What the Filipino LGBT Community Has Alrdy Gained

Whatever the results of the May 10 national elections would be for AngLadlad, I believe the Filipino LGBT Community has already gained so much in the last few months of the COMELEC controversy.

When AngLadlad was disqualified yet again by the COMELEC from being an accredited partylist, there was a resounding uproar from the whole country. Long labeled as "phantom voters" by Abalos, LGBTs around the Philippines all came out to denounce such fanatical religious pronouncements by the COMELEC Commissioners of the 2nd Division. LGBT organizations in the different regions came out with their own press releases expressing their dismay. Media covered these independent and simultaneous events and show of support. This proved once and for all that LGBTS are indeed all over the country. And not only did they exist, LGBTs are organized as concrete groups and established within their own communities. Long alienated from "Imperial Manila" and isolated from each other, Filipino LGBT groups in the provinces finally acknowledged their common plight and learned to work together again. After so many years, the different LGBT organizations finally became unified.

It was also an eye-opener for many apathetic and indifferent LGBTs. Young LGBTs now benefitting from years of struggle, have become too complacent and take for granted the unique "freedom" they now enjoy. Well-off LGBTs who are already "comfortable" where they are, also thought they were "immune" from homophobia. COMELEC's statements ultimately changed their minds.

The greatest thing that came out of this whole hulabaloo was the support shown by the "Straight" Community. People in professions you never expected to show such enlightenment, suddenly stood up for us. We found allies and friends in the most unusual places. You can still feel it in the air because when the Supreme Court finally issued its decision in favor of AngLadlad, the LGBT Community was not alone in its celebration.

If AngLadlad wins a seat(s) in Congress, that would be just an icing on the cake for me. The unity and seeming acceptance we could not achieve in 15 years worth of advocacy happened in just a few months. I believe Filipinos, LGBTs and straights alike, would want AngLadlad to win because it is an honest to goodness representative of a marginalized sector. I think the Filipino people would not want to deny anyone his/her human rights or his rightful place in society..in the midst of adversity, we are a happy people after all.

Why You Shld Vote for AngLadlad

Why You Should Vote for AngLadlad

The Philippine Constitution mandates that marginalized sectors of society have a right to political participation, and that includes equal chances of representation in legislature. The Party List Law likewise provides for a reserved number of seats in Congress for sectoral parties or organizations who consider themselves "marginalized".

In spite of COMELEC’s and a SC Justice’s pronouncements, Filipino LGBTs are obviously marginalized in Philippine society with all the religious and cultural discrimination they experience everyday. 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?

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.

What we need new and better laws which address our own issues and protect our rights as Filipino LGBTs. If the veteran legislators tried to do this for us, wouldn't we be in a better position to speak about what we need and want for ourselves? Like women, the elderly, the urban poor, the rural folk, maybe LGBTs could stop being mere "beneficiaries" of the government's plans and policies, and instead be "policy-makers" themselves. We should be directly involved in making the laws which will have an impact on our lives.

AngLadlad is a genuine Party List that seeks to represent a true marginalized sector. AngLadlad deserves a seat in Congress if only to give voice to a great number of Filipinos who happen to be LGBTs. We want equal rights not special rights. Help us make this vision a reality.

AngLadlad Partylist

Ang partylist system ay para sa mga sektor na karaniwang nakakaramdam ng kahirapan at di pantay na pagtrato sa lipunan. Pagkakataon ito para magkaroon ng partisipasyon sa mga batas at polisiya na nakakaapekto sa ating buhay. AngLadlad ang tunay na partylist - vote #89 sa balota!