Reflection Paper: WHAT IS SOGIE TO YOU?

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Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression or SOGIE expresses that everyone has a sexual
orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and a right to do so. Understandably in our
extremely conservative country, the definition and importance of SOGIE isn’t one most are
aware of, or worse, are against the idea of. In this paper I wish to reflect on SOGIE’s relevance,
its importance in law.

Speaking of everyone’s right to express themselves, it’s a misconception I feel that has
negatively affected the acceptance of it, that SOGIE and LGBTQIA+ rights are only meant for
those in said community. It’s a common narrative for those that oppose SOGIE rights and the
community to label it as an agenda pushing ideals for everyone to follow and an attack on their
rights. That idea is false, as the right to freely express isn’t exclusive to any group of people, but
for everyone’s well being and freedom to choose. Another narrative pushed by anti’s is the
misconception that those in the community are doing it for “attention”, claiming that it is not
important and questions why it is even discussed.

The relevance of why I believe it is important to discuss these things is the prevalence of hate
crimes and prejudice that the community, especially those that are transgender, face in the
country. A famous case discussed regarding this topic is the tragic Jennifer Laude slay case. In
2014, Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude was found dead in a hotel room in Olangopo City,
found wrapped in bed sheet slumped against a toilet. The accused perpetrator, US Marine Lance
Corporal First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton was part of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina, who at the time was in joint training in the country. Key witnesses saw
the two check-in in the hotel, where the story goes that after discovering that Laude was
transgender after planning to have intercourse, that Pemberton murdered her while under
influence. This sent shockwaves to the LGBTQIA+ community in the country, asking for justice
for Laude amidst the hate crime perpetrated by Pemberton.
Internationally and locally, Laude’s case is unfortunately not unique and still prevails as hate
groups continue to perform discriminatory actions. It is why I believe the SOGIE bill or
Anti-Discriminatory bill is important and should pass. The goal of the bill is to “recognizes the
fundamental rights of every person regardless of sex, gender, age, class, status, disability,
religion, and political beliefs” (Moya.2022), to provde everyone protection from harm and
marginalization.

Initially proposed to the congress in the 2000, the decades-old proposal has still yet to hurdle
legislation. As of today it is still the longest-running bill under the Senate interpellation period, a
damning realization of how much dicrimination exists not only in the country but also those in
seats. It remains hopeful that in the upcoming 19th congress to finally make a path to passing the
bill.

To conclude, SOGIE is something that benefits everyone, as understanding it is understanding

yourself and the right to freely express your sexual orientation and identity. There are still many
gender related issues in the country which I have personally seen and experienced, and it is an
uphill battle with the proposed bill that will benefit all those who believe in free expression. Still,
I remain hopeful, as day by day the goal becomes closer and is one worth fighting for.

References:
Moya, J. (2022). SOGIE Equality Bill: Everything You Need To Know—Supporters, Origins, And More.
Retrieved from
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/pride-month-2021-sogie-equality-bill-timeline
Punzalan, J. (2015). From motel to court: The Jennifer Laude slay case. Retrieved from
https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/12/01/15/from-motel-to-court-the-jennifer-laude-slay-case