Darling, let's spill the tea on this sluggish progress of Senate Bill No. 1600, the fabulous "SOGIESC Equality Act." It's such a downer to see Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and those religious groups raining on our Pride parade. But fear not, my dear, for the gay gods have a fabulous plan up their sleeves!
Enter the Makabayan Bloc, led by the fierce Gabriela Women's Party, strutting in with House Bill No. 5551, the show-stopping "SOGIESC Equality Act of 2022." And guess what? It's received the coveted committee approval! Can I get a Yas, Queen?
"We, in the Gabriela Women's Party, are raising our rainbow flags high and twirling with joy for the committee's stamp of approval on the [SOGIESC] Equality Bill," exclaimed the sensational Rep. Arlene Brosas. It's time to sashay towards progress and slay those discriminations and harassments faced by our fabulous LGBTQIA+ community.
❕❕GOOD NEWS❕❕
— Gabriela Partylist (@GabrielaWomenPL) May 23, 2023
Aprubado na ang SOGIESC Equality Bill sa komite!
Kasama sa substitute bill ang inihain ng Gabriela Partylist na HB 5551 na naglalayong ipagbawal ang diskriminasyon batay sa sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression at sex characteristics. pic.twitter.com/MDXIuobKTd
So, my darlings, dust off your glitter and lace up those fabulous boots, because the fight for equality isn't over yet. To better understand the proposed bill's purpose, here are some episodes from our favorite LGBTQ+ series that perfectly explain the importance of the SOGIESC Bill.
Gaya Sa Pelikula: Episode 06
During the peak of the pandemic, "Gaya Sa Pelikula" emerged as one of the most popular local BL (Boys Love) series, captivating audiences with its undeniable on-screen chemistry and its adept handling of important themes for the LGBTQ+ community.
In a poignant episode, Vlad, one of the central characters, bares his soul and reveals the deep-seated issues and challenges he faced while growing up. He carries a burden, blaming himself for the separation of his family. Moreover, his sister's relentless bullying regarding his gender identity adds to the weight he carries.
This scene powerfully illustrates the struggles and trauma experienced by the LGBTQ+ community, not just from society at large, but also within their own families. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill, which can play a vital role in protecting LGBTQ+ youth from harm and fostering understanding within their families.
The SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to provide legal safeguards for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially children, who are more vulnerable to discrimination and harm. By fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance within families, this bill has the potential to create a more inclusive society where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive and feel safe in their own homes.
Let us rally behind the importance of the SOGIE Equality Bill, supporting its passage to create a society that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Together, we can forge a path toward a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Pearl Next Door: Episode 2: Theory of X and Constant
Gameboys Episode 8: No Matter What
Mga Batang POZ: Episode 5 – Chuchay
"Mga Batang POZ," based on Segundo Matias, Jr.'s novel of the same title, takes us on a powerful journey alongside four teenagers who confront a life-altering situation, discovering what it truly means to live after learning they have HIV.
In the fifth episode, the youngest character, Chuchay, portrayed by the talented Awra Briguela, bravely shares his harrowing story of how he contracted HIV. He reveals a heart-wrenching truth—he was coerced by his employer into engaging in sexual acts, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Chuchay's revelation also sheds light on the fact that he relies solely on a nearby clinic to access the medicine he needs.
It's important to recognize that situations like these depicted in "Mga Batang POZ" are not confined to the realm of television series; they happen in real life too. This stark reality emphasizes the urgent need for the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Bill. This crucial bill ensures equal rights and protections for all individuals who have been victims of sexual harassment, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Furthermore, the SOGIESC Bill guarantees access to essential health services, facilities, establishments, and other resources, without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It aims to create a society where everyone, regardless of their SOGIESC, can live with dignity, free from stigma and discrimination.
Manilennials: Episode 4
"Manilennials" is 2019 miniseries featuring the extraordinary Miss Trans Global 2020 and the host of the first BL dating show in the Philippines, Mela Habijan. In this series, Mela plays the character of Ruth. This episode is very important as it delves deep into the experiences of the trans community, shedding light on the pain of being belittled, misgendered, and invalidated.
In this episode Ruth faces discrimination in a bar, the very place where she is meant to meet her "FLAMES" date. But the struggles don't end there. The next day, she encounters yet another round of discrimination while meeting with an engaged couple for her catering services. It's a constant battle for acceptance that many of our trans siblings face.
Sadly, these situations are still happening nowadays and it’s scarier than ever. With the proposed SOGIE Bill, these situations will not be tolerated as the bill seeks to promote equality and diversity in all establishments.
