A young girl’s fearless declaration of her truth as a part of the LGBTQI community, intended to inspire others, was instead met with hurtful comments and cyberbullying, leaving her self-esteem and mental health deeply affected. This story, shared by child-advocate Jullia of Save the Children Philippines during the “Bonggang-Bonggang Bata: Protect LGBTQI Children” press conference, reflects the painful realities faced by many LGBTQI children.

In response to this, Save the Children Philippines and Babaylanes, Inc., highlighted the critical need for policies such as the SOGIE Equality Bill to protect LGBTQI children and foster inclusive communities. Advocates emphasized the importance of collective action in creating safer spaces for children of all SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics).

“At its core, the SOGIE Equality Bill seeks to protect the vulnerable. Diverse families and children receive few protections at present, and rainbow kids face challenges that all children deserve to be protected from. We will continue to work with families, communities, and stakeholders for a Philippines where every Filipino child can grow up safe and happy, ” said Rep. Roman.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by data from The Trevor Project on the Philippines in 2024, and other local studies. Alarming statistics reveal that 62% of LGBTQI children respondents reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, while 59% engaged in self-harm in the past year. Additionally, 75% of LGBTQI children have experienced suicidal thoughts, with nearly half having lived through a suicide attempt. Further research from 2016 by the Council of the Welfare of Children, UNICEF highlights the prevalence of violence against LGBTQI children, with 85.1% of gay boys and 75.8% of lesbian girls experiencing psychological violence and 36.7% of gay boys and 23% of lesbian girls subjected to sexual violence.

The 2017 Human Rights Watch report “Just Let Us Be” focused on the experiences of LGBTQI high school students and recent graduates. The report highlighted targeted verbal and physical abuse, sexualized harassment, and discriminatory policies leading to depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation in many LGBTQI children.

These numbers are not just statistics; they are real experiences of real people. Policy change is essential to protecting LGBTQI children. Studies show that children who belong to accepting communities experience significantly lower rates of mental health concerns. Anti-discrimination ordinances and the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, are crucial steps toward building a society where every child can grow up safe, supported, and loved, regardless of their SOGIESC.

“When a young girl—or anyone, for that matter, shares their identity, they should be met with open arms, supportive friends, understanding family, and compassionate communities.” Jullia urged allies and Filipino families to create inclusive spaces both online and offline by passing the SOGIE Equality Bill.