Media spotlights research studies on discrimination against LGBTQIA+ in workplaces

CHEERS TO Rappler, to Daily Tribune, and ABS-CBN News for calling attention to research studies on the discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ workers. 

CMFR cheers the in-depth treatment that Rappler gave to this issue on June 3; as it recognizes the efforts of Daily Tribune and ABS-CBN News published between April 12 and April 13, to highlight the economic impact of exclusionary practices affecting the community, and calls for urgent legislative reform. 

All three reports emphasized the need for inclusive policies, such as the SOGIE Equality Bill that remains pending in Congress.

Rappler minded the findings of a study by the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC), conducted between September and November 2024 in Metro Manila, with additional references from Calabarzon and Bicol.

The study, titled “Baseline Study and Mapping of Non-LGBTQIA+ Focused CSOs on SOGIESC Mainstreaming in the Philippines,” discovered that the frequently experienced SOGIESC-related issues in non-LGBTQIA+ rights-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) include negative comments, verbal harassment, and unfair treatment.

Rappler said that despite CSO workers’ high understanding of SOGIESC-related concepts, their conduct hardly reflects these principles. 

Rappler further pointed out that awareness of these concepts has not necessarily translated into sensitivity to LGBTQIA+ issues.

Rappler emphasized the need for a stronger institutional commitment to making SOGIESC concepts the basis and norm for actual work conduct. 

Inclusion and economic growth

The report pointed out that discriminatory practices are not exclusive to CSOs. It referred to a study by Babaylanes Inc. that connected LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in the workplace, private sector productivity, and economic growth. 

Meanwhile, Daily Tribune highlighted the annual PHP73 billion loss in Gross domestic product (GDP) due to discrimination against LGBTQIA+ workers, based on the findings of an Open for Business research. It cited Jap Ignacio, Executive Director of Babaylanes Inc., who said, “Companies that embrace diversity perform better, but without clear DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies in the private sector, progress remains uneven,”

For its part, ABS-CBN News discussed the vulnerability of the LGBTQI+ who are “twice more likely to be underemployed and thrice more likely to be in vulnerable employment,” according to a study conducted by faculty of the University of the Philippines (UP). 

SOGIE Equality Bill

Rappler, Daily Tribune, and ABS-CBN News all highlight the importance of passing the Senate Bill 1600 or SOGIE Equality Act, which has long awaited passage into law.  Each of the media outlets cited advocates for the comprehensive policy that will consolidate policies to diminish discrimination against LGBTQIA+ and other vulnerable persons in the workforce. 

Media have highlighted gay pride activities and other efforts to promote public awareness about their concerns. Media must sustain its efforts to keep the socio-economic effects of discrimination in the news agenda, including scientific studies on the dangers of discrimination. 

The contributions of LGBTQIA+ workers represent individual and collective experiences that deserve to be told. The acceptance of diversity and differences will make for a better society for all Filipinos.