Robredo backs calls for respect, equality for LGBTQ

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday expressed support to calls for equality and respect for members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and others) community. 

In her message of solidarity for Pride Month, Robredo said the annual celebration is an opportunity to “celebrate humanity’s wonderful and awe-inspiring diversity and, more importantly, to recognize the fundamental truth that this diversity need not lead to division.”

“That our differences in the identities we claim for ourselves, in the people we choose to love and in the lives we choose to lead, do not inevitably set us against each other, so long as we can act with openness and respect,” she said. 

“Of equal significance is the strong, united assertion we make every Pride Month against discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” she added. 

Robredo said a core principle of human identity is respect for the dignity of others and equality of rights for all. 

“Let this celebration also be a moment for each of us to renew our commitment to upholding these principles, both through legislation – such as the Anti-Discrimination Bill – and in our daily interactions,” she said. 

“Like all of you, I continue to dream of a Philippines and a world where all of us, regardless of differences, can act with respect, walk free from fear and stand with pride and dignity. And every Pride Month, seeing firsthand the energy, the commitment, the courage and the love, I am inspired in my belief: We will make it real,” added the Vice President. 

Heavy rains brought about by a low-pressure area did not stop thousands of the LGBTQ+ members from raising their flag to celebrate equality during yesterday’s pride march at the Marikina City Sports complex. 

Reports from the Eastern Police District (EPD) said 342 organizations or around 50,000 LGBTQ+ members participated in the pride march along with at least 120 dignitaries from different foreign embassies. 

Meanwhile, Save the Children Philippines has called for the protection of rights of LGBTQ+ children, saying they face higher risks of violence such as bullying and humiliation at home, schools, communities and online.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, the organization’s chief executive officer, said the rights of every child to gender identity and freedom of expression are protected under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been in effect in the last 30 years.

He added that low self-esteem, suicide and self harm are among the responses that some children take to respond to discrimination and violence.

Muyot cited the treaty, ratified by the Philippines, that calls for the passage of laws to protect all LGBTQIA+ children aged 18 and below from all forms of violence, discrimination or bullying. – With Elizabeth Marcelo, Robertzon Ramirez