Stonewalled, still?

CEBU, Philippines - Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“The defense of LGBT rights (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) requires the articulation of these people’s rights anywhere and everywhere,” to borrow a line from civil rights activism icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall protests widely credited for starting the modern gay rights movement in the United States to advocate civil rights for LGBT people, the US Embassy (Manila) and Rainbow Rights Project (R-Rights) Inc. facilitated a forum on “The Fight for LGBT Rights in the US: An Activists’ Forum” last May 30 at the Century Plaza Hotel.

The program started with the screening of “Courage Unfolds”, a video which is part of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission’s Courage Unfolds Campaign which calls for LGBT people to be protected by law, respected by society, and accepted by family. It is a call for the use of the Yogyakarta Principles as a tool to ensure that governments respect, protect and promote the human rights of all people, including LGBT people.

Lawyer Christine Sun, an LGBT rights attorney from the American Civil Liberties Union who has worked on LGBT and HIV/AIDS issues for the ACLU since 2004, presented a list of developments – from the early struggles to regaining respect from a once predominantly homophobic community.

From Atty. Sun, it was learned that employment protections are being ensured for LGBT people in 21 states and 104 countries and cities; that 89 percent of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation/preference and that 43 percent prohibit gender identity discrimination; relationships like domestic partnerships or marriage are being recognized in 16 states; and that bans against gay people adopting children have already been eliminated.

TV programs such as “Gay Teens” and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, plus Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” (the fastest-ever selling single on iTunes with one million downloads in just five days) have been credited for the growing wide cultural and or societal acceptance of LGBT people in the US, according to Sun’s presentation.

However, episodes of “Stonewalling” have been documented still. An epidemic of bullying against LGBT youth led to suicide among five gay students in the Fall of 2010. “Nearly nine out of 10 LGBT students report being verbally assaulted; 40 percent report being physically harassed; nearly 2/3 of LGBT students report feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation,” Sun mentioned.

As for transgender discrimination, Sun pointed out that “47 percent of transgender persons report being fired, or being denied a job or promotion.”

“They also have problems with bathroom access and dress codes. Transgender people continue to be victims of violent hate crimes,” she pointed out.

It was during the open forum that the state of Cebu’s LGBT community was raised. Underscored is the sector’s fragmented subpopulation. Funny as it may seem, but some wouldn’t want to be recognized in the open – or for the fact of being labeled. Others shy away from the annual Gay Pride March to “protect family”. There are some who refuse representation to law-making bodies which delays passage of certain ordinances like a separate toilet for LGBTs or the lifting of a ban against cross-dressing in certain establishments here.

“LGBT bullying is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound. It is morally wrong and sinful for a country that claims to be predominantly Christians,” this was also emphasized. “Neither is it good for Cebu which claims seat of Christianity.”

According to a treatise founded on St. Augustine’s natural law theory, moral error begins with the denial of common or equal position in the civil society. Refusal to some the honest administration of the government and the impartial administration of justice ends respect for humanity.

That’s why the Stonewall momentum has been sustained.

Continued struggle for LGBT equality also means seeking an end to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the exploration of opportunities for outreach and constructive dialogue to enhance understanding and awareness of these issues within a human rights framework. And that in dealing with sensitive issues, dialogues must be guided by the principles of universality and non-discrimination.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.