“Ask Me Anything About SOGIESC” Sheds Light on Intersex Realities and Rights

It was a day of learning, connection, and meaningful conversation as the BlogaFam gathered for “Ask Me Anything About SOGIESC”—a fun and engaging session brought to life by Intersex Philippines, in partnership with Blogapalooza and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, through the support of the Humanis Foundation's Free to Be Me Program funded by the Dutch Government. With the message “Dahil kapag may Equality, Happy ang Economy,” the event aimed to spark curiosity, promote inclusivity, and celebrate the beauty of being different—because when everyone is understood and accepted, everyone wins!

The event gave everyone a deeper understanding of what SOGIESC really is and why it’s something that affects the Filipino people. It also shed light on the realities faced by intersex Filipinos—stories that deserve to be heard. By learning about these issues, we start to see the bigger picture: SOGIESC equality helps build a kinder, more accepting society. And when people feel valued and included, everyone wins, not just on a personal level, but in ways that benefit communities and the economy too.

The event started with an insightful talk from Hans Madanguit, Project Manager at Intersex Philippines. He broke down SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) in a simple and relatable way. One of the biggest aha-moments? Learning that everyone has SOGIESC—it’s not exclusive to the LGBTIQ+ community. Whether you’re straight, queer, trans, or intersex, SOGIESC is part of our identity as a person.

Then came a heartfelt and inspiring discussion with Jeff Cagandahan, Executive Director of Intersex Philippines. Jeff shared his personal journey as the first intersex Filipino to legally change his first name and sex marker through a Supreme Court ruling. His story touched everyone in the room, proof that real change is possible.

Jeff also gave us a clearer understanding of what it means to be intersex—people born with a variation of sex characteristics, such as sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns, and/or chromosomal patterns, that don’t fit the typical binary notions of male or female bodies.This deeper explanation sparked a lot of great questions from the BlogaFam, who were eager to learn more and dive into the real experiences intersex people go through.

Some of the key issues discussed were:

• Ending non-consensual surgeries on intersex children

• Legal recognition and protection for intersex individuals

• Inclusive policies in schools, hospitals, sports, and more

  
  

These advocacies, along with the proposed Cagandahan Bill are among the key initiatives being championed by the organization. Together, they aim to make it easier for intersex Filipinos to change their legally given name and sex marker at the local registry without the need for a court order, ensuring dignity, recognition, and protection for all.

There was genuine warmth and openness in the room, with content creators not just asking questions but truly connecting with the speakers and their stories. It was the kind of dialogue that gives hope for a more understanding and inclusive future.

The event was made even more exciting thanks to the generous support of member companies from the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, who provided special prizes for attendees. These included:

• Four (4) PHP 500 gift certificates from Butterboy Bakehouse

• One (1) PHP 1000 gift certificate and Two (2) PHP 500 gift certificates from Milkwear

• A grooming package from Barbierro Barbershop

• An intimacy package from Frisky Unlimited

• A warm and fragrant set from Sunday Zen

  
  

Huge thanks to these brands for adding fun and appreciation to the day through these generous giveaways!

Ms. Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza, left everyone with a heartfelt message:

This event reminded us that listening is the first step to understanding—and understanding leads to change. As creators, we have the power to tell stories, amplify voices, and build a kinder, more inclusive world. I’m so proud of our BlogaFam for showing up, asking questions, and being part of something bigger. Advocacy begins with awareness, and today, we took a beautiful step forward together.

By bringing together creators and advocates, this event showed that open conversations like these can spark awareness and help build greater acceptance. When people take the time to listen and understand, barriers start to break down. It’s through these honest, heart-to-heart discussions that change begins—starting with awareness, leading to empathy, and eventually to action. And seeing how engaged the BlogaFam was throughout the session, it’s clear that creators are ready to use their voices to push for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Dahil “Kapag may Equality, Happy ang Economy!”