Pride Month a call to action vs SOGIE discrimination

MANILA, Philippines — There’s still much to be done to address discrimination in the country based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said in its Pride Month message.

“Pride Month is a call to action. It’s a time to amplify our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is entitled to their human rights, including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services without discrimination,” UNFPA Philippines country representative Leila Joudane said yesterday.

As the country commemorates Pride Month, the UN agency called on lawmakers to pass a bill penalizing discrimination based on SOGIE, which has long been languishing in Congress.

“We support the passage of a SOGIE bill in Congress, which is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and just Philippines, where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression,” it said.

The discrimination facing Filipino LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex) community makes its members more vulnerable to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and mental health challenges, the UN body said.

Citing Department of Health data, Joudane said 89 percent of HIV cases in 2023 affected gay men and transgender women, thus “highlighting the need for targeted prevention and care services.”

The agency also cited a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry showing LGBTQI+ Filipinos facing “high rates of mental health challenges such as suicide ideation, suicide attempts, depression, and stress due to minority stress, discrimination, and lack of social support.”

Discrimination also prevents them from seeking treatment and health care because of fear of harassment and misgendering, according to the agency.

“This could result in a vicious cycle of physical and mental health issues,” Joudane said.

The UN body lamented the “lack of comprehensive data on the health of LGBTQI+ Filipinos,” which could have spawned “tailored interventions and policies to address their specific needs.”

“As we navigate escalating humanitarian crises, it’s imperative that countries safeguard the right to health for LGBTQI+ individuals,” Joudane said.

The UNFPA “remains steadfast in its commitment to leaving no one behind” by “prioritizing the rights and inclusion of all people, including people with diverse SOGIE,” Joudane added.

“This Pride Month, let us celebrate the progress achieved while recognizing the work that lies ahead,” Joudane said.

“By upholding the principles of equality, inclusivity, and human rights, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live a healthy, fulfilling life with dignity and respect,” she added.