In a Filipino setting, members of the LGBT community commonly experience issues showing their real identity to society, especially in the workplace.
This is visible in previous studies looking deeper into the discrimination the queer community encountered as they entered the professional world.
According to the International Labour Organization (2018), more than 60% of Filipinos who are part of the LGBT community observed exclusion from the job requirements of companies.
When it comes to the workplace itself, international data has also shown that they received negative treatment such as jokes, rumors, and other critical comments about their sexual identity.
These numbers were described as increasing even during the pandemic, as members of the LGBT community are still experiencing discrimination based on their sexual identity.
To cite an example, other companies did not allow these individuals to provide their partner’s name as a beneficiary on their healthcare plan, limiting them to giving assistance in times of emergency.
This scenario was also observed by Sherwin Viray, a digital producer for a media company that is also part of the LGBT community.
Sherwin himself revealed that he experienced being discriminated against for his sexual identity when he entered the professional world, which demotivated him at first.
“Actually malaking impact yun lalo na sa gusto mo gawin kasi it affects sa mental health mo. Kapag na-discriminate ka, big factor doon yung mapapaisip ka kung tama ba yung ginagawa mo,” he said.
Sherwin then elaborated that individuals like him experienced discrimination through harassment just because they were part of the LGBT community.
“Parang sa tingin nila okay lang na bastusin ka kasi they took advantage of the situation. Mostly of these are harassments na akala nila joke nalang yun para sa amin,” Sherwin said.
Sherwin mentioned that he tried to put an end to this stigma, but even his employers ignored his attempts to address the issue.
“They always say na part kami ng LGBT so bakit ka naooffend. Which is out of line kasi we’re also human so we should also be respected,” Sherwin explained.
But Sherwin still fought for his rights as part of the LGBT community, continued to excel in his work, and even pursued his dream to become a filmmaker.
Eventually, he found companies that did not discriminate against his sexual identity in relation to his passion and job. This has then motivated Sherwin to know that there are still people who are willing to support him no matter what.
Noting his past experiences in finding a safe working space, Sherwin emphasized the importance of having anti-discrimination rules in a company and the passing of the SOGIE bill.
He clarified that individuals like him have a goal to have a fair system for them, just like other genders.
“Protection for LGBT people is not giving them special treatment or highlighting their situation, I do believe that all people should be respected just like other genders, I do believe that if we are comfortable and well respected we can showcase more skills and talents just like everybody does,” Sherwin said.
With this, Sherwin still advised other members of the LGBT community to stay true to themselves because this will always be the first step in finding a safe space for them.
“Just be yourself kasi discrimination will always be there kahit ano pa’ng sabihin mo sa kanila. Always achieve to be a bigger person,” he said.
Up until now, Sherwin has continued his passion and highlighted the beauty of the LGBT community, as he also directed local boys love films.
