The Philippines is the first country in Asia to hold a Pride Parade. On June 26, 1994, more than 30 queer advocates and the Metropolitan Community Church Philippines, organized a demonstration in Quezon City in commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the Stone Wall Riots. It was dubbed as the “Stone Wall Manila.” Yet, almost three decades after the Stone Wall Manila, we ask ourselves, “has there been substantial change for the Filipino LGBTQI+ in the past years?”

Last May 23, 2023, the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality approved a substitute Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill. This version is a consolidation of the House Bills No. 222, 460, 3418, 3702, 4277, 5551, 6003, and 7036, and other proposed measures that seek to protect individuals from experiencing human rights violations on the basis of SOGIESC such production of education, information, and communication materials that promote, encourage and perpetuate stigma or incite violence and sexual abuse and disclosure of one’s SOGIESC, in the criteria for any action related to the hiring, promotion or firing of workers, as well as their access to work opportunities. A significant yet a minor stride towards its long-overdue enactment. The earliest version of the bill was filed by late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former Akbayan representative Loretta Rosales under the 11th Congress. Despite committee approval, the bill remains stalled as it was remanded into a different committee. No meeting has been called yet to discuss the movement of the bill. With this major setback, the cry for justice and equality should be louder than ever. The LGBTQI+ community needs every ally it could get to be seen and heard. 

Hence, today, as we celebrate the Pride month with our queer colleagues, friends, and families, let us not just have it with colors and parades, but also celebrate it with strong voices and inclusive practices. Here are some ABC’s of being an ally.

A - Always listen. LGBTQI+ people have different experiences on how they explore their sexualities and identities. An ally listens to these stories to genuinely be compassionate. The importance of “always” is that we cannot be certain when a person will be ready to share their SOGIESC. 

B - Be open. An ally is someone who is receptive and accepting. Remember that if a person discloses their SOGIESC to you, it means that they trust you, that they wanted to share a part of themself with you, and you embody a safe space for them.

C - Confront your biases. A person’s values and beliefs are mostly brought by their socialization. An ally is someone who interrogates SOGIESC-based prejudices and stereotypes. Someone reevaluates their misconceptions about others. They are ready to relearn and unlearn things to improve their gender sensitivity.

D - Do not assume a person’s SOGIESC. Do not assume that everyone is cisgender heterosexual people. A person’s gender expression is independent of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Equating effeminacy to being gay is a misconception about SOGIESC. It is important to note that to be able to promote safe spaces for people of diverse SOGIESC, a culture of having no presumptions of one’s SOGIESC should be developed. More importantly, it is also not safe to assume that a person is open about their SOGIESC to everyone. Do not assume that when a friend “comes out” to you, they are out to other people as well. LGBTQI people have different levels of comfort in sharing their SOGIESC in different social circles in their life. They may be out to their schoolmates but are not out to their families, or vice versa.

E - Educate yourself and others. One of the most important tenets of being an ally is the belief in the dynamics, complexity, and diversity of human sexuality. It is important to continue studying and learning SOGIESC-related information. Additionally, it would also help others to become or be better allies if sharing of knowledge about these topics happens. 

F - Fight hate. There are different forms of fighting hate. One way is calling out people who use homophobic or transphobic remarks and slurs. Educate them why these remarks may be offensive. Another way is to forward institutional programs and policies that will protect the rights of minorities and forward the cause for equality. Lastly, an ally can join the broader movement against discrimination, bigotry, and hate--one can join organizations or alliances; talk to legislators to explain the importance and the need to pass SOGIESC-responsive policies, or supporting and voting for legislators and public servants that are champions for nondiscrimination and equality.

G - Give platforms to LGBTQI individuals. Finally, an ally is someone who creates and/or shares their platforms with the members of the LGBTQI+ Community to talk about their stories. LGBTQI+ representation is needed in platforms like leadership, mass media, social media, educational spaces, among others.

Note that this Ally Alphabet is not exhaustive. There are more ways on how an ally can contribute to the LGBTQI movement. The important thing to remember is that an ally always consults the community they want to support.

(The Ally Alphabet is part of the module on Becoming an LGBT Ally, UNDP-developed module that focuses on unlocking SOGIESC concepts, understanding stigma and discrimination, discussing how to be allies, and suggesting best practices on how to be more gender-sensitive and LGBTQI-inclusive. The Becoming an Ally Module is part of the UNDP Philippines’s project of the development and implementation of Massive Open Online Course on HIV which hopes to empower the LGUs by educating them to develop their own HIV local investment plans and draft HIV ordinances and contribute to the 95-95-95 global HIV target goals.)

As Pride month comes to an end, let us reflect on our potential role in advocating for a substantial change for LGBTQI+. Start with ourselves and the community that we are part of. The LGBTQI+ liberation stands with the nation’s. Let us be loud and proud in supporting a cause that champions human rights and dignity. Let us have a more colorful and meaningful Pride celebration today and in the years to come. [END]