“Gender equality must become a lived reality”
Michelle Bachelet
Gender Equality in our Society and in Social Media
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) are at higher risk of poor mental health and well-being. Social media platforms can provide LGBTQ youths with a space that is anti- heteronormantive and may support mental health and well-being. Mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorder; it also includes an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being.
LGBTQIA+ in Social Media
Teens today have grown up on the internet, and social media has served as a space where LGBTQ youth in particular can develop their identities.
The increased risk of cyberbullying that LGBTQ youth face is well-documented. LGBTQ youth are almost three times more likely to be harassed online than their straight, cisgender peers.
In a survey, 84% of LGBTQ adults said not enough protections are on social media to prevent discrimination, harassment or disinformation, according to the report.
LGBTQIA+ Organizations in the Philippines
Metro Manila Pride is among the most well-known LGBTQ+ rights groups in the country. The members describe themselves as a “volunteer-managed, non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating, equipping and empowering the Filipino LGBTQ+ and their communities”. They are also the organisation behind the ever-popular Pride march and festival held every year.
UP Babaylan started out with very humble beginnings. Catalysed by a saddening hate crime that took place within the campus in 1991, the UP Babaylan has now grown to include multiple chapters in various UP campuses including Baguio, Clark, and Diliman.
The organisation continues to campaign for important legislation that will improve the current situation of those in the LGBTQ+ community. It also regularly holds talks and discussions on important issues such as same-sex marriage and civil union. At the moment, it is holding an art fundraiser to support the community during Pride Month.
LakanBini Advocates Pilipinas Inc. is a network of transgender organisations in the Philippines. Through them, various groups can connect to one another to form closer bonds within the community. They promote various events that may benefit their members, and sometimes open volunteer posts for organisations that need help.
Bahaghari Centre aims to contribute towards eradicating discrimination within and against the LGBTQ+ community”. In order to do so, the organisation hosts multiple efforts that support everything from education to celebration. Perhaps one of its most important initiatives is HIV testing, which also accommodates people with impaired hearing. The centre also conducts workshops that train youth leaders and media practitioners on how to properly and sensitively portray the LGBTQ+ community and SOGIE.
GALANG Philippines focuses on lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the Philippines. It views socio-economic problems by understanding the plight of LBT+ members in the country who live below the poverty line. To learn more about how to help out, keep your eye on its social media channels, where members host live talks and call for survey respondents or volunteers.
Importance of Improving Gender Equality in Social Media
People’s ideas, perceptions, and gender stereotypes are all influenced by social media. Unfortunately, most media published throughout social platforms is perpetuating gender inequality. Indeed, the media’s influence on gender views shapes the younger population’s thoughts and beliefs from an early age. This is a detailed look at how social media influences these stereotypes and what we can do to change them.
We all deserve to be heard, not only in our community but also on social media, but in order to be heard, we should first trust ourselves. We should be the first to hear and understand ourselves.
References
Berger, M. N., Taba, M., Marino, J. L., Lim, M. S. C., Skinner, S. R., 1Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, & Berger, C. A. M. N. (n.d.). Social Media use and health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and Queer Youth: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. https://www.jmir.org/2022/9/e38449
Sutton, J. (2021, January 4). How social media perpetuates gender stereotypes and what we can do to educate people about it. Yonkers Tribune. https://www.yonkerstribune.com/2021/01/how-social-media-perpetuates-gender-stereotypes-and-what-we-can-do-to-educate-people-about-it-by-jacy-sutton
Charmaraman, L. (2022, September 21). Social media gives support to LGBTQ youth when in-person communities are lacking. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/social-media-gives-support-to-lgbtq-youth-when-in-person-communities-are-lacking-166253
Diaz, J. (2022, July 13). GLAAD gives Social Media Giants poor grades over lack of protections for LGBTQ users. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/13/1111113396/glaad-social-media-report-lgbtq-online-harassment
Co, R. (n.d.). 5 LGBTQ+ organisations to support this Pride Month 2022. Tatler Asia. https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthrodpy/lgbtqia-support-groups-philippines
Hedegaard, J. (2020, February 27). The crucial role of media in achieving gender equality. IMS. https://www.mediasupport.org/the-crucial-role-of-media-in-achieving-gender-equality/
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