Questions

I am saddened by the recent blast of messages coming our way. Avowed LGBTs question us for our reasons about running for Congress, even suggesting that we don't need to go by the partylist route. I am wary of these commentaries. I am afraid they may even have succeeded in alienating votes for us.

It is unfortunate that many members of the sector we seek to represent know nothing about the struggles of the LGBT Community or of the LGBT rights advocates' efforts in the past decade or so. This "ignorance" can't be attributed to the fact that maybe they are un-affiliated or un-politicized, but maybe because they are affluent and comfortable enough where they are, that they don't experience the everyday discrimination or homophobia majority of our LGBT brothers and sisters still face. But ever wonder why Inday Garutay and BB Gandanghari can be banned from entering certain bars and clubs, why Janjan of the Cebu Canister Scandal was humiliated by medical professionals and students while seeking medical help, why many young LGBTs are sanctioned or disciplined by their schools, and even educated and skilled LGBTs can't get decent jobs because their sexual orientation is an issue with employers? And I haven't told you half the "horror stories" we've heard and experienced ourselves...

Part of the problem is the lack of appropriate laws which address the unique concerns of the LGBT Community. The Anti-Discrimination bill hasn't been passed by the Philippine Congress in almost a decade of filing and re-filing. On the other hand, there have been laws which have been passed that while they seek to protect children or women, they have unintentionally been detrimental to the LGBT Community. Old laws still prevail which impact negatively on Filipino LGBTs and these must be repealed if true gender equality is to be achieved.

The Philippine LGBT Rights Advocacy Movement has been around for almost 15 years. Our job hasn't gotten easier with B.Abante's bill punishing same-sex couples' co-habitation or Ruffy Biazon's bill further limiting marriage to "natural-born" men and women.

At AngLadlad's National Consultation last Feb27, your representatives were well-chosen. All are openly LGBTs, veteran LGBT advocates and developmental workers in their own right, from fields ranging from sociology, law, and HIV/AIDS work. And they all know what it means to be "marginalized".

Help us spread the word of what we stand for and what we seek to do for the LGBT Community. Choose AngLadlad as your partylist.