By DR. LEILA JOUDANE
UNFPA Philippines Country Representative
Pride Month is a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of identities within the LGBTQI+ community. It's also a moment to reflect on the significant strides made toward greater acceptance and protection of their rights. Yet, as we celebrate, we must acknowledge the work that remains to ensure the health, well-being, and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide.
Pride Month also serves as a reminder of our ongoing mission to create a world where everyone is empowered to make informed choices about their bodies and lives, free from stigma and discrimination.
In recent years, we have witnessed a growing global recognition of LGBTQI+ rights. This progress reflects a fundamental shift in social and legal norms, paving the way for improved health outcomes and greater inclusion.
Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. In many parts of the world, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination, stigma, and violence on the basis of their SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), often leading to severe health, social and economic disparities. These inequalities are exacerbated in conflict and crisis settings, where LGBTQI+ individuals may be particularly vulnerable to rights violations and lack access to essential health services.
The impacts of climate change also disproportionately affect LGBTQI+ communities. Pre-existing health conditions, higher poverty rates, and discriminatory practices can hinder their ability to cope with and recover from climate-related disasters. It's a stark reminder that the fight for climate justice is intrinsically linked to the struggle for LGBTQI+ rights.
For the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Pride Month is a call to action. It's a time to amplify our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is entitled to their human rights, including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services without discrimination. We recognize that LGBTQI+ individuals face unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
According to a Department of Health report, men who have sex with men and transgender women account for 89 percent of new HIV cases in the country, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and care services.
Some studies have also showed that LGBTQ+ Filipinos may also face high rates of mental health challenges such as suicide ideation, suicide attempts, depression, and stress due to minority stress, discrimination, and lack of social support.
It is also due to stigma that LGBTQI+ individuals may face discrimination in healthcare settings, leading to avoidance of care and delayed treatment. This could result in a vicious cycle of physical and mental health issues.
More so, there is still a lack of comprehensive data on the health of LGBTQI+ Filipinos, including the prevalence of other communicable and non-communicable diseases. This hinders the development of tailored interventions and policies to address their specific needs.
A study published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health showed that globally, around 21 percent of LGBTQI+ adults live with asthma and/or emphysema, higher than the 14 percent among heterosexual adults. These pre-existing health disparities make them more susceptible to the health impacts of climate change, such as poor air quality.
UNFPA remains steadfast in its commitment to leaving no one behind. This means prioritizing the rights and inclusion of all people, including people with diverse SOGIE, as we address global challenges and build a more peaceful and prosperous future.
As we navigate escalating humanitarian crises, it's imperative that countries safeguard the right to health for LGBTQI+ individuals. UNFPA is currently working on incorporating their specific needs into disaster response plans, protection policies, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
Our organization has advocated for health care that is accessible for all. Recently, we have turned over adolescent-friendly mobile health facilities, alongside UNICEF and the World Health Organization, to Southern Leyte and Samar, as part of our Korean Government-supported project on reducing adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines. Among the services to be offered by these “TrucKABATAANs” are information sessions on SRH, referral for mental health concerns, lab tests to screen for HIV and other illnesses.
For the past years, UNFPA has also partnered with community organization Samahan ng Mamamayan-Zone One Tondo Organization (SM-ZOTO) to engage at-risk youth in out-of-school comprehensive sexuality education learning sessions that tackle human rights, prevention of gender-based violence, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Among those who have benefitted from the program are at-risk transgender girls, some of which have gone back to school and left sex work.
We also support the passage of an Anti-Discrimination Bill (SOGIE Bill) in Congress, which is a crucial step toward a more inclusive and just Philippines, where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. We urge Congress to pass this landmark legislation and ensure that the rights and dignity of all Filipinos are protected.
This Pride Month, let us celebrate the progress achieved while recognizing the work that lies ahead. By upholding the principles of equality, inclusivity, and human rights, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live a healthy, fulfilling life with dignity and respect.