References

Act relating to equality and prohibition against discrimination (Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act). (2017). https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLE/lov/2017-06-16-51

This act, as created by the government of Norway, was made to promote equal rights and opportunities for each individual in the country and to prohibit discrimination based on any and all characteristics, be it their SOGIESC, age, religion, ethnicity, and the like. 

Anti-Discrimination Ordinance of Marikina City, Marikina Ordinance No. 065, 2019. 

https://marikina.gov.ph/ordinance/ORDINANCE%20NO.%20065.pdf

This ordinance outlines the definitions of "discrimination," "gender identity," and "sexual orientation," and the punishable acts of discrimination to be observed in Marikina City. It also forwards the duties, responsibilities of its local anti-discrimination council. 

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 7877, § (1995).

https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/2826 

This law outlines the conditions under which sexual harassment can occur and be criminalized in the workplace, educational, and training settings. It gives a comprehensive definition of terms that point to sexual harassment and violence against women, making it a foundational guideline for any student and employees as they navigate the power dynamics and manifestations of exploitation from persons of authority and influence. 

Gender and Development Code for Manila City, Ordinance No. 8681, 2020

https://citycouncilofmanila.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ORDINANCE-NO.-8681.pdf

This ordinance, like Marikina Ord. No. 065, defines important terms related to LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, Violence, and Policy-making. It also has specific sections on key provisions regarding the protection of women and all other genders against violence. Lastly, it also provides a comprehensive section on the functions, duties, and responsibilities of each component of their Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women. 

Gender and Development Code of Quezon City, Ordinance No. 1401, 2004

https://quezoncitycouncil.ph/ordinance/SP/SP-1401,%20S-2004.pdf

The Quezon City GAD Code is a comprehensive framework toward institutionalizing gender equality and rights protections of all individuals regardless of their SOGIESC in the city. A key provision of the ordinance is on gender mainstreaming on all levels in the city through gender responsive development policies and gender support systems, ensuring city-wide participation in all aspects of the ordinance's implementation. 

Magna Carta of Women, Republic Act No. 9710, § (2009).

https://pcw.gov.ph/magna-carta-of-women/

This law comprehensively lays out how rights of Filipino women in all social spheres are to be protected and promoted in congruence with other affirmative human rights laws in the country and local government ordinances that pioneer anti-discrimination on women and all genders. Moreover, it extends utmost protection to individuals of diverse SOGIESC who face discrimination and violence, as well as other marginalized groups. 

Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance, Ordinance No. 8695, 2020

https://commusta.ph/wp-content/uploads/formidable/38/doc0011_ORDINANCE-NO.-8695.pdf

Ordinance No. 8695 is a landmark local legislation enacted to safeguard the rights of LGBTQI individuals in Manila. It explicitly prohibits discrimination based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) and establishes mechanisms to address violations. Among its key provisions are prohibited acts, penalties, and implementation mechanisms, which include the Manila Gender Sensitivity and Development Council (MGSDC) and LGBTQI Desk for every barangay in Manila. 

Quezon City District Pride Council Ordinance, Ordinance No. 3081, 2021

https://quezoncitycouncil.ph/ordinance/SP/SP-3081,%20S-2021.pdf

This ordinance mandates the six districts of Quezon City to establish a District Pride Council that would handle issues and spearhead programs and activities for the LGBTQI+ community. It also highlights the role of each council in coordinating with other barangays to organize awareness campaigns and ensure responsive governance at the city level.  

Quezon City Gender Fair Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2357, 2014

https://pages.upd.edu.ph/sites/default/files/ejmanalastas/files/sp-2357_s-2014-2.pdf

This ordinance mandates the commemoration and support of LGBT events. It also encourages the incorporation of SOGIE concerns with the functions of existing barangay help desks for human rights and violence against women and children in their local police district. Lastly, it also comprehensively outlines affirmative plans and programs that different sectors must adopt in their respective systems. 

Safe Spaces Act, Republic Act No. 11313, § (2019).

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html

Also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law,” this act protects individuals from catcalling, stalking, online and offline abuse, as well as unwanted sexual remarks that cause physical and psychological discomfort. It outlines key conditions of online or offline sexual harassment that must be regulated in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. As LGBTQIA+ persons are often targeted in many social spaces, whether public or private, this act proves to be useful in penalizing gender-based sexual harassment. 

The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, Act No. 3815, Art. 353 (1930).

https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/28/20426

Article 353 of the revised penal code defines libel as a public and malicious statement that harms a person—whether living or deceased—and their reputation. Its relevance lies in protecting individuals, especially the LGBTQIA+ community as a marginalized group, against defamatory speech, false accusations, and online or offline harassment that could result in their public humiliation or social harm. Other articles in this document also discuss what conditions would make for criminal liability and worsen libel cases, as well as the legal consequences of proven acts. 

About EnGendeRights. (2020, December 3). EnGendeRights, Inc. https://engenderights.com/about/

This webpage presents the background of EnGendeRights, a feminist legal organization in the Philippines committed to promoting the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. It outlines the group’s efforts in policy reform, legal support, and public education, particularly in areas such as gender equality, reproductive health, and SOGIE-related rights. The information is helpful for understanding available legal aid for the LGBTQIA+ community and the broader advocacy landscape. 

Contact Us. (n.d.). Babaylanes, Inc. https://babaylanes.org/contactus/

This website offers essential contact information for Babaylanes, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in the Philippines. It serves as a direct channel for individuals seeking to engage with the organization. The page underscores the organization's commitment to equality and provides various means of communication, facilitating community connection and advocacy efforts.

Contact us. (n.d.). Bahaghari Center. https://bahagharicenter.org/contact/

This section of the Bahaghari Center’s website provides key contact information for individuals or groups wishing to reach out to the organization. As an advocate for the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines, the Center promotes SOGIESC research and inclusive development. The contact page supports this mission by offering accessible channels for inquiries, support, or collaboration. 

Flores, A.R. (2021). Social Acceptance of LGBTI People in 175 Countries and Locations. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/global-acceptance-index-lgbt/

This article is a report detailing the conditions regarding the acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals in 175 countries from the years 1981 up to 2020 using the Global Acceptance Index, a unit of measure created using statistical models to gauge the attitudes of countries towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Data suggests that the level of acceptance has increased in several countries, and that some countries exhibit the highest levels of such, including Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada. 

Gonzaga, P. (2025, February 7). A list of essential laws every LGBTQ+ Filipino needs to know. Rolling Stone Philippines | Music, Culture, Social Issues. https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/politics/laws-lgbtq-filipinos-need-to-know/

This article is a brief list of existing Philippine laws that LGBTQIA+ people may use in the event that they need legal protection. This list exhausts all available, though not LGBTQIA+ dedicated, legislation in support of their rights to express themselves safely and freely in Philippine society. The main agenda of this list is to enlighten LGBTQIA+ Filipinos on what they can use should they need a legal basis for a case. 

Hotlines in the Philippines for suicide, crisis, depression, mental health. (n.d.). 

https://findahelpline.com/countries/ph

This website provides a detailed directory of call- and chat-based helplines that Filipinos can reach out to for their specific mental health needs. It also readily provides information on the working hours and healthcare providers of each of the organizations listed, making it easy to navigate and decide on. Overall, its accessibility and organization make it a useful resource for persons who need relevant and affordable care during emergencies. 

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association. (n.d.). Constitutional protection against discrimination. https://database.ilga.org/constitutional-protection-lgbti

The website is a database created by the ILGA, detailing the situations of different countries regarding the different laws and policies that each provide for the protection of LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination. Data regarding whether a country has enacted certain legal actions such as providing constitutional protection has been compiled in comprehensive charts and tables. 

Lagablab Network. (n.d.). Lagablab LGBT Network. https://lagablab.org/

This website presents the Lagablab LGBT Network, a coalition advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines through legislative reform and policy engagement. The site provides links to their other online platforms where people can learn more about their initiatives, providing a useful starting point for understanding their advocacy work and outreach efforts. 

LGBTI affairs. (n.d.). Government of Iceland. https://www.government.is/topics/human-rights-and-equality/equality/lgbti-affairs/

This website, as created by the Government of Iceland, details the different legal actions and provisions that the country has enacted for the protection of LGBTQIA+ community as well as to address any issues regarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. The website also includes several links that the  citizens of Iceland may contact or refer to for more information or assistance. 

LGBTQI equality in the Netherlands. (2018). Government of the Netherlands. https://www.government.nl/topics/human-rights/documents/leaflets/2018/06/01/lgbti-equality-in-the-netherlands

This website, as created by the Government of the Netherlands, contains a factsheet that discusses the current state and enacted policies of their country regarding the promotion of the rights as well as the protection of LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination. The website also includes links that may be contacted for further information or assistance.

Ministry of Employment. (2018). Chronological overview of LGBT persons rights in Sweden. Government Offices of Sweden.  https://www.government.se/articles/2018/07/chronological-overview-of-lgbt-persons-rights-in-sweden/

The website, as created by the Government of Sweden, posts an article from their Ministry of Employment, tackling the developments regarding LGBTQIA+ rights of their citizens throughout the history of their country. 

Rights of LGBTI persons. (n.d.). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/rights-lgbti-persons.html 

This website, created by the Government of Canada, discusses the different actions that the government has taken in order to give legal protection to LGBTQIA+ citizens of their country. Also included are links to the different websites of local agencies that are in charge of enacting their own anti-discrimination policies on the local level. Other resources that may provide assistance for concerned individuals are also included in the site. 

The decriminalization of homosexuality. (n.d.). Stortinget. https://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/historical-highlights/the-decriminalization-of-homosexuality/

The website, created by the Government of Norway, posts an article on the history of the country with regard to decriminalizing homosexuality as well as the different policies regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and protection from discrimination, previously and currently being improved and enacted by the country. The website also includes links to different resources that may be referred to or contacted for information or assistance. 

Who we are. (2022, February 16). GALANG Philippines. http://www.galangphilippines.org/about/who-we-are/

This webpage describes GALANG Philippines, an organization started by a group of lesbian friends focused on advocating for the rights and well-being of lesbians, bisexual women, and trans men (LBTs) in the Philippines. The page offers insight into GALANG’s dedication to uplifting marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Abesamis, L.A. & Alibudbud, R. (2023). From the bathroom to a national discussion on LGBTQ+ rights: A case of discrimination in the Philippines. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 28, 84-99. https://doi.org/10.1080/10894160.2023.2251775

The study tackles the different discourses in the country, especially regarding rights and identity, that emerged from the experiences of discrimination of a transgender Filipina in the year 2019. Given that the Philippines is yet to enact a nationwide law protecting LGBTQIA+ people from gender-based discrimination, the article also provides recommendations regarding future steps for legislation regarding LGBTQIA+ rights. 

Galamgam et al. (2021). An analysis on the Implementation of Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy. International Peer Reviewed Journal, 5. https://aseanresearch.org/downloads/astr/publication/5/3%20GALAMGAM.pdf

This article examines the implementation of the Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy, as managed by the Department of Education, in the Philippines. The study suggest that although there are considerably positive effects that may be observed as a result of this policy in terms of “learner’s development” and “learning delivery,” there may be improvements yet to be made for other areas as detailed by the policy, namely “learning environment,” “learning resources,” and “assessment.” Also included in the article are recommendations for better implementation and utilization of the provisions of the policy.