MANILA -- LGBTQI+ Filipinos are twice more likely to be underemployed and are thrice more likely to be in vulnerable employment, according to a study conducted by a group of University of the Philippines (UP) faculty members. 

The study was done among 800 LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ siblings in the Philippines.

 One of the researchers, UP School of Statistics Assistant Professor Xavier Javines Bilon, said this is indicative of a lack of job opportunities and skills being underutilized among members of the LGBTQI+ community.

 Vulnerable employment refers to those who are self-employed and are engaged in unpaid employment.

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 The study also points to members of the LGBTQ+ community being three times more likely to experience workplace discrimination or violence.

 “Pinaka-una dito ‘yung pinagsasalitaan ng masama ng katrabaho o supervisor […] Common din doon sa aming mga participants sa pag-aaral na binabantayan sila ng kanilang katrabaho o supervisor sa kanilang itsura o paraan ng pagkilos,” Bilon said. 

Discriminatory practices described in various studies on LGBTQI+ Filipinos showed “unfair treatment, verbal harassment, and deliberate obstruction of career growth,” which has led to vulnerable employment and even unemployment, according to Rocky Rinabor of TLF SHARE Collective, an advocacy group for sexual health and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) rights.

 P73B ESTIMATED GDP LOSS 

In a study by a coalition of global businesses, Open for Business, poor health outcomes due to LGBTQI+ discrimination cost the Philippine economy up to P93 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) loss. This is in relation to the government’s response to HIV and AIDS and depression.

 The amount was based on an estimate of lost economic output, taking into account the population of LGBTQI+ people and the excess prevalence of the aforementioned health conditions for LGBTQI+ people.

 “As it is, economic policies rarely account for the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ Filipinos,” Rinabor said.

 SOGIESC EQUALITY BILL 

Bilon and groups like Babaylanes are pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 1600 or the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Act. According to Bilon, the lack of a law to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ Filipinos is one of the reasons behind the prevalence of discriminatory practices.

 “Patapos na ‘yung ating Kongreso ngayong Hunyo. Tuloy pa rin tayo sa pagsulong ng SOGIE Equality Bill para masigurong ligtas at pantay ang mga karapatan ng LGBTQ Filipinos. Pero patuloy din nating susubaybayan ‘yung susunod na Kongreso at pagtiyak na ‘yung iboboto nating lider ay para sa lahat, kabilang ang mga LGBTQ,” Bilon said.

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 SB 1600 is pending second reading at the Senate. It was filed back in December 2022.

 Aside from policy changes, Bilon highlighted the need for the private sector to step up as inclusive companies are shown to attract and retain good talents better.

 “Sa mga pribadong kumpanya, kailangan magkaroon sila ng policies and programs na tutugon sa pangangailangan at magpoprotekta sa mga LGBTQ na mga empleyado nila. So una diyan halimbawa ‘yung employee resource groups na tinatawag. So kailangan bigyang suporta ito ng mga pribadong kumpanya. At pangalawa, kailangan ding mayroong anti-discrimination policies ‘yung mga sariling kumpanya,” Bilon said.