Media, public urged to be more sensitive on LGBTQIA, HIV issues

CEBU, Philippines — In order to promote inclusivity and uphold human rights, journalists and the general public are urged to exercise greater care when handling sensitive issues involving LGBTQIA+ rights and people living with HIV (PLHIV).

During a seminar training hosted by the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR-7) for Cebu media members yesterday, Mx. Ge Ygay emphasized the importance of shaping public perception and reducing stigma through responsible reporting.

Ygay highlighted the significance of consent and necessity in covering such stories and stressed that journalists must adopt inclusive language and practices in reporting.

 A person s gender identity or sexual orientation should only be mentioned if it is pertinent to the story,  Ygay said.

 Ngano dili man nato iingon nga 'straight drug pusher?  so why focus on it only for LGBTQIA,  Ygay added.

Moreover, reporters are encouraged to ask a person s name and pronouns and use them in quoting the person.

It is also discouraged for reporters to ask someone s  deadname  or the former name used to a transman or transwoman.

The word  transgender  should be used as an adjective. Reporters can then opt to use transgender persons, trans person, transwoman, transman, etc.

Ygay also emphasized to not ask questions about the transgender s genitals or body.  Sex change  is not also encouraged, instead it would be better to use  gender affirmation surgery.

There are also certain terminologies that have commonly been used for a long time, but must be corrected as it demeans or offends LGBTQIA+ people, according to Ygay.

The term "bayot", for one, is often used to describe a weak or cowardly person. While it may be used descriptively in certain contexts, Ygay stressed that it should never perpetuate stereotypes.

For instance, Ygay said it is acceptable to say, "Gikulata siya kay bayot daw siya,  but using it in contexts like "Sige g tabi kay bayot man" (He gossips because he's gay) is derogatory and reinforces harmful biases.

Ygay also said the word "tomboy" refers to a girl who exhibits characteristics or behaviors considered typical of a boy. While there are times when the term is used as an identity, Ygay said the term refers to gender expression and not sexual orientation. Unless an individual explicitly identifies themselves as a tomboy, it should not be used to label someone.

Similarly, terms like "Binabae/Binabaye/Nag-binabae" and "lalakihan/lakin-on" are sometimes used within the trans community, however, they can be offensive, as they imply that being a transwoman or man is merely an act.

These terms are also used to demean individuals whose gender expression does not conform to societal norms. Therefore, these terms are only used if an individual identifies with them.

Ygay also stressed that the term "third sex" is an outdated and offensive term that places LGBTQIA+ individuals as inferior to heterosexual men and women, which its use perpetuates inequality and should be avoided entirely in modern reporting.

As Ygay stressed,  do not do harm  means that using terminology is only acceptable if it's necessary and relevant to the story journalists are pursuing.

In empowering the language, with the media as a catalyst of good reporting, Ygay also shared that people living with HIV do not define the person.

One should not use the following phrases such as, HIV victim, HIV survivor, HIV positive, HIV infected.

In terms of interviews with PLHIVs who opt for anonymity, journalists should not refer to the places, locations or any person that could potentially reveal their true identity.

Additionally, journalists are advised to be conscious of the tone used as journalists, and should not ask unnecessary details like how many sexual partners they ve had or even their body count.

The CHR-7 and Ygay hope that such efforts will lead to a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity or health status, feels seen, respected, and valued.

Sensationalized reporting often misrepresents the realities of HIV, further stigmatizing individuals and spreading misinformation.

If stories connecting to HIV will be sensationalized, Ygay shared that it not only misguides the public but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that hinder efforts to combat stigma among them.