Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines on
Non-Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
and Expression Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
Filipinos continue to experience stigma, prejudice and
discrimination in Philippine society. This stigma is manifested
in actions such as: bullying, teasing and harassment of LGBT
children and adolescents in families, schools and communities;
media portrayal of LGBTs as frivolous, untrustworthy and even
dangerous or predatory; denying transgender Filipinos entry into
commercial establishments; pigeonholing LGBT Filipinos into
particularly limited roles and occupations; or curtailing their
rights to participate in the political sphere. LGBT Filipinos
often confront social pressures to hide, suppress or even
attempt to change their identities and expressions as conditions
for their social acceptance and enjoyment of rights. Although
many LGBTs learn to cope with this social stigma, these
experiences can cause serious psychol