Many years have passed since our society has adapted through constant changes

throughout time. In this new age where our society has been more welcoming to the
diversity of cultures, race, and customs, we have also shaped our mindsets when it
comes to differences from one person to another. Gone are the days were we divide
society to ethnicity and social classes and now has come a more accepting and
boundless society. To this day, we are still making adjustments, not with just our
thinking but with also the laws that were shaped by old minds that may not seem to
fit in this era.

The SOGIE BILL has been a precedent issue in the Philippines. Although numerous
countries have already legalised the union of same sex partners, this country-
greatly shaped by the Catholic teachings, has still more discussion on passing the
SOGIE BILL

SOGIE BILL, which stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression
discusses that sexual orientation is not binary or not limited to Female and Male
and focuses on addressing the issue of discrimination among the community of the
third sex.

Sexual orientation refers to whom you are attracted to whether it may be to the
opposite sex, the same sex, both sexes, or all genders included. Gender Identity is
how you view yourself as a person and is not limited to your assigned sex at birth.
And Expression is how you present your actions, speech, way of dressing to others.

The SOGIE BILL, discusses that every individual has SOGIE (Sexual orientation,
Gender Identity, and Expression) and this bill is not only for the rights of the
LGBTQ+ community but it also fights for gender equality.

I, for one, even if not greatly affected by the discrimination among this
community, supports this bill.

It calls for equality, dignity and respect that all Filipino should have,
regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. That all
Filipinos should be protected by the law and that the senate should fulfill their
constitutional duty to “protect and enhance the right of all people to human
dignity”.

There are threats and discrimination among the LGBTQ+ community that we should not
neglect, the constant bullying among environments such as schools and workplaces
and also their safety. One example here would be, Jennifer Laude, a fellow filipino
who was brutally murdered by her partner after knowing that she was a transwoman.

The reality is, our society is not wholly accepting of these new way of expressing
one’s sexuality, given that the majority are greatly influenced by the catholic
church, Homophobia and transphobia is still rampant among us and the law should not
turn its back to the minority which is the lgbtq+ community. We must separate the
church and state, the state should serve all filipino citizens and not only the
majority of its country. Democracy does not mean to neglect the needs of the
minority but to settle for a common ground that benefits us all.

The SOGIE BILL only promotes equality and never the intention to belittle others,
this society must also learn to accept that there are numerous beliefs that should
not be forced upon each other but must form an alliance that greatly promotes love
and acceptance. One’s way of expressing their sexuality in a non binary way is
scientifically a fact and sciences and history acknowledges the existence of these
identities.

Change is a never ending process, we must learn to adapt and evolve our thinkings
that is based upon empathy, love and respect for one another.