Transwoman Gretchen Diez and Lagablab (Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network-Philippines) spokesperson Naomi Fontanoshave appealed anew to senators to pass the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Bill.
“Without SOGIE equality bill, we are being confined to certain industries. There are companies that we cannot enter, prohibit us from entering specific careers,” Diez said.
“Ramon Magsaysay once said, ‘Those who have less in life should have more in law’.And members of the LGBT community in the Philippines have so much less in life because we have experienced discrimination and violence… We deserve equality under the law,” said Fontanos in an interview with CNN.Diez, on the other hand, said creating a safer place for the LGBT community will “strengthen the fabric of democracy.
“It’s not about being special, it’s about being equal. If you let the community feel like they are free to pursue their dreams, to pursue their careers, to pursue education, then that gives us a happier society, and a happier society means a more productive society which would eradicate our basic problems.”
Without elaborating, she added that the passage of the SOGIE Bill would also reduce substance abuse cases and HIV cases.“Mas maraming Pilipino ang mahihirap at nasa middle class na kailangan ng proteksyon na hindi nakukuha. Kahit ‘yong mga mayayaman na LGBTIQ na Pilipino and in position of privilege or power, nakakaranas pa rin silang diskriminasyon at karahasan,” Fontanos said.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gretchen Diez says she would’ve left restroom if women complainedThe mall janitress who barred Gretchen Diez from using the female restroom said two women complained about the trans woman’s presence. Diez says she would’ve willingly left if someone actually complained.
Read more »
Gretchen Diez says Duterte vowed to pass SOGIE bill before DecemberTrans woman Gretchen Diez says President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to ensure the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill before the year ends.
Read more »
PNP to probe alleged unlawful arrest of trans woman Gretchen DiezThe Philippine National Police will conduct an investigation into the arrest of transgender woman Gretchen Diez, who was barred from using the women's restroom in a Cubao mall and handcuffed for videotaping the incident.
Read more »
LOOK: Duterte meets with Gretchen Diez, LGBTQ+ rights advocatesAfter meeting with Diez, Senator Bong Go says President Duterte now fully supports LGBTQ+ rights.
Read more »
Gretchen Diez meets Duterte, teases 'surprise' for LGBTQ+ community'We are now finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,' says transgender woman Gretchen Custodio Diez, who earlier urged the President to certify the SOGIE equality bill as urgent
Read more »
LOOK: Gretchen Diez visits Malacañang, meets Duterte
Read more »