Show Your Pride and Wear Your Rights

People around the world are experiencing either violence or inequality, some of the main reasons of this are because of beliefs, their physical appearance and who and how they choose to be. LGBT is actually derived from words lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender which characterize people’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Lesbian is a woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to woman, while gay man is widely known as the one who is attracted to man. Bisexual people are somehow interested to both sexes. Transgender is being classified as people whose gender expression are different from their birth sex. They can be associate as transsexual. LGBT people are not totally accepted in our society. They are being judged by other people because of their sexuality. They are facing disadvantages, become victims of discrimination and suffers rejection by their families. According to an international research, 10% of the world’s population who experience discrimination is because of who they are.

In my 18 years of existence, I’ve experienced so much heart breaking moments in my life. From rejections, encountered failed friendships to having a broken family, I’ve felt so much pain and I can say that these had made me a stronger one. I always try to find the positive side in every situation and always try to understand and be open-minded for what is happening around me. As I grow older, genuine happiness without harming anyone is what matters the most for me. With this case, I am striving for everyone’s freedom to be happy no matter who or what you chose to be.

Like everyone else, LGBT people should have freedom to own and enjoy the kinds of relationship they want and to build family of their own. The fact that they can’t adopt child as a same-sex couple is a notable disappointment, as our country Philippines have a culture where family is valued so much. ACLU, an organization that defends LGBT community, believes that sexual orientation and gender identity doesn’t affect a person’s legal ability to be a parent which makes sense. They promote equal opportunities to LGBT people in building their own families that are most significant to them.

Discrimination against LGBT youth and students is also a serious problem. Most LGBT students think that their schooling life is impaired by bullying, discernment and physical or sexual violence. These abuses can harm students’ right to education and can lead to depression and suicide. There are laws and policies for this case like Child Protection Policy and Anti-Bullying Law of 2013 but it is lack of effectiveness, causing many LGBT youth continue to encounter harassment in school. It is very important to effectively implement protections for them because the effects of these are no joke.

“Happiness can exist only in acceptance” – George OrwellI therefore believe that sexual orientation and gender identity are part of every one of us. These are important aspects of our selves which need to be respected and should never lead to discrimination and abuse. I support the advocacy of producing laws implementing protection for everyone’s dignity especially the LGBT community, for us to have a world where every person fully enjoys their rights. Let’s not make fun of them instead, let’s give them what everyone deserves to have, HAPPINESS.