Recent international and national clamour around LGBTIQ++ human rights has stirred up some very interesting conversations. Some have remained passionate about defending their inherent right to freedom of expression as members of the rainbow community (i.e. gender equality advocates), while others have contested the notion of equality on the basis of morals and biblical scriptures (i.e. religious groups). Both arguments have gained some considerable support from several angles of society.

Interestingly, we have found some interesting crossovers. Some religious groups like the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) are LGBTIQ++ friendly and have released their stated entitled, Let Grace Be Total, signalling that God’s love is for all regardless of sexuality and gender. On the other hand, LGBTIQ+ groups and individuals have joined hands with religious groups to counter the SOGIE Equality Bill, stating that their faith has redeemed and freed them so that legislation is unessential.

Sex Ed. will be a conversation and a space to discuss issues of sexuality and gender in Iloilo City and beyond. I began with providing a rough contextual backdrop of the dialogues around the SOGIE Equality Bill as it is the “hot topic”. It is a perfect example of how one theme concerning sexuality and gender may have very varied angles and opinions. However, Sex Ed. will be more than just addressing one issue of the SOGIE Equality Bill. It will provide a gendered-lens into issues of national (and global) concern, from HIV and AIDS to Gender Based Violence.

I invite you to take our Sex Ed. class on print and learn a thing or two about sexuality and gender!

Justin Francis Bionat is a proud Ilonggo youth! He completed his Masters of Human Rights and Democratisation from Mahidol University, Thailand and his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from West Visayas State University. In 2015, he founded the Iloilo Pride Team, the local LGBTIQ++ organization in Iloilo City. He has had almost 5 years of community activism experience.