Health is wealth, and healthcare services must be accessible to all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).
This June, as the nation celebrates Pride Month and the colorful lives of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is a perfect time to highlight the initiatives and organizations that support and advocate inclusive healthcare for the community.
SEE: Raise your Flag for Pride Month 2024 – GoodNewsPilipinas.com
Here are three programs and organizations that are making a real impact on the rainbow community in the Philippines, addressing health awareness and providing services needed by the community.
LoveYourself
Over a decade in service, LoveYourself is a non-profit organization that advocates for embracing the “healthy and vibrant self-worth” of individuals despite being different.
It’s a leading organization in the country that raises consciousness about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), offering testing, counseling, and treatment not only for the LGBT-MSM (Men Who Have Sex with Men) but also the youth.
In 2016, LoveYourself launched Victoria Health and Wellness Center, the pioneering transgender health center in the Philippines. The organization provides transition counseling services like hormone replacement therapy and free consultations with doctors, for those seeking to undergo a gender transition.
For more inclusive health services, visit the LoveYourself website and social media accounts.
Philippine Professional Association for Transgender Health (PPATH)
PPATH is the first professional association for transgender health in Southeast Asia. It is a collaboration between medical practitioners and the community that aims to build compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive healthcare and social services for the rainbow community, especially for transgenders.
The organization expanded its reach when hospitals started demonstrating a commitment to providing services for transgender individuals, such as the opening of the Gender Diversity Clinic at Manila Med Center in 2018 and the Center for Gender Health and Wellness at The Medical City in 2020.
They conduct health education caravans around the country and in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. To further broaden their initiatives, they partnered with LoveYourself.
To learn more about the colorful project of PPATH, visit their website or contact them at 0915 831 8715.
Quezon City’s Gender and Development (GAD) Council Office
In February, the government of Quezon City announced the passage of City Ordinance No. 3221 series of 2023, known as the “Quezon City Right to Care Ordinance.”
Through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), it will authorize queer partners to decide on hospitals, treatments, procedures, tests, or prescriptions that their partners require. It also allows you to provide care support and receive medical updates throughout the admission.
The Gender Advocacy campaign “Quezon City Kickstarts a Widespread Advocacy for the Right to Care” following the passage of the ordinance, won the Grand Anvil Award in January 2024.
In March 2024, the project and MullenLowe TREYNA‘s campaign won the Philippines’ first Glass: The Award for Change for its “culture-shifting” that empowers people to address gender inequality, specifically the right to make medical decisions for their partners.
Indeed a transformative movement that empowers gender inclusivity, specifically healthcare services for the rainbow community.
To know more about the wins of the community on achieving inclusive healthcare, tune in for the full story in @GoodNewsPinas_ https://t.co/QGibDqTIMs
— Stella (@baj_smfm) June 18, 2024
Recently, the QC government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TLF and Trans Health Philippines as a sign of solidarity in promoting trans health programs. It contained the
The initiatives under the QC STARS (Strategic Trans Health Access to Resources and Services Program), such as the Gender-affirmation Code of Conduct, Trans Health Information Campaign, Trans Competent Health Services, Health Providers Network, and Gender-affirming Health Care Ordinance, aim to promote trans health access and resources in the community.
Against the backdrop of traditionally conservative Philippine society, a wave of initiatives and organizations have risen, striving to create an all-encompassing support system for individuals across the entire gender spectrum. The celebration of Pride Month in June is one such good initiative.
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