Pursuing the LGBTQIA+ Community Inclusivity through Sexual Orientation, Gender

Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Awareness

Written by: Patriszia Mae G. Runas

Rationale

This paper tackles the basic concepts of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and

Expression (SOGIE) and its importance to further pursue an LGBTQIA+ inclusive society.

Countless acts of discrimination have been apparent in the world, and the Philippines is no

exception. With the SOGIE Equality Bill being the very first anti-discrimination bill proposed in

the Philippines and in the Southeast Asia, the importance of inclusivity is further stressed and the

issue of discrimination and inequality in general have been pushed to be addressed.

Introduction

With heterosexuality being considered the norm, homosexuality was believed to be taboo

or was not deemed socially acceptable in the society. Due to the Philippines’ heavily religious

and conservative background, locals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community have been

receiving and witnessing countless acts of gender-based discrimination until now. Even with

existing laws such as the RA 8353 or “The Anti-Rape Law of 1997” covering same-sex relations

and despite making history by being the first country in Asia that held a Pride March protest in

1994, the country does not have an already existing anti-discrimination law that protects every

citizen, regardless of their gender and sexuality until today. The first anti-discrimination bill was

proposed by the late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former Akbayan representative

Loretta Rosales, with the bill entitled as “Anti-Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation,

Gender Identity and Expression.” Countless acts of gender-based discrimination have been
evident in the Philippines, with majority of the cases not even officially reported due to the pre-

existing stigma and ignorance with homosexuality. This paper intends to tackle how Sexual

Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) awareness can eliminate prejudices and

debunk stereotypes on homosexuality and further prove that individuals, regardless of their

SOGIE, should not feel ashamed and be deprived of their human rights.

Discussion

Since the society has been accustomed to heteronormative thinking and behavior, people

exhibiting actions contrary to the norm were antagonized. Homosexuality was thought to pose as

a threat to the well-being of the people, especially to the youth (Manalastas & Torre, 2016). A

thorough and accurate explanation of SOGIE is crucial to eliminate this type of mindset. In fact,

every individual has a SOGIE, including the ‘straights’. SOGIE is not only exclusive to the

LGBTQIA+ community, every individual has it. People who do not conform to the socially

acceptable SOGIE do not naturally become a danger to those who do. Sexual orientation is based

on an individual’s sexual attraction (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, homosexual, heterosexual).

Gender Identity is how an individual perceives themselves as, which may or may not be the same

as the individual’s assigned biological sex (e.g. transgender, transsexual, queer, cisgender).

Lastly, gender expression is how an individual present themselves; their appearance,

mannerisms, speech patterns and social interactions (The Bureau of Educational and Cultural

Affairs, n.d.).

Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether you are non-conforming or just an

ally, does not make you any less of a human. Notably, there are countless prejudices and

stereotypes surrounding members of the LGBTQIA+ community that needs to be addressed and

refuted. They are often described as “confused” and that their gender and sexuality is just a phase
where they will eventually move on from. In the local setting, calling someone “gay” was even

considered an insult. The word itself when used already had a negative connotation, when in fact

it is just someone’s sexual orientation. Being “gay” is not supposedly derogatory or offensive

however, various beliefs have influenced the society to think so.

Moreover, the LGBTQIA+ community have received countless acts of gender-based

discrimination and hate crime. Some members of the community have been open about their

experiences and it is very apparent in schools, workplaces, and even their homes. Majority of the

Filipinos are unaware of SOGIE and are only familiar with the surface of the LGBTQIA+

community since the country does not have a comprehensive sex education in its curriculum.

Despite the country being dubbed as the “Most LGBT-friendly” in Asia, LGBTQIA+ activists

claim that tolerance is different from acceptance, with the country exhibiting the former.

Additionally, attack on the LGBTQIA+ community solely because of their identities have

majorly influenced not only the members’ physical health, but also their mental health. Violence

against the LGBTQIA+ community have been apparent and numerous cases were deeply rooted

on their identities. This is just but one of the reasons why the LGBTQIA+ community feel unsafe

in their everyday lives, with some even choosing to “stay in the closet”. They are even deprived

of their basic human right, such as the right to education, to work and so on.

Conclusion

Elimination of gender-based discrimination and ignorance of equal rights for the

LGBTQIA+ community ultimately boils down to SOGIE awareness. Being part of the

LGBTQIA+ community does not make you feel any less of a human, should not be a valid

reason to deprive you of your basic human rights, and should not be the cause of oppression.
Without an official anti-discrimination law and without proper SOGIE education to the Filipinos,

gender-based discrimination and hate crime will still remain rampant and the LGBTQIA+

community will still be deprived of their rights as humans.

References

Manalastas, E. and Beatriz, T. (2016.). LGBT Psychology in the Philippines. Psychology of

Sexualities Review, 7(1), 60-72.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (n.d.). Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:

Terms and Definitions. Retrieved from http://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/sogi_terminology.pdf

Tang X, Poudel AN. Exploring challenges and problems faced by LGBT students in Philippines:

A qualitative study. J Public Health Policy Plann. 2018;2(3): 9-17.