In the Philippines, LGBTQ+ activists are building a powerful, inclusive movement to advance equality, challenge discrimination, and push for long-overdue legislative change.
Last year, we released the short film More Equal, More Happy: The Road to LGBTQ+ Rights in the Philippines to introduce our community to a group of courageous, vibrant LGBTQ+ activists. The film tells the story of how, with the support of the Fund, the LAGABLAB network is uniting a diverse coalition of LGBTQ+ advocates—women, college students, veterans of the movement, and LGBTQ+ people living with disabilities. Their goal? To secure passage of the long-overdue SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill. This landmark piece of anti-discrimination legislation has the potential to transform millions of lives, yet it has remained stalled in the Philippine Congress for more than two decades.
Meanwhile, opponents of LGBTQ+ equality there use anti-rights tropes and disinformation to dehumanize the LGBTQ+ community. In response, the activists of LAGABLAB are leading a campaign rooted in hope and equality. Their work continues to be a powerful counter to the divisive bigotry they face.
The activists of LAGABLAB have built incredible momentum but unfortunately the SOGIE Bill still has not been brought for a full vote. Undeterred, they continue to advocate nationally and in their own communities for their right to live with dignity and equality. And they believe a vote may be possible in the upcoming congressional session, which starts July 28, 2025.
They are seeking the same opportunities many take for granted: to attend school, secure employment, and access health care without fear of discrimination. They’ve shared stories and data about being harassed by school administrators or fired from jobs simply because their appearance doesn’t conform to traditional gender norms. And they’ve spoken about the stigma they face within their own families and the dismissive treatment they often encounter in doctors’ offices.
Babylanes, the Fund grantee partner that coordinates LAGABLAB, is evolving the network’s SOGIE strategy to push for complementary anti-discrimination legislation at the local level, recognizing that protections can be secured in communities even when national progress is slow. They’ve launched video campaigns that promote family acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth and organized trainings and dialogues with government agencies to ensure that policies reflect real needs. Babylanes has also expanded its outreach to include LGBTQ+ advocates in rural areas and regions outside the major cities, diversifying their movement even more.
Meanwhile, TLF Share, another member of LAGABLAB and longtime Fund grantee partner, has been mobilizing LGBTQ+ communities in the municipality of Sumilao, Bukidnon. Their efforts have led to the development of a local HIV/AIDS ordinance that reflects the specific health needs of LGBTQ+ people. In and around Manila, they’ve implemented a referral system to connect LGBTQ+ individuals to gender-affirming, inclusive, and stigma-free health services—an essential step toward equitable health care access.
This progress is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. As Babylanes, TLF Share, and LAGABLAB continue their work, the Fund remains committed to amplifying their voices and supporting their fight for equality. Their struggle is far from over, but with every campaign, every conversation, and every act of courage, they are bringing the vision of a more just and inclusive society closer to reality.
The fight for LGBTQ+ equality needs allies. Donate now to stand with the LGBTQ+ activists in the Philippines and around the world.