“Makibeki, ‘wag mashokot!” The thunderous chant echoed across Quezon City’s sun-drenched circle on May 3, as rainbow flags fluttered against the humid air. Underneath those colors were living, breathing stories, each one a sign to how the struggle for LGBTQI representation in the 2025 elections is both political and deeply personal.
For MJ Catequista, a 28-year-old trans activist from Laguna, the fight started at home. “My childhood was filled with hiding,” they recalled, voice strong but eyes glassy. “But now, I march because I want the next generation of bakla and trans Pinoys to never feel lesser in their own barangay.” Sharing their story at the launch of the “LGBTQI Community Agenda,” MJ called on candidates to not just court the pink vote, but commit to reforms, stronger workplace protections, SOGIESC education in schools, and healthcare funding for HIV prevention. “Representation means seeing yourself written into the law,” MJ declared. “Not as an exception or afterthought, but as an equal.”
This sentiment ripples through the community. Leslie Ampo-an, a butch lesbian with quick wit and a big heart, helped craft the Agenda after years confronting violence and exclusion. “I’ve had doors slammed in my face, literally and figuratively. Policies can’t just be promises. We need candidates to champion anti-discrimination ordinances and legal protection for LGBTQI couples, for intersex siblings, for all of us,” Leslie insisted.
And as the campaign heats up, young queer Filipinos are making their mark. PANTAY’s Vince Renzo Liban, leading Project Rainbow AGENDA with the Comelec, believes these elections are a turning point. “It’s not about asking for special treatment. We want to be seen as partners in nation-building, our votes and voices counted just like anyone else’s,” Vince said, his hope unwavering. With the Comelec promising anti-discrimination guidelines and partnerships with advocacy groups, more LGBTQI aspirants are coming forward, refusing to let double-meaning jabs or casual bigotry silence their conviction.
But there are setbacks too, a persistent struggle for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, and party-list seats still dominated by political dynasties. Yet, hope springs eternal. “Every vote is an act of courage, every candidacy an act of defiance,” said Jap Ignacio of Babaylanes. “We’re not just fighting for ourselves, but for a future where no one is left behind.”
So beyond the ballot, it’s these stories, of fear and pride, heartbreak and hope, that drive the Filipino LGBTQI community into the heart of the 2025 elections. Their message is clear: We are here, we matter, and we are not done fighting for our rightful place in this beautiful, complicated bayan.
