CANLUBO, ERICKA MAE

BSEE 1-1

SOGIE BILL

Philippines is known for being a conservative country initially, because most of our populations are
made up of Christians. It is not surprising that SOGIE bill became a sensitive topic in our people
especially that the LGBTQ community is not yet accepted by a few people. SOGIE bill or Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-
Discrimination Bill (ADB), is an act intended to prevent various economic and public
accommodation-related acts of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression. Aside from the LGBTQ+ community, the measure aims to protect
people with real or perceived class, status, ethnicity, color, disability, and religious and political
beliefs from discrimination. It was again questioned when Gretchen Diez, a transwoman, made
headlines after she was detained by police in Quezon City when she was figured in a scuffle with a
mall personnel for using the female comfort room. But, despite the negative public opinion against
her, Diez believes it is her duty to stand up for what is right and also appealed to fellow members of
the LGBTQ+ community to speak up now.

Personally, I never despised the LGBTQ community in fact I know and have a great relationship with
them. But what the 28-year old transwoman wanted was too much. Diez is insisting that lawmakers
should also focus on the “essence” of the bills which is to afford all Filipinos and LGBT community
members the same rights when it comes to work, schooling, receiving services from the government,
access to public establishments, and “not to be insulted in the streets.” On my own opinion, the most
important is that they are being respected, what she wanted is somewhat reasonable but, Philippines is
not yet ready for that kind of change. Some are addressing her thoughts on SOGIE bill as a ‘special
treatment’ for them which illustrated that thought. It shows how we are not yet open for those kind of
possibilities. The LGBTQ community must be respected, as much as their thoughts and concerns but
sometimes we just need to be contented with what are given by the society. Time will come that they
will be heard.