Boogie Wonderland: Understanding Gender-Based Violence among LGBT Community in Emilio C. Bernabe Senior High School–Bagac, Bataan

Abstract

Gender-based violence encompasses a large variety of crimes committed like, rape, sexual harassment, and stalking, forced prostitution, all based on ones gender. In 1996, the World Health Assembly declared that gender violence is “a leading worldwide public health problem” it is also dubbed as the ‘hidden epidemic” in the society. In line to this, schools should be a safe ground for every student. This study revealed the current estate of the Philippine government that seeks to pursue the House Bill No.4982 or the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) authored by Representative Geraldine B. Roman. It was distinguished that challenges in LGBT movement include the lack of an umbrella organization, lack of understanding within the LGBT community about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification or Expression (SOGIE) concepts and lack of unity due to class differences. This is in the context of continuous social and political challenges faced by the LGBT community and lack of studies about LGBT rights in the Philippines. The participants of the study were composed of 10 self-identified LGBT students from Emilio C. Bernabe Senior High School. And due to ethical standards the researcher censored the participant’s identity. The participants were composed of 2 lesbians, 6 gays, and 2bisexuals. Based from the responses of the participants, it was discovered that students who are part of the LGBT community often find their school experience to be marred, by bullying, discrimination, lack of access to LGBT-related information, and in some cases physical or sexual assault. The study is imperative to provide relevant information and clear understanding on the experiences of the students who are members of LGBT community. Highlighting the campaign of the DepEd Order 40, series of 2012 also known as the DepEd Child Protection Policy, DepEd Order 32, series of 2017 or the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy, DepEd Order 55, series of 2013 otherwise known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and the House Bill No.4982 or the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE).