On Sept. 5, SPARK! Philippines, an alliance of Filipino women for reform and progress, launched their national campaign called “Humanizing SOGIE,” a national initiative to advocate for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) inclusion and equality in the Philippines.
SPARK! gained the support and funding of the Government of Canada for this campaign, together with a partnership with “Love is All We Need” and “Propel Manila.”
More than a social campaign, the focal point of the initiative is the public exhibit that will highlight the stories of 23 Filipinos who have faced challenges as a result of their diverse SOGIE.
“By shining a light on the stories of real Filipinos with diverse experiences, the campaign aims to challenge preconceptions about what it means to be LGBTQ+ in the Philippines and to increase public awareness about how different forms of discrimination continue to impact members of the community,” SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves explained.
“Humanizing SOGIE” was launched at Canada’s Official Residence, with the presence of Cong. Geraldine Roman, Quezon City Councilor Mayen Juico, Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Canada Warren Mucci, and SOGIE advocate Queenmelo Esquerra.
The initiative aims to contribute to an ongoing public conversation about important issues of the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging those who visit the public exhibition to share their reactions through social media and to join the call for greater inclusion and equality.
Recognizing that there are no legal protections in the Philippines specifically for SOGIE individuals, “Humanizing SOGIE” will engage directly with lawmakers by inviting them to visit the exhibit and participate on social media. The campaign will also organize a series of community
dialogues to convene allied individuals and groups, particularly from the LGBTQ+ organizations, to coordinate their efforts in pushing for greater SOGIE equality.
Their first exhibit will be at the House of Representatives in Congress.
Photos courtesy of SPARK! Philippines
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