the necessity of the Agenda itself. Our livelihood and safety continue to be undermined by systemic discrimination that affects our lives,” said Jap Ignacio, executive director of Babaylanes, Inc.
The agenda calls for several key actions, including:
- ensuring equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQI individuals in the workplace
- integrating SOGIESC awareness into school curriculum
- addressing LGBTQI health disparities by increasing funding for inclusive healthcare, particularly HIV prevention and treatment
- promoting media sensitivity and ensuring accurate reporting of LGBTQI cases
- strengthening advocacy through Anti-Discrimination Ordinances (ADO) and Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives
- securing legal recognition and protection for LGBTQI couples and intersex individuals.
“We are sending a clear message to our political candidates and legislators that equality must no longer be postponed. It is time for action and LGBTQI-inclusive policies to be passed in the upcoming Congress. And to the public, to vote for equality. Vote for leaders who have a track record of advancing human rights, who are willing to stand with our community, and who will champion inclusive, pro-equality legislation. If we want LGBTQI-inclusive policies to pass, we must elect leaders who believe in them,” Ignacio said.
Generation Equality gathered, among others, LGBTQIA+ community players and policymakers, including Cong. Perci Cendaña of the House of Representatives; Leslie Ampo-an of the LBQT Organization against Violence and for Equality (LOVE); Megan Guiapal of BPO Workers Gays Lesbians and Allies for Genuine Acceptance and Democracy; Rolf Gian Marcos, RPm of the Psychological Association of the Philippines – LGBT Special Interest Group; and MJ Catequista of Rappler.
The event also launched “The LGBTQI Community Agenda,” marking the start of a strategic video campaign (accessible HERE) shared across major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
The full document of the agenda is available HERE.
