Council supports LGBT

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council approved a resolution supporting the rights of gays, lesbians and transgenders (LGBT) in the city.

During the last council session, the importance of the third sex was highlighted as the resolution proposed by Councilor Alvin Dizon to support the third sex was unanimously approved by the council.

Members of the Cebu Rainbow LGBT community, a coalition of different LGBT groups and their allies were present during the approval of the resolution.

Patrick Ty, the spokesperson of the Cebu Rainbow LGBT, said they are ecstatic over the approval of the resolution because this would provide more venue for them to exercise their rights.

Included in the resolution is “to express support to the Cebu Rainbow LGBT community, as well as in the celebration of the Cebu pride week from Dec 5 to Dec 10 which aims to raise awareness on LGBT rights and advocates for the empowerment of the LGBT community.”

Ty shared there are many LGBT organizations in the city. The “rainbow organization” was formed just this October after realizing that they would be a lot stronger if united.

“This year we have decided to unite to fight for the protection and recognition of our rights,” said Ty.

The resolution includes the inclusion of the LGBT community in the national implementation of Gender and Development programs and services.  It also aims “to urge the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission, the Association of Barangay Captains and barangay GAD focal persons to include the LGBT sector in the GAD program implementation within Cebu City.”

Ty said that with the acknowledgment of their participation in the GAD activities, it addresses the issues on gender equality.

“When we lobbied for the inclusion of LGBT in GAD, we believe that the council will support such logical, reasonable and humane request. They understood the cause,” said Ty.

With the resolution approved, they hope for more support from the barangays not just in terms of funding but through activities.

They have 30 member organizations and they aim to have more from the local communities.  (FREEMAN)