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Pride Month June call to action vs SOGIE discrimination?
By Nidz Godino
“Pride Month is call to action… 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,” UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines country representative Leila Joudane said still much to be done to address discrimination in the country based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
As the country commemorates Pride Month, UN agency called on lawmakers to pass bill penalizing discrimination based on SOGIE, which has long been languishing in Congress.
“We support passage of SOGIE bill in Congress, crucial step towards 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.
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, 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 need for targeted prevention and care services.”
UNFPA also cited 2022 study published in 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 UNFPA.
“This could result in vicious cycle of physical and mental health issues,” Joudane said.
UN body lamented “lack of comprehensive data on health of LGBTQI+ Filipinos,” could have spawned “tailored interventions and policies to address their specific needs.”
“As we navigate escalating humanitarian crises, it’s imperative that countries safeguard right to health for LGBTQI+ individuals,” Joudane said.
UNFPA “remains steadfast in its commitment to leaving no one behind” by “prioritizing rights and inclusion of all people, including people with diverse SOGIE,” Joudane added.
“This Pride Month, let us celebrate progress achieved while recognizing work that lies ahead,” Joudane said.
“By upholding principles of equality, inclusivity, and human rights, we can create world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live healthy, fulfilling life with dignity and respect,” she added.
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