[OPINION] Echoing Struggles of LGBT in the Philippines

April 24, 2024 | By Ma. Nicole Flores

16th Pride and Legacy Pride Parade Participants last April 20. (The Companion/A.G. Brondial)

“Ah, bakla!” “Salot sa lipunan ang mga bakla!” “Ang hina mo naman, bading ka ba?” 

These are but a few of the degrading phrases that have long echoed through the corridors of prejudice, demeaning the dignity of people within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual identities (LGBTQIA+) community. However, at a glimpse, we can see how much the Philippines has changed in its perception of the said community. No longer constrained by the chains of societal scorn, the LGBTQIA+ community emerges with their colors boldly and unapologetically. 

According to Stanford University, the Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christianity is the dominant religion. Despite many Filipinos still living with dated beliefs against LGBTQIA+, more of our fellow citizens are now recognizing this community. 

They no longer mask their essence as if it were a sin. They stand before us, visible at last. But, does society truly listen? Do the masses hear the heartfelt cries for justice, or do they dissolve into mere whispers in the wind? 

Many personalities within the LGBTQIA+ community cast their brilliance upon our nation, painting the Philippines on the canvas of the globe. Take drag queen performer Marina Summers as an example. Summers shimmered in the spotlight as she captivated the audience when she joined RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World Season 2. She brought the international stage to life when she transformed Maymay Entrata's Amakabogera to AMAFILIPINA as a testament to Filipino pride. Though she did not take home the victory, her name became prominent in the drag world. Countless opportunities opened up for her, including a world tour in Canada, USA, and UK. 

Apart from Marina Summers, Taylor Sheesh is another Filipino drag artist who showcased her talent by impersonating the renowned GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift. She displayed her skills in her own version of The Eras Tour, renaming it The Errors Tour, which reached Australia and Singapore. Additionally, she appeared on Australian programs such as The Today Show and Good Morning America, as well as in Rolling Stone, Pop Crave, and Gay Times. Today, she continues to perform in various parts of the Philippines. 

Yet, amidst the dazzling shows, Taylor Sheesh found herself the target of brutality while performing in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

A male audience member struck the drag queen on the neck as she approached the crowd — a chilling reminder of the bigotry that still stains our country. She publicized the incident on her social media accounts, stating she had filed a case against the man and learned that there were more pending cases against the person who harassed her. She emphasized that she could not ignore violence against the LGBTQIA+ community and stressed the need for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) bill to protect them from any kind of homophobic or transphobic activity. 

The case of Taylor Sheesh is not an isolated incident. Many instances of gender-based discrimination occur daily, whether in the corridors of workplaces, schools, or simply strolling down the street. 

Even Jandrogen, the Taylor Swift impersonator in Baguio, was entangled in the web of discrimination due to being part of the said community. 

Jandrogen was invited to perform in a Barbie event in a mall. The organizers assured that drag queens were welcome. However, upon her arrival at the event, she was prohibited from performing, simply because of her being an LGBTQIA+ member

House Bill No. 4982, also known as the SOGIE Bill, was first introduced in the country in the 2000s. It aims to protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. It underwent deliberation in the 18th Congress of the Philippines in 2019-2020. It now stands before the 19th Congress, making it one of the longest-discussed bills in the Philippines. Yet, it is a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ — a spirit unbroken by the tides of adversity. 

Think about it. The LGBTQIA+ community has been fighting for their human rights for decades, but they are still not being heard by society. It is only appropriate for the SOGIE bill to be passed into law because people in the community continue to experience more tragic encounters with bigotry. Some are reported, but many remain hidden from the public sphere. 

Additionally, there is injustice in terms of treatment, status, and opportunities for those identifying as queer in various aspects of life — whether in government, schools, work, or even art. In a country brimming with injustices and peril, many prefer not to come out and be concealed from society, especially when there are no laws to shield them from violence. As long as the SOGIE bill remains pending on the legislative table, the number of gender-based discrimination cases will continue to rise. 

Considering all the violence they have experienced, is recognizing them enough? They have been strengthened by the oppression they have endured over time, and it is only right for society to not just listen but to understand and stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

The LGBTQIA+ community's outcry for justice and equality is for them to be heard by those in power. But until the SOGIE bill is legislated, they continue to whisper in the wind —  unheard and unfulfilled. For in the end, theirs is a song of hope  —  a song that echoes through the corridors of history, a song that sings of a country where all are equal, heard, and loved.

The opinion and views expressed by the writer are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Companion.