Title/Topic: Shaping a Future of Acceptance: LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Discourse

Objectives: To educate people to deeply understand the different gender identities; To raise awareness regarding the rights of LGBT Community; To inform people the list of
options that could make a difference in society; To voice out and help the LGBT Community get the respect that they should have in the first place.

Introduction: Moderator

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow participants, a pleasant morning to everyone. I am deeply honored to stand before you today as your moderator for this
esteemed panel discussion. My name is Keira Mendoza, and I'm truly excited to guide us through what promises to be an engaging and enlightening discussion about the topic
entitled Shaping a Future of Acceptance: LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Discourse.

To start, I would like to ask, is anyone here aware of what LGBTQia+ means?

LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual. Lesbian, are women who are sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to
other women. Gay, are men who are attracted to other men. Bisexual or Bi, is a person who could be attracted to both women and men or to more than one sex or gender.
Transgender, a person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth. Queer, a person who doesn't have an established ideas of sexuality
and gender. Intersex, a person is born with a combination of male and female biological traits. Asexual, someone who does not experience sexual attraction toward
individuals of any gender.

The world has changed a lot compared to what it was years ago. It includes the progress of acceptance of different gender identities and activities throughout the years. A lot
of people now understand feminine guys and masculine girls. Some are comfortable now in seeing people who cross-dress and wears makeup. Nevertheless, if there are
people who support it, there will always be huge amount of number of people who despise the idea of it. The said changes throughout the years makes us believe that
LGBTQs are more accepted and welcomed now in this world not until we talk about their rights. It shows us that there is progress, however, it is almost steady. We indeed
have progressed a lot if we compare it to 50 years ago. And that's what makes it slow. Because we could compare today's time to the better and idealistic future, for us to keep
motivated to make that idea our reality. But we choose not to for we refuse to see how slow the real progress of this country. Generally speaking, we often blind and fool
ourselves into thinking that we progressed a lot than years ago. Of course, we did. But as we continue doing so, it will cost us decades of time wasting to be an inch closer to
what society shall actually be right now.

This discourse is more than just a conversation; it symbolizes the challenges, aspirations, and perseverance of a diverse community that has long fought for recognition,
equality, and the right to exist authentically. In this discussion, we will examine all aspects of LGBTQIA+ discriminatory discourse in this conversation, including its
historical origins, current manifestations, and the significant effects it has on people, societies, and the future of humanity as a whole. We will aim to reveal the roads to
acceptance as we travel this complex terrain while ultimately striving to contribute to a society where love, identity, and self-expression knows no limitations.

Before we start, allow me the privilege of introducing our esteemed panelists for today's discussion. Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our
conversation, and their insights promise to make our discourse both informative and enlightening.

First we have Ms. Red Dominique Francisco, she is a gender equality advocate & a former Youth Leader in their Church. Our second panelist is Mr. Jill Kazunori Maula, an
advocate for gender equality and promotion of health and rights for queer people. Our next panelist is Mr. Yuean Reqcryz Santiagio, an advocate for those who are victims of
discrimination. Our next panelist is none other than Ms. Nadine Kyle Martillano, she promotes youth and women empowerment. Next is Mr. Neo Dankyle Cayago, he
promotes an advocacy for LGBTQia+ leadership saying that all genders can lead with greater confidence. Our 6 th panelist is Ms. Ericka Tongol, she has an advocacy for
human rights. Next is Mr. Nathan Palomares, he is an advocate for mental health awareness and promotes the importance of well-being. And lastly Mr. Eon Damien Sanchez,
an advocate for Anti-Discrimination acts and Equal Rights for any gender. Please welcome our panelist, kindly give them a round of applause.

Panelist, are you all ready?

Moderator: For the first question(1), “What is the significance of understanding and acknowledging different gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum?”

Eon Sanchez: Recognizing and acknowledging diverse gender identities is a matter of respecting individuals' inherent dignity. Everyone deserves to be recognized and
addressed in a way that aligns with their self-identified gender. By acknowledging different gender identities, we create a more inclusive and accepting society. This
inclusivity helps individuals feel seen, valued, and affirmed, contributing to their overall well-being. It can reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by transgender and
gender-nonconforming individuals, thereby improving mental health outcomes. Acknowledging different gender identities fosters education and awareness about the
LGBTQIA+ community. It encourages conversations about gender diversity, which can lead to greater empathy, understanding, and acceptance among the general population.

Yuean Santiago: I agree, greater awareness of gender diversity can help reduce bias and prejudice against transgender and it challenges stereotypes and misconceptions,
fostering a more compassionate society that is free from discrimination. It is particularly important for LGBTQIA+ youth, who may be exploring their gender identity.
Providing support and affirmation during this critical period can have a lifelong positive impact. And lastly, it promotes unity and mutual support among individuals with
varying gender identities and sexual orientations.

Moderator: Our second question is, how has society's perception of LGBTQIA+ individuals changed over the years, and what are the key factors contributing to this change?
(2)

Dankyle Cayago: Society's perception of LGBTQIA has changed over the years from negative to positive due to the transition of generations. Individuals becoming more
open to their true personality and identity. One of the factors that contributed to this change is awareness and acceptance, as we all know, people are now more aware and
used in seeing LGBT Community that what it was before. And also, the use of social media platforms helped to spread the word and it also helped people to express
themselves. Since social media gives them the freedom to act and express their true identity. Giving others the courage to open up as well.

Moderator: Next questions(3) is, Can you elaborate on the discrimination and harassment that LGBTQIA+ members face on a daily basis, and what are the consequences of
such treatment?

Jill Maula: Many LGBTQIA+ individuals have experienced homophobic slurs, discrimination, threats, harassment, and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender
identity, leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Schools should be safe places for everyone. But in the Philippines, LGBTQIA+ students often encounter bullying,
discrimination, limited access to LGBT-related information, and even physical or sexual assault in schools. Discriminatory policies enforce rigid gender norms through
uniforms, dress codes, restroom restrictions, separate activities for boys and girls, and scrutiny of same-sex friendships. Transgender students face particular challenges as
they are often treated according to their assigned sex at birth rather than their gender identity. They are being catcalled in school by calling them “Bakla or Bading”, a slang
term for gay and “Tibo, and Tomboy” that is used by many as an insult against them. Verbal bullying, physical abuse, and sexual harassment are common problems,
sometimes involving both students and complicit teachers.

Eon Sanchez: That’s right, they still suffer severe and blatant gender bias in all areas of public and private life; including housing, employment, opportunities in academic
settings, in the ability to buy goods and services, and in the opportunities to participate meaningfully in our society's decision making processes. They are experiencing
discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, benefits, and work conditions because of their gender identities. And even in adopting a child, single LGBT adopters may
sometimes be refused to adopt as unfit under "good moral character" criteria.

Moderator: What are the major challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in terms of legal rights and recognition, both in the Philippines and globally?(4)
Yuean Santiago: As stated earlier by Mr. Eon Sanchez, in many parts of the world, laws and regulations governing adoption are not inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals and
couples. Some legal systems explicitly discriminate against them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, making it difficult or even impossible for them to adopt
children. While many countries have made progress in legalizing same-sex marriage, it still remains illegal or unrecognized in many parts of the world, denying LGBTQIA+
couples the same legal rights and benefits as heterosexual couples.

Moderator: How does the intersection of religion and state affect discussions and policies related to LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly in the context of same-sex marriage?(5)

Nathan Palomares: The contrasting viewpoints of religion and state have a significant impact on discussions and policies concerning LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly same-sex
marriage. State institutions, driven by equality and nondiscrimination principles, may work to legalize and recognize same-sex marriage, promoting civil rights for
LGBTQIA+ individuals. Religious institutions, on the other hand, frequently adhere to traditional definitions of marriage, viewing same-sex unions as incompatible.

Moderator: How can governments, including the Philippine government, work to protect and ensure the equal rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and what steps can be taken
to strengthen existing laws?(6)

Ericka Tongol: The Philippines is one of the highest-ranking for LGBT social acceptance, but for some reason, there are instances where they are still being discriminated
against. The SOGIE bill, the law that criminalizes discrimination and provides safe space for the LGBT community, has weakened in the Philippine Congress, and that is why
the government needs to provide or stabilize the existing law by bringing it up in Congress to promote diversity and accuracy. Laws focusing on LGBT rights should be
implemented, and they ought to be handled taking into consideration the people being mentioned. Also, people who are part of the LGBT community shall be heard,
especially those who are experiencing such an act by society. We cannot just watch Philippine legislators fail to create a national anti-discrimination law for the LGBT
community over and over again, but we need to speak up for those who can't, for we are all born free and equal.

Moderator: What is the importance of educating young people about different gender identities and sexual orientations, and how can this education contribute to reducing
discrimination and bias?(7)

Nadine Martillano: Gender identity and sexual orientation should be taught to young people because it will help us create a safer and more inclusive community. In this case,
if you are respectful and understanding, discrimination and bias will lessen in the society or eventually put a stop to several gender stereotypes including issues with
homophobia and transphobia. Educating young people about gender identity and sexual orientation could also help them understand that people have diverse experiences and
identities which should be recognized and respected; or in other words, it assists young people in developing the ability to relate to individuals who are different from them,
hence reducing bullying and harassment. Lastly, with proper education and guidance, the youth would not only be socially aware, but also enlightened to understand
themselves even better.

Moderator: We conducted a survey among gr.7 to gr.9 students about their own views and opinions regarding the LGBTQia+ people; and the results were all positive
responses about them. This survey was truly an eyeopener for us to acknowledge that most youth today are increasingly open-minded about the LGBTQ topic. And now, it is
our goal to start investing more to them by providing them proper education about gender equality, spreading awareness, and guiding them at a very young age. By doing so,
we can pave the path for a more accepting future by recognizing that these young brains will be the torchbearers of acceptance and inclusivity in the coming years.

Moderator: Could you explain the concept of same-sex union and its potential benefits for LGBTQIA+ individuals, even if it is not fully recognized by religious institutions?
(8)

Red Francisco: We cannot deny the rigidity of the Religions against certain laws that gives rights for everyone to commit "immoral acts". Nonetheless, if the Church doesn't
like the idea of same sex marriage, then we shouldn't stop finding solutions and listing options to give the LGBT Community their freedom of choice. Marriage in church is
something really sacred and the religious beliefs are primordial --- It should never be disturbed nor questioned by society. So the government shall be open in same sex union
for the rights of LGBT Community, it will give the equal rights of the people in our country. The people of the Philippines must also be open in allowing and supporting this
to make this a reality in most soon possible time. Same sex civil union is a legally recognized arrangement, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for
same-sex couples. It is similar to marriage, however, it is not fully recognized by the Church. Same sex union gives the members of LGBT Community the right to their
partner's benefits and properties.

Moderator: In light of the religious perspective presented in the essay, how can discussions about LGBTQIA+ acceptance and rights be framed to promote love,
understanding, and inclusivity among all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity?(9)

Nathan Palomares:We shouldn't focus on what we cannot control. Religious people and their reasons why they don't support LGBT Community is valid. However, they shall
not be the reason why we stop on spreading love and equality that is for all. We can never make them unlearn things and please everybody, though we can still promote peace
in our own ways without asking them to support us. They will eventually do so if they wanted to.

Red Francisco: For the past years, religious people never fail to give different bible verses that God had said. One of the most common, particularly when the topic is LGBT is
Matthew 19:4-6: "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and
mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh." A very strong and wonderful verse, indeed. That I could never
use anything to counter that. But as a believer of God, I only want nothing but to spread the truth that God would never want us to be like this. We are all His children. We all
deserve to love and be loved. Therefore, I'd also like to share and leave a powerful verse, John 15:12: My Command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. This
discussion is to remind everyone that love is love. Love sees no gender and it shall never be selective just because that's what we're used to for the past years. We aim to be
the generation of acceptance, love, and hope. For everyone. Because love is for all.

Moderator: Ladies and gentleman, as we conclude this enlightening panel discussion on "Shaping a Future of Acceptance: LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Discourse," I want to
express my gratitude to our incredible panelists for their valuable insights and perspectives. Today, we've embarked on a journey towards a more inclusive future, one that
embraces diversity and dismantles discrimination. I encourage each of us, as students and young advocates, to carry the torch of acceptance forward by continuing these
conversations, challenging stereotypes, and actively promoting LGBTQIA+ rights in our communities and beyond. The responsibility to shape a future of acceptance rests
with our generation, and I'm confident that by working together, we can make a positive impact and create a world where love, respect, and equality are truly universal. Thank
you all for your engagement and passion in this important discourse.