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Thursday, October 31, 2013

LGBT community, stand up and join the fight against corruption and social injustice!

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.

             

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