The iconic LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer) Rainbow has risen over the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).  Or at least, for the first time, a rainbow bunting is now hanging in front of the DSWD’s main lobby, signifying the welfare department’s full support for the campaign for LGBTIQ rights and against discrimination.

On June 28,  a forum on Sexual Orientation,Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) was held at the DSWD, and it was titled  “Everything You Wanted to Know but was Afraid to Ask: A Roundtable Discussion cum Orientation on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)”. The forum aimed to help the Department’s officials and staff become familiar with the laws and legislative initiatives on non-discrimination and human rights in relation to SOGIE, as well as introduce them to the basic SOGIE concepts and terminologies.

DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo has always been a staunch advocate of LGBTIQ rights, saying that these are human rights and should be acknowledged and respected.

“What we want is a society wherein members of the LGBTIQ are not discriminated against, abused, or treated with scorn and disdain.  Philippine society is, for the most part, tolerant of the rights of LGBTIQ, but what we want is for greater understanding and compassion for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said.

For her part, DSWD Undersecretary for Operations and Protective Programs Hope V. Hervilla said in her opening remarks, “Napakahalaga sa atin sa DSWD na isang social welfare agency na magbigay halaga sa LGBTIQ rights. Mahalaga sa atin ang prinsipyo ng ‘Patas na pagtrato sa mga komunidad’ (It is important to us in the DSWD to advocate LGBTIQ rights. We are a welfare agency that values equal treatment for  different communities).”

“For so long, members of the LGBTIQ sector have faced discrimination in our society which remains largely culturally feudal and patriarchal. We need to recognize  LGBTIQ rights and support them. We can never achieve liberation from discrimination and gender inequality unless we free our society from all kinds of oppression,” Usec. Hervilla added.

The forum included an introduction to the basic SOGIE concepts and terminologies, which was presented by Ms. Mai Lagman, the communication specialist of the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program who is also an LGBTQ rights advocate.

Mr. Oscar Atadero, the founding president of PRO-Gay, one of the first progressive LGBTIQ organizations in the country, shared the cross-cutting issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Meanwhile, Atty. Germaine Trittle Leonin, Chief Administrative Officer in the Department, tackled the different efforts of the DSWD in recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ community. These include the continuous conduct of policy forums and policy study sessions on Gender and Development (GAD) and SOGIE in different DSWD field offices as well as in its centers and institutions.

In 2012, the Department has provided an official position paper supportive of  House Bill 4982 or the Anti-Discrimination Bill, which has been pending before the House of Representatives up to now. In 2014, the Department’s Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB) drafted significant LGBT and SOGIE-related materials for DSWD policy-making and position papers.

Meanwhile in 2016, several forums were held between the DSWD and child caring agencies regarding the rights of LGBTQ couples in relation to legal adoption.

The Social Technology Bureau of the Department has also developed a gender-responsive case management model in handling violence cases. The Bureau also introduced comprehensive intervention on gender violence victims.

Atty. Leonin also talked about the things that can be done to empower the members of the LGBTQ community and to eliminate discrimination against them.

“Isa sa mga rason kung bakit hindi lubos na nakaka-avail ng serbisyo ng gobyerno ang mga LGBTIQ ay dahil sa invisibility o ang kawalan ng pagkilala sa kanila sa mga umiiral na patakaran at kawalan ng gabay sa mga pamilyang LGBTIQ o rainbow families. Kailangan kilalanin natin sila (One of the reasons why members of the LGBTIQ sector cannot access the programs and services of the government is the invisibility of the sector due to lack of recognition and guidance of LGBTQ families or rainbow families. We need to recognize them),” Atty. Leonin added.

The DSWD forum on SOGIE was also conducted in compliance with the Philippines’ commitment to various international covenants. In a meeting in September 2014, the country voted in favor of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution, which appreciated the UNHRC report entitled, “Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

In June 2016, the UNHRC adopted a resolution for the protection against violence and discrimination based on SOGIE.

“We need to be sensitive to citizens who are members of the LGBTIQ sector. Let us be more open to them and recognize their rights as they have the same rights as us. Just like us, they also want to live in a safe environment and in a just society that cares for the welfare of everyone,” said Assistant Secretary for the Office of the Secretary, Aleli B. Bawagan.

In closing, Asec. Bawagan echoed Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo in calling for the recognition of the rights of the members of the LGBTQ community.

“LGBTQ rights are human rights. Let us have more gentlenesss in our society and give no room for abuse and discrimination. Let us live by our mantra of ‘pantay na trato sa lahat ng komunidad’ by recognizing them,” she ended. #