With the support of the Humanis Foundation through its Free to Be Me Program, Intersex Philippines is spearheading the #HappyEconomy campaign to make the public understand how equality - free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) - is essential for economic progress. The effort aims to showcase the benefits of inclusive policies and the positive impact of LGBTIQ+ people’s active, unhampered, and supported involvement in employment and entrepreneurial pursuits in the economy.
“It is important to have a common understanding and strong belief that when there is equitable access to opportunities and services regardless of SOGIESC, everybody gains because we can achieve our maximum capabilities to fully contribute in the society, creating a more robust economy for all,” says Jeff Cagandahan, President of Intersex Philippines.
In partnership with the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the campaign calls on the deepening and expansion of LGBTIQ+ allyship across businesses by highlighting the economic opportunities to be gained through gender-inclusive industry reforms. The private sector has a key role in pushing for policy change by becoming an agent of equality for all.
“Our goal is clear: establish a genuinely inclusive Philippine economy that recognizes the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people. The economic benefit of inclusion should go beyond numbers as we strive to transform Philippine business into a productive and accepting space for our community. We are optimistic that our collective approach will result in greater economic development across the country,” Ronn Astillas, Chair of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, emphasized.
Numerous research studies show the economic cost of exclusion based on SOGIESC. One report from Open for Business Coalition estimates that the Philippines is losing between P65.6 billion and P147.6 billion, or about 0.3 percent to 0.67 percent of gross domestic product annually due to discriminatory practices against LGBTIQ+ Filipinos resulting in unemployment, underemployment, and psychological stress, which can lower or diminish productivity and limit their potential.
#HappyEconomy campaign also amplifies the call for the need to pass the SOGIE Equality bill, which seeks to protect Filipinos from discrimination because of their SOGIESC and encourages the private sector to become vocal champions of inclusion by being at the forefront of the advocacy. For further information about this campaign, please reach out to Bianca Daamo at +63 935 145 0826 or email biancadaamo.ftbm@gmail.com. You can also stay updated by visiting Intersex Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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