Over 200,000 members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community in Quezon City, Philippines, marched to push for passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) anti-discrimination bill.
The proposed measure seeks to ensure the fundamental right of all Filipinos to access essential services, job opportunities, health care, safety and legal recourse.
BPO Employees Gays, Lesbians and Allies for Genuine Acceptance and Democracy (Be Glad) joined the protest for equality, along with several call center groups, various human rights organizations and youth, government and faith-based networks.
The group also pushed back against the legislated push for economic constitutional reform, which may allow 100% foreign ownership of strategic industries, including the booming business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which includes call centers.
Be Glad shared in a statement, “BPO workers are at risk with the changes made in the constitution through charter change, as this will allow for unbridled race-to-the-bottom wages in the BPO industry and in other industries as well.”