A young girl’s brave declaration of her LGBTQI identity, intended to inspire others, was instead met with cyberbullying and hurtful comments, deeply affecting her self-esteem and mental health.
This story, shared by Jullia, a child advocate from Save the Children Philippines, during the “Bonggang-Bonggang Bata: Protect LGBTQI Children” press conference, underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQI children in the country.
Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with Babaylanes, Inc., called for the urgent passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill to protect LGBTQI children and foster inclusive, safe communities for all children regardless of their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).
“At its core, the SOGIE Equality Bill seeks to protect the vulnerable,” Rep. Roman said.
She stressed the limited protections currently available to diverse families and LGBTQI children, who face challenges that no child should endure. Roman reaffirmed the commitment to working with families, communities, and stakeholders toward a Philippines where every child grows up safe and happy.
The issue’s urgency is underscored by alarming data. A 2024 report from The Trevor Project on the Philippines revealed that 62% of LGBTQI children reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, 59% engaged in self-harm, and 75% experienced suicidal thoughts, with nearly half surviving suicide attempts.
Further, a 2016 study by the Council for the Welfare of Children and UNICEF found 85.1% of gay boys and 75.8% of lesbian girls experienced psychological violence, while 36.7% of gay boys and 23% of lesbian girls suffered sexual violence.
A 2017 Human Rights Watch report, Just Let Us Be, highlighted the experiences of LGBTQI high school students and graduates, revealing verbal and physical abuse, sexual harassment, and discriminatory policies. These resulted in depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation among many LGBTQI youth.
Advocates stress that these numbers represent real people with real experiences. Studies show children in accepting communities report significantly lower mental health issues. Anti-discrimination ordinances and the SOGIE Equality Bill are essential steps in creating a society where every child feels safe, supported, and loved.
“When a young girl—or anyone—shares their identity, they should be met with open arms, supportive friends, understanding families, and compassionate communities,” Jullia said.
She urged allies and families to create inclusive spaces online and offline and emphasized that passing the SOGIE Equality Bill is key to achieving this vision.
