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Country Overview

Philippines

At a glance

Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?

Yes

Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?

Yes

Legal Gender Recognition Possible?

No

LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?

Yes

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LGBTIQ people in the Philippines enjoy broad social support, as surveys suggest that a majority of people agree same-sex sexuality should be accepted by society and believe LGBTIQ people should have access to the same rights as other people. However, this has not translated to policies that guarantee the protection of LGBTIQ people from violence and discrimination. For example, there is no legislation that tackles domestic violence against LGBTIQ people. Additionally, a national anti-discrimination bill has been stalled in Congress for more than two decades, although in some cities and provinces, local anti-discrimination ordinances have been passed. Advocates for marriage equality and legal gender recognition have not been successful in their efforts to change the legal landscape around these issues, as people still cannot change their legal gender markers, and same-sex couples cannot be legally recognized. A large majority of Filipino people are Roman Catholic, and the Roman Catholic Church has been a vocal opponent against the equal rights of LGBTIQ people. Media representation of LGBTIQ people is mixed, but there has been a proliferation of alternative media that showcase queer lives in a more accurate and friendly manner. The number of LGBTIQ-friendly spaces like bars and restaurants has also grown, and they enjoy considerable support and patronage. 

 

Global Impact

Sub-Saharan Africa

Outright supports LGBTIQ organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa and works with mainstream human rights organizations to respect human rights and influence positive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that cause discrimination against LGBTIQ people.

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United Nations

Our work at the United Nations centers around advocating for the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ people.

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Asia

Our work in Asia promotes acceptance of sexual and gender diversity at all levels of society.

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Middle East and North Africa

In the Middle East and North Africa, we partner with local groups in various countries as part of our international solidarity work. We also work with our local partners on different topics through capacity building, advocacy, research and holistic security.



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Europe and Central Asia

Outright International partners with activists to fight for an end to human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Europe and Central Asia, where most of our work involves emergency responses to harassment, discrimination, violence, and most recently, Russia’s brutal and expanded invasion of Ukraine.

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Americas

Our work in the Americas continues to build on the fundamental and positive transformation of human rights protections in recent years. We partner with groups in the Caribbean that focus on ending gender-based violence and eradicating discrimination against trans people.

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Pacific

Our work in the Pacific aims to increase the visibility of activists, respond to human rights emergencies, and actively bridge local, regional, and international activism to achieve equality and justice.

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Human Rights Research

Since 1990, we have partnered with activists from all over the world to produce hundreds of groundbreaking reports.

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