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 Old laws still prevail which impact negatively on Filipino LGBTs and these must be repealed if true gender equality is to be achieved.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.