On Pride Month, Robredo calls for 'fairer, truly equitable society'
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday called on Filipinos to intensify efforts to build a “fairer, human, truly equitable society” as parts of the world commemorate Pride Month.
In a statement, Robredo said the members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus) community have provided “a shelter to the oppressed, a voice to the marginalized, and a family to the isolated.”
But challenges persist, Robredo added, citing the lack of access to employment opportunities and access to healthcare services as well as the threat of violence and discrimination.
“There is still so much we must push for to truly establish an atmosphere of acceptance and genuine equality for all,” she said partly in Filipino.
The vice president stressed that the beyond the month-long celebration, the society must strengthen efforts to become inclusive.
“Our goal is a society where everyone is sheltered, helped and cared for regardless of gender or status in life. A society where LGBTQIA+ members are accepted and treated as people who have the same rights and dignity, and that deserve the same love, respect and acceptance as everyone else,” she said.
Same-sex unions are not recognized in the Philippines, where a majority of the population identifies as Christian. Legislation penalizing discrimination based on someone's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression has met resistance in Congress, with opponents of the bill saying it will curtail freedom of religion and of speech.
Read: #SulongVaklash: Rundown of Pride Month events
Pride Month gatherings worldwide are rooted in the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which helped spark the movement of modern gay rights.
In the Philippines, not even a pandemic can stop Filipinos from finding ways to celebrate Pride Month this year. Stressing that Pride celebration remains a protest, non-profit organization Metro Manila Pride said this year’s theme is “#SulongVaklash: Sama-Samang Pagaklas ang ating Lunas.”
The organizers said the theme responds to and addresses the current socio-political issues that LGBTQIA+ Filipinos continue to face. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
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