Yesterday, May 17, was the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).  The whole world celebrated IDAHO and here are some of the messages from key supporters of the LGBT cause:

From U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton:

In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.

And here’s a message from Lady Gaga:

“That Humanity could find Togertherness. We are all different and it is that which makes us the same”

Be yourself, love who you are and be proud. You were born this way, baby.”

In the Philippines, Outrage Magazine announced that the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia will see the launch of the “ALL EQUAL” campaign, with posters to be distributed to LGBT sites (online and off) in the Philippines. This comes in time when an anti-discrimination bill is being introduced in the House of Congress of the Philippines.

So what does this mean to every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender in the Philippines? It means that we should not stop fighting for our rights (and support the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill). It means that we should extend that “day” and turn into everyday!

If you have been watching the debates in the House of Representative on the Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill), you would notice that some of our Congressmen are clearly devoid of LOGIC! These Congressmen, I assume, will be the same ones who will volunteer to interpellate the sponsor of the Anti-Discrimination Bill when its time comes (hopefully soon). Let’s just hope and pray that these supposed representatives of the people develop some sense of logic within them and not let their religious beliefs and their close-mindedness take over. Let’s hope they listen.  (Details of how you can support the Anti-Discrimination Bill here)

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