A recent survey in the Philippines indicates a growing societal acceptance of gays and lesbians, with 79% of respondents affirming them as trustworthy and 73% acknowledging their contributions to societal progress.
Survey Findings: The results, released during Pride Month, depict a shift in attitudes over the past decade in this socially conservative country.
* The March survey, conducted by Social Weather Stations, polled 1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide.
* In 2013, the figures were significantly lower with 67% considering gays and lesbians as trustworthy and 54% agreeing they contributed to society.
Community Response: Reyna Valmores, head of the Philippines-based LGBTQ+ organization Bahaghari, characterized the results as a “positive development” indicating their growing acceptance.
* Valmores, however, noted a substantial amount of awareness-raising still needed, with 43% of the survey’s respondents associating AIDS with homosexuality and 40% wishing any gay or lesbian family members would become straight.
Religion and Acceptance: In the Philippines, where 86% of the population identifies as Catholic, religion has long been considered a significant barrier for the LGBTQ+ community, but it can also provide resilience.
* Abortions, divorces, and same-sex marriages are outlawed reflecting the nation’s conservative tilt.
* A 2023 study has found that some LGBTQ+ youth derive empowerment from their faith, adapting it as a source of resilience.
Remaining Challenges: While the survey signals growing acceptance, LGBTQ+ advocates assert that there’s a pressing need for concrete anti-discrimination policies in the country.
* Valmores articulates the difference between public acceptance and the lack of effective measures to prevent discrimination on a national level.
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