Studies and Reports 

This report focuses on reflecting the situation of one of the marginalized members of society- older women. Specifically, this paper will discuss the experiences of older women in light of the following areas: 1) abuse, violence, and neglect; b) income security and social protection; and c) health and long-term care. This report will also discuss the situation of older women in detention. 

Abstract: In the Philippines, rising incidences of harassment directed at Filipinos who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) are part and parcel of the systemic prejudice and discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). In the absence of a national anti-discrimination legislation, the burden to confront SOGIE-based harassment (SBH) rests upon the LGBTQI+ community and their allies. In-depth interviews with five (5) Filipino university students foreground how those with salient distinct identities from targets of harassment surfacedg hesitations and barriers to successfully intervening (e.g. cisgender and heterosexual bystanders vis-à-vis LGBTQI+ targets of harassment), while bystanders who associate with victims of SBH, either by acknowledging them as friends or as fellow human beings, articulated substantial motivation and greater ease in intervening. Taken together, the recognition of shared identities in others — or kapwa—fosters bystander intervention as it counteracts the inhumane treatment targeted at LGBTQI+ individuals whom the bystander considers equal and no different from them.

This study examines the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices of four major companies in the Philippines. It aims to showcase model DEI practices, highlight their impact on employees and organizational success, uncover challenges in implementing DEI policies, and provide recommendations for companies interested in implementing DEI. 

Abstract: Despite the Philippines’ progress in gender equality, contemporary evidence suggests that Filipinos continue to possess negative attitudes toward lesbian and gay individuals. Likewise, discrimination and violence toward bisexual, transgender, and queer Filipinos have been documented. Despite cases of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) based discrimination, national-level anti-discrimination legislation remains unpassed in the Senate. This study explores the national discussions on the SOGIE Equality Bill triggered by a bathroom discrimination experienced by a Filipino transgender woman in 2019. Taking cues from Richardson’s sexual citizenship framework, we investigate the diverse rights discourses among sectoral groups, such as local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other individuals of marginalized sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+) organizations and their allies, high-ranking Filipino politicians, and religious organizations. Analysis of local discourses showed that those supporting the SOGIE Equality Bill leverage identity-based rights discourses, while those opposed primarily navigate these debates using conduct-based rights discourses. Future policy and advocacy work must leverage the insights from these public proceedings to foster LGBTQ + solidarity in their campaigns for LGBTQ + rights in the country. Particularly, future work must (1) locate the middle ground between the LGBTQ + community and opposed legislators; (2) highlight essential values and common issues shared by all Filipinos; (3) surface how privilege can preclude and advance solidarity within the LGBTQ + community; (4) campaign for the passage of local anti-discrimination ordinances; (5) improve the SOGIE-related competencies of policy implementers; and (6) engage in research that explores public discourses and meanings assigned to sexual rights among Filipinos.

This GALANG study explores how Filipino LBT individuals cope with workplace discrimination and the severe lack of gainful employment opportunities in the country. It also looks at the motivations, aspirations and personal lives of LBT Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong. It tackles the links between and among financial independence, economic empowerment, family acceptance, migration and sexuality, specifically in the context of Filipino LBTs.

Abstract: Transgender (trans) Filipinos are disproportionately vulnerable to health problems because of the inaccessibility of essential healthcare services resulting from the invisibility and exclusion of trans health in Philippine health and related social institutions. Because of the institutional prejudice and discrimination against trans Filipinos in Philippine society, an intersectional approach presents an opportunity to analyze the invisibility and potentially elucidate the unique health needs of trans Filipinos. This article elucidates how the invisibility of trans Filipinos in health is a product of co-existing and interacting prejudiced and discriminatory institutions, such as the law, education, and medicine, where the historical experiences of colonization, the hegemony of cisgenderism, and the impact of capitalism remain salient. By elucidating these co-existing and interacting structures and forces, this article highlights the gaps in the Philippine healthcare system, such as the lack of affirming and protective policies for trans health and the limited cul- tural competence of healthcare providers. In light of these, future research and policy work must work towards inte- grating gender-specific and gender-inclusive approaches, centering the voices of trans Filipinos in health discourses, and decolonizing and expanding the local understanding of trans health among Filipinos.

This SSHAP Brief aims to provide local and regional non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others involved in development and humanitarian programming in the Philippines with key considerations for addressing the complex needs of LGBTQIA+ people in humanitarian contexts. It seeks to support humanitarian actors to design and implement more effective, equitable and inclusive activities. To this end, the brief examines the social, economic and legal landscape for LGBTQIA+ groups, exploring their specific capacities and vulnerabilities during crises and offering practical guidance.

This report is a compilation of submitted narratives from LGBTQI individuals showing the impact of the pandemic in the LGBTQI community and organizations, the continuing experience of stigma and discrimination, and stories of resilience. It renders visible experiences of LGBTQI persons and organizations during the pandemic and new normal.

This report addresses the critical need for the economic empowerment of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) women in the Philippines, a group often overlooked in policymaking and official statistics. By synthesizing research findings from various sources, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and an online survey, the report offers insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by LBT women. It aims to inform future advocacy, programming, and policymaking efforts by highlighting the factors influencing their economic empowerment and suggesting actions to support their advancement.

This social protection policy audit in the Philippines examines how current policies that often neglect sexuality disadvantage excluded populations, particularly LBT individuals in urban poor communities. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining development and feminist perspectives, the audit aims to identify discriminatory biases, amplify the voices of LBT individuals, and influence stakeholders towards more inclusive policies. 

Project GORA mapped existing ADOs to provide gender equality advocates with a visual and informational reference to aid in determining proper resource allocation. The document analyzes seven ADOs, highlighting the comprehensiveness and specificity of ADOs, redress mechanisms, affirmative actions, and budget allocation provisions.

This report investigates the human rights issues faced by Filipino LGBTQ children due to societal stigma and discrimination. It explores experiences of violence, bullying, and limited healthcare access, highlighting the inadequacy of existing child protection laws. The report concludes with recommendations for government agencies and local bodies to create more inclusive policies and support systems for Filipino LGBTQ children.