Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community gathered at Liwasang Diokno, Commission on Human Rights, challenging 2025 candidates to back their Community Agenda for Inclusive Governance.
A coalition of LGBTQI on Saturday, May 3, called on national and local hopefuls in the 2025 midterm elections to adopt a 6-point Community Agenda and to amplify the community’s long-standing call for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill and leadership that champions inclusive policy.
“We are sending a clear message: equality must no longer be postponed,” said Jap Ignacio, Executive Director of Babaylanes, Inc. “Vote for equality. Elect leaders who have a track record of advancing human rights and who will stand with us.”
The Agenda highlights six key pillars: Trabaho, Edukasyon, Bayan, Komunidad, Kalusugan, and Media, which outline systemic reforms needed to fully include and protect LGBTQI Filipinos in all aspects of society.
According to Ignacio, the LGBTQI Community Agenda highlights long-standing demands that remain largely unaddressed. “Our livelihood and safety continue to be undermined by systemic discrimination. The delay in legislation underscores the urgency of implementing this agenda,” he said.
The first pillar, Trabaho, calls for equal opportunities in employment through inclusive hiring policies and the expansion of RA 10911 to cover SOGIESC. Advocates raised concerns over the widespread discrimination, harassment, and job insecurity faced by LGBTQI workers, issues that often force individuals to conceal their identities.
In Edukasyon, the Agenda pushes for the integration of SOGIESC awareness into the national curriculum and mandates training for teachers and school officials. “Schools should be spaces of safety and dignity, not fear,” the Agenda states, noting the frequent bullying and lack of institutional protection for LGBTQI students.
The third pillar, Bayan, calls for the institutionalization of protections within government programs, including LGBTQ recognition in social services, access to justice, and property rights. It urges Congress to redefine “family” to include LGBTQI couples, enhance redress mechanisms, and promote safe spaces across public systems.
On the grassroots level, Community organizing is emphasized through expanded recognition of LGBTQI groups, stronger civic participation mechanisms, and greater collaboration with local government units. The Agenda also promotes leadership development among LGBTQI youth and sustained dialogues with policy-makers.
For Kalusugan, the Agenda outlines the need for inclusive healthcare services, from accessible HIV treatment to gender-affirming care, mental health support, and intersex-affirmative healthcare. “We deserve good health. We deserve a functioning public health system that does not discriminate,” the statement reads.
Finally, Media reform is also critical, with the community calling for training on LGBTQI-sensitive reporting, protection from cyberbullying, and the documentation of discrimination cases. Media, the Agenda asserts, should be a platform for inclusion, not hate.
Among those present were Cong. Perci Cendaña of the House of Representatives, LOVE’s Leslie Ampo-an, BPO Workers GAYLEAD’s Megan Guiapal, and other prominent LGBTQI advocates.
