In every aspect of their lives, some sort of discrimination occurs. In their homes, in schools, in their workplaces, when they go outside, on social media, they have no escape from the judgements that follow them. Blinded by arrogance, people’s visions are clouded by what society deems as normal, not being able to see the clear picture that difference does not exempt a community from not being treated as equals.

Imagine living in a world where how you see yourself is not welcomed by the people around you. A world where living your life feels like thousands of people are meticulously watching you and waiting for you to make the smallest mistake that they will soon weaponize and turn into something they will scrutinize those who are like you for. Would you not want a law that makes sure you are treated as an equal?

Gender, identity, and self expression are delicate, but these topics only ever remain delicate because of those who continue to judge and discriminate against others who choose to present themselves differently from what is socially accepted, but this new gesture is hopefully the beginning of change.

On December 6, 2022, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed the The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality bill, a bill which addresses discrimination on the basis of SOGIESC. The earliest version of the bill was filed in 2000, continuously being presented to the country’s lawmakers, but time and time again, it has been opposed by the majority, until now. The bill is a first of its kind, being the only equality bill in the country to receive approval at the Senate Level.

In addition to addressing discrimination, the bill also intends to combat the stigma by further promoting diversity and inclusivity through education campaigns, social protection programs, diversity and inclusion programs, and through prohibiting the instigation of stigma through the use of any media. Consent is also taken seriously as the act of “outing” someone, or sharing information of someone’s identity or expression without their consent, is considered a prohibited act.

It is clear that the SOGIESC Equality Bill was carefully thought out to provide security and safety for members of the LGBTQ+ community, addressing discriminatory acts, and even addressing the stigma that still surrounds gender identities and self-expression.

Despite the promising successes that came with the first equality bill, it is the one of many steps that are required to bring equality for those who’ve struggled with accepting their identity and sexual orientation. There are still those who disagree with the approval of the SOGIESC Bill, even shamelessly displaying ignorance and insensitivity on online spaces. 

Those who oppose the approval of the bill argue that there is no need for a bill that provides “special rights'' for those who belong in the LGBTQ+ Community, but the bill was not written to create special rights for the LGBTQ+ community, it was written to create equal rights for everyone, regardless of gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.

There are also concerns of how the SOGIESC Bill violates religious freedom, forces certain personal values, and how it can affect families with parents that might not respect the bill, but Senator Risa Hontiveros stood firm to her core values, even with all the criticism she received.

Despite having leaders that fight for equality, there are still those who are never able to truly connect with the people around them, in fear that they would be judged for their identity and the way they express themselves. Some still find themselves anxious, even under the roof of their homes, because their values might differ from their family. There will still be those who yearn for a sense of belonging, even with the approval of the SOGIESC Bill, and as such, the fight for equality will not stop until societal norms and expectations of an individual’s identity and expression are abolished.