In the past few years, we saw the uphill battle of the LGBTQIA+ community. We witnessed a significant change in recent years. There has been legal resistance (SOGIE Bill) and constant activism in the community. Recently, the community basked in happiness when the good news was brought last May 23 when the House Panel approved the SOGIE Equality Bill. We put forward this progress and changes to the LGBTQIA+ organizations.
However, we are reminded that even with the notable progress with visibility and treatment, some issues remain left out in the cold. The SOGIE Bill is still on an arduous path while it faces strong pushback from the conservatives, and the queer community is still plagued by discrimination every day. The community needs to be stronger than ever. So, what can you do as an ally and part of the community?
To show support for the community, you can join and advocate for these ten 10 LGBTQIA+ Organizations that championed change and progress.
Bahaghari
Bahaghari is truly the symbolic hue of the queer community. Bahaghari is the national alliance of LGBTQIA+ advocates, organizations, and formations in the Philippines, established in 2013.
The organization is known for its marked progress with HIV testing and battles media representations related to SOGIE. Beyond the domain of the queer community, the organization also fights as an anti-heteropatriarchal, anti-feudal, anti-colonial, and anti-imperialist organization. It addresses not only the issues of the LGBTQIA+ community but also the other intersecting issues in Philippine society.
You can sign up to be a volunteer or sign the online petition by Bahaghari calling for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill.
UP Babaylan
This is the first-ever student organization and is the longest-existing LGBTQIA+ student organization in the Philippines, established in 1992.
The UP Babaylan is a safe space for the community and LGBTQIA+ students. It advocated for projects, campaigns, and programs like UP Pride, SOGIE Equality Bill, UP SOGIESC Policy, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Metro Manila Pride
You might be familiar with Metro Manila Pride (MMPride) as they organize the Pride March annually. MMPride is volunteer-based in every inch! As one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ organizations in the country, the organization is dedicated to “educating, equipping and empowering the Filipino LGBTQIA+ and their communities to work towards a future that recognizes and respects the rights of LGBTQIA+”
Their programs cover vast fields as they are geared towards the annual Pride March, human rights education and research, and even Arts, Culture, and Expression.
You can support MMPride by donating or being a volunteer, although as of now, the organization already closed its 250 spot openings last April 30.
Open Table Metropolitan Community Church
We always see the church and the LGBTQIA+ community on opposing ends until Open Table MCC proves that religion and the queer community can cohabit peacefully.
Since 1968, the organization has addressed the dire need to stand for justice and human rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, the organization is the country's first church to perform same-gender marriage. The Open Table MCC is a progressive church that believes “love is the greatest moral value and that everyone is welcome in the family of God.”
LoveYourself
LoveYourself ignites positive headway in HIV awareness by providing free HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services. This organization is a community led by volunteers.
They also established the first transgender health clinic in the country. Victoria by LoveYourself clinic helps trans men and women with transition counseling and hormone replacement therapy.
Be a volunteer of LoveYourself and sign up here.
GALANG
In 2008, GALANG was pioneered by a small group of lesbian activists who witnessed that the LGBT sector in the Philippines was predominantly middle-class.
Their advocacy centers on the intersection of sexuality and poverty; thus, they aim to empower LGBTQIA+ in urban poor communities through social and economic equality.
Rainbow Rights
As its name suggests, Rainbow Rights focuses on legal resistance through legal literacy, laws, and policies catered to the LGBTQIA+ community.
With the glaring heteronormativity in the Philippine constitution, we can trust Rainbow Rights. The organization works closely with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, government agencies, and non-government organizations to uphold the rights of people with diverse SOGIE.
If you want help or to be a volunteer, you can contact Rainbow Rights by emailing info@rrightsphl.org.
Ladlad Partylist
Ladlad in Tagalog embodies the coming-out-of-closet, spreading your cape in the open. Their official motto is, “Bukas isip, bukas puso.”
Ladlad founded in 2003, is a party list; however, through the years, the party became one of the organizations that fight for the LGBTQIA+ community’s visibility and place in the society.
Ladlad Partilys is one of the organizations that champion passing an anti-discrimination bill for the equal treatment of queer Filipinos.
LakanBini Advocates Pilipinas
Is a structure or network of transgender organizations. They amplify the trans-led advocacies that focus on health, psychosocial well-being, and human rights. The organization calls for transgender-inclusive and rights-based access to essential services.
Take part in this community by applying as a new member.
Proud Campaign Philippines
Last on our list is this charity organization based in New Zealand. It is not found locally; however, it originated in the Philippines and is active in the progressive movements here in the country.
They take pride in themselves as, “a contemporary group of queer and transgender Filipinos and allies who aim to make a difference in the world through charity.”
Besides championing LGBTQIA+ community as a charity, the organization focuses on donating food, clothes, and other necessities. If you are interested in their advocacy, you can contact @proudcampaign.ph.
These are the organizations and groups to support this Pride Month and beyond June! Because Metroscene Mag believes that Pride goes beyond some fixed dates in the calendar.
