While the Philippines ranked 1st among 34 Asian countries in terms of acceptance of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community, an average of 26 anti-gay slurs are uttered on a daily basis.
The information was shared by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on its social media page as it highlighted the observance of Pride Month this June.
Citing data from the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the CHR said that a third of the anti-gay slurs received by LGBTQI students even come from a school staff member.
Wikipedia says “GLSEN is an American education organization working to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to prompt LGBT cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools.”
The CHR reminded Filipinos not to discriminate against the LGBTQI community because stigma and harassment might exacerbate mental health issues.
"LGBTQI individuals are three times more likely to suffer from mental health conditions such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder," it said.
"This Pride Month 2022, we exclaim: LGBQTI rights are human rights," the CHR declared.
"With our rainbow flags raised high, let’s continue the fight to end discrimination and harassment based on a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression,” it stressed.