By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is encouraging people to increase efforts in understanding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) in order to give them better support.
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
The CHR highlighted the quote of Miss Universe Catriona Gray who said, "To be better allies, we need to educate ourselves. It's not the LGBTQ community's responsibility to educate us. That means asking the hard and uncomfortable questions and seeking out answers. Humbling ourselves when we're wrong. It won't be easy. It's not a Miss Universe Q&A where, in 30 seconds, you can fit your entire understanding of the topic."
The Commission tweeted that knowledge is power, so in their own ways, people can set the time in order to read and learn about the stories and experiences of members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Hindi lang natatapos sa simpatya ang pagsuporta. Bilang allies, kailangang handa tayong tumindig kasama sila at tunay na makiisa sa mga labang kanilang binabaka araw-araw! (Support does not end only with sympathy. As allies, we need to be ready to stand with them and truly be united in the struggles they face every day!)" the tweet read.
Sadly, persons of diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) have long been the common targets of discrimination, stigmatization, and abuse. The CHR said these things have been caused by lack of awareness and support.
The Commission said that people must recognize the equality of all in dignity and rights. They have to understand individuals of different SOGIE, fluidity, and intersectionality, re-evaluate their personal biases, and respect that SOGIE is integral to human rights.