Lesbians, Gays,
Bisexuals and Transgenders or LGBT community is indeed one of the most deprived sectors in our society. According to Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) Coalition Report on the situations of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons in the Philippines for
the 13th Session of the UN Universal Periodic review for the Philippines . The economic
status of LGBT persons are continually deprived or challenged because they
cannot find and secure employment. LGBT persons are not assessed by companies
based on skills, work experience and competence but instead are judged because of
their sexual orientation and gender identity.
LGBT
are also victims of political repression. Disqualification cases were filed
against Partylist representing LGBT communities on the grounds of immorality, citing verses from
bible and Koran.
A clear violation of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ,
Article 25, saying that “Every
citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the
distinctions mentioned in article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions: (a)
To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely
chosen representatives; (b) To vote and to be elected at genuine periodic
elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by
secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors;
(c) To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his
country.”
With all the economic, political and cultural
discrimination under this patriarchal society where ‘macho’ culture reigns,
there is no doubt that LGBT sector, like other sectors is highly motivated to join progressive groups and be part of
the struggle for national democracy.
Today, the country is facing a tough
fight against corruption perpetrated by politicians from dominant political parties
like UNA and Liberal having selfish political and economic interests. LGBT community could mobilize hundreds of
thousands of people against bureaucrat capitalism, where the government
is just maximized by the ruling elite to maintain economic superiority.
Also, LGBT community should take part in
pushing and supporting the people’s initiative proposed by former chief justice
Renato Puno to abolish discretionary funds (PDAF, DAP) under the legislative
and executive branch of government.
The people’s initiative is a strong
statement of people’s distrust, including the LGBTs, in the Aquino
administration. Their only hope is to wage a people power, spark the mass
movement and strengthen their unity against the ruling system.
This is a perfect
time for all LGBTs to prove their worth and be part of change. Lesbians, Gays,
Bisexuals and Transgenders must win the heart of the people through joining the
people’s struggle for land, work, life, equality and transparency in
government.
Only in our collective action we can
achieve our demand for gender emancipation!
We all have a responsibility to impart
our time, talent and skills in building a peaceful, corrupt-free and better
society, whether you’re straight or not.