Causo, Angelica Macapinig, Nica Jane

De Sotto, Rosemarie Sisol, Rhona Mae

Gender Inequality

Imagine knowing the worth of who you are and hide from it, showing your true
self could lead to family tensions, broken friendships and even public ridicule. Imagine
going to school and being bullied not by your classmates but by the school
management itself because you refuse to cut your hair short unlike the other boys in
class. Imagine going to work, and finding out that you have been replaced for no reason
at all except for the prejudice that one finds when reading between the lines. In the
Philippines, there appears to be broad acceptance of gay people but insensitivity
abounds, and discrimination is prevalent (Ople, 2016). Because knowing your true
personality itself, will reconcile and be determined who you really are and showing the
real you, will boost up your confidence level that lead you a far from criticism,
discrimination, and even bullying.
“We are your brothers; we are your sisters, your sons and your daughters, and
nieces and nephews. We are your family. We are your friends, your schoolmates, your
colleagues at work, your Twitter and Facebook buddies, your neighbours. We laugh, we
cry, we love, and yearn to be loved. We are human beings. We love our families. We
love our country. We are proud Filipinos, who just happen to be LGBT.” A quote comes
from Geraldine Roman, the first and lone transgender congresswoman as she delivered
her speech on Monday, September 19, 2017 to advocate passage of a law against all
forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
Being one of the LGBTQ is a big responsibility. A challenge lies as we go along. It’s a
thing that we should understand well. Accepting them is one of the best contributions
that we can give in the LGBTQ Community.
Gender identity refers to the personal sense of identity as characterized, among
others, by manner of clothing, inclinations and behaviour in relation to masculine or
feminine conventions. A person may have a male or female identity with the
physiological characteristics of the opposite sex, in which case this person is considered
transgender (Roman, 2016). Sexual Orientation refers to the direction of emotional
sexual attraction or conduct. This can be towards people of the same sex (homosexual
orientation) or towards people of both sexes (bisexual orientation) or towards people of
the opposite sex (heterosexual orientation). While according to American Psychological
Association, sexual orientation refers to one’s attraction to men, women, both or neither,
whereas gender identity refers to one’s sense of oneself as male, female, or
transgender (American Psychological Association, 2006). The struggle of civil liberties is
an uphill one for the LGBT community which is the commonly victims of discrimination.
LGBT refers to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. LGBT
community refers to the collective of persons who are male and female homosexual
(gays and lesbians respectively), bisexual and transgender. By the definition of Rep.
Geraldine Roman in the Anti SOGI Discrimination Act, discrimination refers to any
distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference which is based on any ground such as
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and which has the purpose or effect of nullifying
or impairing the recognition, access to, enjoyment, or exercise by all persons on an
equal footing of all rights and freedoms. For purposes of this provision, the actual sex,
sexual orientation or gender identity of the person subjected to discrimination shall not
be relevant for the purpose of determining whether an act of discrimination has been
committed. It is acceptable that there’s an LGBTQ here in our community, as long as
they knew and do the right things of being a human, they will not be criticized and
discriminate for being as they are. But when it comes to the marriage and sexual things
it is not acceptable to have these as their being because these are sacred.
Gender non-conformity in the Philippines pre-dates the arrival of the Spaniards in
1521. Gender conformity also known as Gender Variance is a gender expression by an
individual that does not match masculine and feminine gender norms. Reportedly, from
the Spanish accounts of encounters between conquistadores and the archipelago`s
original inhabitants, crossing gender and transvestism were cultural, exemplified by the
babaylan. Also called bayoguin, bayok, agi-ngin, asog, bido, binabae (Garcia, 2004)
balian, balean, babay,and balayan (Melencio, 2014), the babaylan was a spiritual
leader, akin to a religious functionary, ancient priestess or shaman in the English
Speaking World. Babaylan is a local spiritual leader tasked with different responsibilities
in the community. Babaylan was mostly associated with females but male babaylan also
existed. Gender variance started when male babaylan wore female clothes and took the
demeanor of a woman. And they could also had romantic and sexual relations with
other men.
In the Philippines, students who are lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) too often find that their schooling experience is married by bullying,
discrimination, lack of access to LGBT related information, and in some cases physical
or sexual assault. In recent years, lawmakers and school administrators in the
Philippines have recognized bullying of LGBT youth is a serious problem. Thoreson
belived that LGBT students in the Philippines are often the targets of ridicule and even
violence. He also believed that they are bullied by their sexual orientation and gender
identity. People are arguing about the issue, there are some people that they agree in
LGBT community and disagree to their community. According to the survey conducted,
LGBT in the Philippines, out to their 63 respondents, 68.84% are not against LGBTs
while 12.69% are against. There are also 15.87% who are related about the said issue
and 1.5% said that they are part of the LGBTs. Based on the results, the majority of the
respondents is not against LGBT yet there is a greater number of people who choose
not to take side in the issue than those who support LGBTs (Pamorada, 2014). In this
survey, we can see that the percentage of acceptance of the people in the LGBT
community is higher than the percentage of those who are against. In our society,
LGBTQ is we can see in all areas of our country. LGBTQ accepted not only in our
country but in different countries all over the world. Some of us accept them, but there is
some people that didn't want to accept them. There is some abuses and violences that
LGBTQ experienced. According to the study, LGBT students are suffering in different
countries around the world. A study from the United States found that 70% felt unsafe at
school; while in China 59% of this surveyed said bullying had negatively affected their
academic performance. In Australia, a 2015 study found that 18% of intersex people
had not completed secondary education, compared to 2% of the general population. In
76 countries it's still illegal to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Bullying and
intimidation by other students and staff is increasingly being tackled. Countries including
Namibia, the Philippines and Colombia have introduced measures to tackle the
challenges. According to the 2005 HIV Estimates in the Philippines, a consensus report
release by the Department of Health, World Health Organizations, the United Nations
joint program on the HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the field Epidemiology Training Program
Alumni Foundation. The report states that with the fairly accurate estimate of population
of sizes of high risk groups, the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program can
plan intervention programs more effectively ensure better program coverage, and more
rational assessment of the effectiveness of current intervention programs. Experts in the
field of HIV/AIDS came up with a consensus on the estimated number of "male who
have sex with males" in the Philippines. Based on the report, they proclaimed that the
estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases is belong to the LGBTQ especially between male
and male activity.
As other countries are pro about LGBTQ’s and the UN Free and Equal Campaign
proves it. Using the SOGI, our country also proposed a House Bill for anti-discrimination
in LGBT community. The Philippines supported the UN’s Free and Equal campaign has
called on governments to monitor violence in schools based on sexual orientation,
gender identity, and expression and sex characteristics and to evaluate what is being
done to prevent it. The Philippines proposed Sexual Orientation Gender Identity
Expression (SOGIE) are based on UN’s Sexual Orientation Gender Identity (SOGI).
Even though many people agreed to LGBTQ’s still there are some who dissents
because of different factors. Some faiths have welcomed LGBTQ community and others
may have not. The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the
separation of Church and State, the effects of religion on the treatment of LGBTQ
Filipinos continue to be apparent.
Religion has an impact on how LGBTQ will be treated. As stated by Kugle
(2010), for many Muslims “dealing with homosexuality or transgender issues is a matter
of sin and heresy, not difference and diversity. Most of the Muslims believe that
homosexuality is a matter of belief or opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally
accepted not with the heterogeneity. However, in the Philippines, other religions like
Islam are not as vocal as the Roman Catholic Church when dealing with LGBT people.
Thus, there remain limited and often only anecdotal reports available about the
discrimination experienced by LGBT persons of these faiths. The largest non-Christian
minority faith, Islam is generally understood to teach that homosexual acts are sinful
and punishable by God (Ally 2008). Religions have variety of beliefs about LGBT
people. Islamic views on homosexuality are influenced by the teachings prescribed by
their Qur'an. It shows that some of these doctrines of the world’s largest religions may
view these negatively. But according to Library of Congress-Federal Research Division
(2006) only eight percent comprise non-Christian faiths. Therefore, the teachings of the
Roman Catholic Church pervade. In August 2013, CBCP executive Fr. Melvin Castro
stressed that the church’s position on homosexuality is to fully embrace LGBTQ’s but
same-sex relationships and same-sex unions are unacceptable. “We accept them even
if they have same-sex attraction but we cannot accept if they will have same-sex
relationships or same-sex unions.” (CBCP, 2013) at the same time, the Media Office of
the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines note that the “church won’t tolerate
same-sex marriage” it believes that being LGBT is a choice and that it could be
changed. These religious denominations view LGBTQ positively and as well as already
accepting them but cannot allow same sex unions because the Catholic Church teaches
that marriage can be made only between a man and a woman.
According to the evidences and facts that are being shown and studied, the
country of the Philippines is pro in LGBT community and anti in gender inequality. In
order to prevent the gender inequality, the Philippines proposed policies that promote
the rights of LGBTQ people. The Civil Service Commissions (CSC) Office Memorandum
29-2010 forbids discrimination against LGBT people who are applying for Civil Service
Examinations (Ocampo, 2011). This law will stop the discrimination every LGBT people
is experiencing when applying for Civil Service Examination. And because of that they
will have the equal right to take and passed the examination. In accordance with this
law, Ocampo said that there are also revised policies on Merit Promotion Plan that
inhibits discrimination in the selection of employees based on various criteria including
gender. This policy is preventing the injustice selection of employees wherein the LGBT
community is facing. Using this, they can have the right to be at the job they are suited
and be the best. There are also policies that may be considered pro-LGBT but that
contradict other policies. For instance, Section 59 of RA 8551 (Philippine National
Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998) requires the National Police
Commission (NAPOLCOM) to “formulate a gender sensitivity program to include but not
[be] limited to the establishment of equal opportunities for women in the PNP, the
prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, and the prohibition of discrimination
on the basis of gender or sexual orientation”. Formulating a gender sensitivity program
will promote equality in opportunities that a woman or any gender can get in the PNP, it
can also lessen the cases of sexual harassment that is happening in workplaces
because now they share the equal right and no one is superior from one another.
The women and gender equality chairperson, Ms. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar,
sponsored house Bill Number 4982 that seeks to end discrimination for Lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender community in the country. The House Bill is supported by the
Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE). SOGIE are human rights and
there is indeed a “dire need” for a law protecting the rights of LGBT members (2017).
This bill only wants equal opportunities for LGBT but it is not seeking to legalize same
sex marriage in the country (2017). Using the SOGIE, this promotes that every member
of LGBT community has the right to be treated equally and share the same rights a
normal gender can have. But this bill has its exemption, even though it is seeking for the
human rights of LGBT community, it does not include the legalization of same sex
marriage in the country.
Providing these policies and laws, the Philippines confirm that their country is anti
in Gender Inequality. The discrimination in LGBT community can’t be cured, so
implementing policies about it might lessen the case. Considering the fact that there are
many policies being implemented in the Philippines, it doesn’t really lessen the case
because there are also people who are pro in gender inequality when it comes to
LGBTQ community. The House Bill number 267 (Anti SOGI Discrimination Act)
introduced by Representative Geraldine B. Roman seeks to define, prohibit and
penalize situations and practices wherein discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation and gender identity occur. It also aims to protect members of the LGBT
community and guarantee their rights as citizens of the Republic of the Philippines and
their rights as human beings. Although it is claimed that Philippine society is tolerant
and accepting of members of the LGBT community, in practice and in terms of legal
protection, there are no specific national laws that address this kind of discrimination
from which this sector of society suffers. Although the very Preamble of the Philippine
Constitution enshrines “equality” among the core values of our Republic, there is no law
which enables and guarantees this provision for the members of the LGBT community.
As a result, members of the LGBT community are treated unjustly and experience
inequality in diverse situations such as the workplace, the family, schools, social,
leisure, sports and business establishments. More adversely, members of this
community have also suffered hate crimes leading to their loss of dignity, if not life and
limb without the protection of the laws that faithfully reflect the true nature of the crime
or violation (Roman, 2017). This law if ever be implemented will put an end to this
situation of non-protection and neglect, the discrimination every member of LGBT
community will be prevented and they can now share the equal treatment a person, no
matter what the gender he/she has, deserves.
“But if you would ask me what makes you happy, do it. You can only do it once. Never
to return back. This is one straight deal. So whatever makes you happy, you go out of
this universe happy and fulfilled. If it makes the gay happy, let them be. I do not
condemn anybody there. What makes you happy, good. Just don’t violate the law”.
- President Rodrigo “Roa” Duterte
Therefore, the Philippine country is promoting an anti-side in gender inequality.
Providing the laws and policies they have been implemented and going to implement for
the future, shows that they respect human rights and they value each and every people
in their country.

REFERENCES:
Anti-Discrimination Bill for LGBT community in the Philippines. (2017, March 15).
Retrieved from http://reporter.ph/anti-discrimination-bill-for-lgbt-community-in-the-
philippines/
Gita, R. A. (2017, March 23). Duterte tells lgbt: do what makes you happy but don’t
violate the law. Retrieved from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-
 news/2017/03/23/duterte-tells-lgbt-do-what-makes-you-happy-dont-violate-law-
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Ferris, L. W. (2016, July 23). There is widespread inequality for the lgbt community – so
why isn’t the government doing anything about it? Retrieved from https://
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/a-government-report-showed-widespread-
inequality-for-the-lgbt-community-so-why-arent-they-doing-a7152351.html
For LGBT rights, the time is now! – Rep. Geraldine Roman. (2016, September 21).
Retrieved from http://outragemag.com/lgbt-rights-time-now-rep-geraldine-roman/
Philippines: lgbt students face bullying, abuse - discrimination and lack of support
undermine right to education. (2017, June 22). Retrieved from
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/06/21/philippines-lgbt-students-face-bullying-
abuse
Take a stand against lgbt bullying at school says UN campaign. (2017, May 16).
Retrieved from http://theirworld.org/news/stop-lgbt-bullying-at-schools-says-
united-nations-campaign
UN Makes History on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity. (2016, June 30). Retrieved
from https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/06/30/un-makes-history-sexual-orientation-
gender-identity