Pride Without Prejudice: CHR Calls for Stronger Protection of LGBTQIA+ Rights

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the nation in celebrating Pride Month 2026, and stands in solidarity with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more ( LGBTQIA+) community. Pride Month is not only a celebration of diversity; it is also an affirmation of the right of every person to be recognized, respected, and treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. It is a reminder that human rights begin with the recognition of our shared humanity and the equal worth of every individual.

As the country’s Gender Ombud, the CHR recognizes the progress made by local government units, schools, and workplaces and other institutions that have adopted gender-inclusive policies and practices. We welcome the growing number of local government units that have enacted Anti-Discrimination Ordinances, as well as initiatives that promote inclusive workplaces, accessible services, and safer spaces for persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

While these developments are encouraging, significant challenges remain. Many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos continue to experience discrimination, harassment, exclusion, and unequal treatment in various aspects of life. Cases involving the profiling and harassment of transgender persons in public spaces, denial of benefits for same-sex partners, discriminatory hiring practices, and other forms of prejudice underscore the urgent need for stronger and more consistent legal protection.

In this regard, the CHR strongly urges policymakers to prioritize the passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill. These measures are critical to institutionalizing protection against discrimination and ensuring that all persons can participate fully in society and access their rights without fear, invisibility, or exclusion.

The CHR likewise emphasizes that equal employment opportunities must be upheld in both the public and private sectors. Employment, education, healthcare, and public services should be accessible to all on the basis of fairness, merit, and respect for human dignity, free from prejudice and discrimination.

We commend the civil society organizations, advocates, educators, community leaders and young people who continue to advance awareness, mental health support, inclusion and dialogue. We likewise call on the public to reject stigma, hate speech, misinformation, and all forms of discrimination that undermine social cohesion and human dignity.

CHR reaffirms its commitment to uphold, promote and protect the human rights of all, particularly those who continue to face marginalization and exclusion. A truly inclusive society is one where every person is recognized for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and able to live openly, safely, and equally. Recognition is not a privilege granted by society—it is a reflection of the inherent dignity and humanity that every person possesses.

Pride has no prejudice, and neither should our laws, institutions, and communities.

Ang bahaghari ay simbolo ng pag-asa. At ang isang tunay na malaya at makatarungang lipunan ay kumikilala sa dignidad ng pagkatao ng bawat isat. Karapatang pantao para sa lahat, nang walang diskriminasyon at walang naiiwan.