Queering the Act

Empowerment in Action:
The Vital Role of Activism
in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Written by Kobe Balderas

The LGBTQIA+ community has exhibited remarkable resilience and cohesion, marked by sustained activism aimed at advancing the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive country.

The pivotal role of activism and movements persists in driving forward the ongoing journey towards the widespread acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through their passionate advocacy, these movements serve as catalysts for change, challenging societal norms, advocating for equal rights, and fostering inclusivity.

The LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines is imperative for upholding basic human rights, fostering equality, and promoting social progress. Embracing diversity and inclusivity sends a powerful message of acceptance and respect, contributing to the well-being and mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Legal protections against discrimination and violence, along with economic benefits stemming from inclusive practices, are essential components of supporting this community. Moreover, affirming LGBTQIA+ identities strengthens community bonds, leading to a more compassionate and understanding society overall. By advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, we not only promote social justice but also create environments where everyone can thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.

 

In recent years the support towards the community has seen extensive growth, gaining support from various organizations, notable personalities and even private sectors, although, a common notion among these supports is it tends to be ingenuine, it appears to be supportive to social justice issues online but in reality it may be for attention, clout, or a form of virtue signaling to let followers know that you stand with real-life activists on social justice concerns. Performative activism within the LGBTQIA+ community encompasses actions that prioritize appearances over genuine support or understanding, potentially overshadowing the lived experiences and needs of marginalized individuals, it risks diluting the true essence of advocacy and obstructing progress toward meaningful inclusivity and acceptance. 

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community approach advocacy with a profound mindfulness, understanding that their engagement and interactions, whether online or in real life, hold significant weight. This mindfulness often begins with self-education, as individuals proactively seek to understand LGBTQIA+ rights, intersectionality, and social justice issues. They prioritize the use of inclusive language, recognizing its power to shape perceptions and attitudes towards the community. Online platforms serve as crucial spaces for building supportive communities, amplifying voices, and sharing resources. Within these spaces, individuals actively amplify the voices of marginalized groups, such as queer people of color and transgender individuals, fostering inclusivity and solidarity. Beyond the digital realm, LGBTQIA+ individuals engage in tangible actions, supporting advocacy organizations, organizing local activism efforts, and fostering dialogue and education within their communities. Their activism extends to direct action, including participation in marches, rallies, and interventions to challenge discrimination. By embodying mindfulness in their advocacy efforts, LGBTQIA+ individuals translate online action into real-life impact, contributing to the ongoing fight for equality, acceptance, and social justice for all.

Empowerment in Action:
The Vital Role of Activism in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Written by Kobe Balderas

The LGBTQIA+ community has exhibited remarkable resilience and cohesion, marked by sustained activism aimed at advancing the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive country.

The pivotal role of activism and movements persists in driving forward the ongoing journey towards the widespread acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through their passionate advocacy, these movements serve as catalysts for change, challenging societal norms, advocating for equal rights, and fostering inclusivity.

 

The LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines is imperative for upholding basic human rights, fostering equality, and promoting social progress. Embracing diversity and inclusivity sends a powerful message of acceptance and respect, contributing to the well-being and mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Legal protections against discrimination and violence, along with economic benefits stemming from inclusive practices, are essential components of supporting this community. Moreover, affirming LGBTQIA+ identities strengthens community bonds, leading to a more compassionate and understanding society overall. By advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, we not only promote social justice but also create environments where everyone can thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.

 

In recent years the support towards the community has seen extensive growth, gaining support from various organizations, notable personalities and even private sectors, although, a common notion among these supports is it tends to be ingenuine, it appears to be supportive to social justice issues online but in reality it may be for attention, clout, or a form of virtue signaling to let followers know that you stand with real-life activists on social justice concerns. Performative activism within the LGBTQIA+ community encompasses actions that prioritize appearances over genuine support or understanding, potentially overshadowing the lived experiences and needs of marginalized individuals, it risks diluting the true essence of advocacy and obstructing progress toward meaningful inclusivity and acceptance. 

 

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community approach advocacy with a profound mindfulness, understanding that their engagement and interactions, whether online or in real life, hold significant weight. This mindfulness often begins with self-education, as individuals proactively seek to understand LGBTQIA+ rights, intersectionality, and social justice issues. They prioritize the use of inclusive language, recognizing its power to shape perceptions and attitudes towards the community. Online platforms serve as crucial spaces for building supportive communities, amplifying voices, and sharing resources. Within these spaces, individuals actively amplify the voices of marginalized groups, such as queer people of color and transgender individuals, fostering inclusivity and solidarity.

 

Beyond the digital realm, LGBTQIA+ individuals engage in tangible actions, supporting advocacy organizations, organizing local activism efforts, and fostering dialogue and education within their communities. Their activism extends to direct action, including participation in marches, rallies, and interventions to challenge discrimination. By embodying mindfulness in their advocacy efforts, LGBTQIA+ individuals translate online action into real-life impact, contributing to the ongoing fight for equality, acceptance, and social justice for all.