LGBT pride flag. Image: INQUIRER.net stock photo
MANILA, Philippines — Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community along with other sectors and organizations, held a pride march in Quezon City on Sunday to highlight issues that have affected the LGBTQ+ community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event, led by the LGBTQ Plus Partylist, was marked by a short pride march from Philcoa to the Commission on Human Rights building, where a solidarity program was held.
Ceejay Agbayani, LGBTQ Plus Partylist vice president noted the importance of the contributions of the community in the fight against COVID-19.
“Being gay and part of the larger community, our contribution to the society in fighting this pandemic is crucial as an important as everybody,” Agbayani was quoted as saying.
“We all know that there are many LGBTQIA+ persons like doctors, nurses, police, and other health workers who work hand in hand to fight this pandemic.”
For her part, LGBTQ Plus spokesperson Naomi Fontanos seeks to shed light on the recent killings of transmen and women and other pressing issues hounding the trans community during the pandemic.
“The violence and discrimination against LGBTQI has not stopped during the pandemic,” Fontanos was quoted as saying in Filipino. “There are many Filipino transgender who were killed during the pandemic: Donna Niera, Kathlyn Aviels, Ebeng Mayor at Junjie Bangkiao.”
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Fontanos said these recent incidents highlight the need for more protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).
“The call of the transgender community in the Philippines: STOP TRANS KILLINGS! PASS THE SOGIE EQUALITY BILL NOW,” she said.