In the Philippines, you can be part of the LGBTQ community and be a devoted Catholic but never a chance to experience same-sex marriage or just even a civil union. You can express your gender by wearing what you are comfortable with but people won’t acknowledge your gender identity. You can be gay, lesbian, or any other gender in schools, but you have to conform to what the school thinks is right regarding hair grooming and proper school uniform. You can be gay, but you cannot enjoy and freely make the streets your runway of rainbows. This is the reality that gay people experience in the Philippines: homosexuality is tolerated more than accepted.

Despite being called one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries around the world, there are still cases of bullying or harassment against gay people in the Philippines and there is still no law against LGBTQ discrimination. Just like the incident that happened in Zamboanga City last 2021 when the victim, who was unaware of the attack, was simply walking along a well-lit street around 5 am when one of eight young men dashed towards him, leaped, and landed a flying kick on the back of his head. The suspects then jeered and chased the terrified victim.

There are also cases of abuse and discrimination in social media that are derogatory against gay people. Schools are supposed to be a fun place to learn, grow, and meet other friends for children. However, students who find themselves part of the LGBTQ+ community struggle to manifest what schools are supposed to be. They experience harsh disciplinary actions from the teachers, other students, or administrators if they do not conform to policies that are not LGBTQ-friendly, which is evident in some Catholic schools. Despite having the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, there are still small to big or harsh acts of bullying against gay students. Just like the shared story of Carlos, a 19-year-old student of Olongapo City, in the article of Human Rights Watch, “Just Let Us Be”. Carlos said, “When I was in high school, they’d push me, punch me. When I’d get out of school, they’d follow me and push me, call me ‘gay,’ ‘faggot,’ things like that.” This is only one of the few testimonies that prove there is no holistic approach in protecting gay individuals in schools.

In the entertainment industry, it is apparent that gay Filipinos can thrive internationally. In the recently concluded RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World, an international all-stars series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and its franchise, where Marina Summers, the lone Filipina and Asian Drag Queen in the competition, won 3 RuBadges, a top prize to those who won in every challenge, also landed as one of the Top 4 Queens.

In the local landscape, Vice Ganda is one of the gay personalities thriving in the entertainment industry and being loved by her millions of fans. However, there are still stereotypes of gay people in some films or shows in the Philippine entertainment industry. Nariese Giangan, the co-owner of Food For the Gays (FFTG) Cafe, said in an article in Manila Bulletin, that there are still TV shows that tend to portray gay characters are using repetitive stereotypes, such as the lively gay confidant or masculine lesbian personas.

Gay people are everywhere in the Philippines. You can meet them wherever you go—in schools, bars, and even churches—without feeling afraid of them. According to the survey of Social Weather Station last 2023, approximately 79% of Filipino adults, which is roughly 4 out of 5 individuals, believe that gay and lesbian individuals are ‘equally trustworthy as any other Filipino.’ This means that they are not different from any other Filipinos who recognize themselves as straight individuals. But how can there be no laws or orders from the government to protect the LGBTQ+ community from harassment and discrimination?

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill has been in Congress for several years. This bill aims to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination and was initially proposed in 2000. It has recently been reintroduced in the 19th Congress, making it one of the longest-standing bills under discussion in the Philippines.

While there is potential for the bill to pass in the House of Representatives, it may face challenges in the Senate, due to differing political ideologies. Both Hon. Eddie and Senator Joel Villanueva are among the members of Congress who have raised questions about the bill. Hon. Eddie Villanueva, a Representative of CIBAC Party List and founder of Jesus is Lord Megachurch, criticized the bill as “imported,” arguing that it does not align with Filipino values. Senator Joel Villanueva has also expressed concerns that the bill is a harbinger of “same-sex marriage.”

Despite these criticisms, the LGBTQ community remains optimistic that the bill will eventually become law.

The Philippines is fortunate to have a vibrant gay community in its streets. Not only do they excel in various fields, but they also bring joy and energy, making every day feel like a party. Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of laws that protect all Filipinos, despite socio-political differences. This includes the urgent passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, which aims to provide fair and equal opportunities for everyone. The gay community should also be protected from discrimination because LGBTQ rights are human rights too.