Senator Grace Poe is pushing the passage of a bill that would declare a day in the month May as "National Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Phobias for Persons of Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC)".

In the Senate Bill No. 2213 she filed recently, Poe sought the recognition of the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBT+) community on May 17 of every year in the Philippines.

It was on May 17, 1990 that the World Health Organization (WHO) declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder, after decades of campaign from activists, doctors and medical practitioners.

"To our gay brothers and sisters, this day meant everything. It meant that they can begin living their lives normally and without fear of . It meant that they can keep working on their chosen professions without being subjected to prejudice and oppression. But most of all, it meant that they be free to be who they truly are," Poe explained in her bill.

The senator, however, said that the fight of the LGBT+ for equality is "far from over", noting that several still face social exclusion and threats, while some are killed.

By declaring May 17 as a national day against homophobia, Poe said "we are signalling to everyone belonging to the LGBT+ community that they have nothing to be fearful about" and that "our country is prepared to provide them with necessary safe space where they can thrive and achieve their full potential".

The bill also encourages government offices and private institutions, as well as schools and universities, to support activities during the proposed annual observance.

On Thursday, May 20, the House Committee on Human Rights approved a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of several attributes, which includes SOGIESC.

On the other hand, anti-discrimination bills, particularly on SOGIESC, have been languishing in the Senate.