Loading...
Please wait
PAP Statement Upholding the Basic Human Rights and Well-being of LGBT Persons Based on the Psychological Science of SOGIE
August 11, 2020 - 19:32:26 pm

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) reiterates its stand against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) and rejects recent narratives that directly or indirectly use psychology in ways that misinform the public and stigmatize LGBT+ Filipinos. Stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities, including misinformed claims associating their identities and experiences with mental illness, have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBT+ individuals, families, and communities (Meyer, 2003). The PAP reaffirms its position alongside global initiatives (International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Issues, 2018; PAP, 2011) to remove the stigma of mental illness associated with diverse sexualities and gender identities and to promote the well-being of all Filipinos, including those who are LGBT+. 

We present the following evidence and inferences from psychological, clinical, and social science research: 

  1. Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) are various characteristics of ALL human beings. Sexual orientation refers to one’s enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both genders and one’s sense of identity based on these attractions (American Psychological Association, 2008). Gender identity refers to one’s internal sense of being a man, woman, or other gender, and gender expression refers to the way one communicates one’s gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, body characteristics, and others (American Psychological Association, 2011). Legislation against discrimination on the basis of perceived or actual SOGIE protects all Filipinos from discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and other important areas. 
  2. Being transgender is different from being gay/lesbian. Transgender people are individuals whose gender identity and/or gender expression differ from those typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth (APA, 2011). Thus, transwomen were assigned male at birth and identify as women; transmen were assigned female at birth and identify as men. The terms transpinay (for transwoman) and transpinoy (for transman) are also used by transgender individuals of Filipino descent to describe their identity (Rainbow Rights Project, 2014). On the other hand, being gay/lesbian, bisexual, or straight pertains to sexual orientation (APA, 2008). Gay men are men who are attracted to other men; lesbians are women who are attracted to other women; and bisexual individuals are men and women who are attracted to both men and women. 
  3. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender are part of the NORMAL variation of human sexuality and gender identity and expression. They do not indicate either mental or developmental disorders (APA, 2008; APA, 2011). This is the consensus of mental health professional organizations worldwide (including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the British Psychological Society, the Chinese Society of Psychiatry, the Colombian Society of Psychology, Psychological Society of South Africa, and the Australian Psychological Society) based on decades of scientific research. 
  4. Attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression are ineffective and harmful to the individual. Substantial research shows that efforts to “convert” LGBT+ individuals do not lead to lasting changes in SOGIE, and can lead to the development of mental health problems (APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, 2009). These findings have led mental health professional organizations (including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the British Psychological Society) to disavow such interventions on the grounds that these are ineffective, dangerous, and unethical. 
  5. The diagnosis “gender dysphoria” does not apply to all transgender individuals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition defines gender dysphoria as a conflict between one’s physical or assigned gender and the gender with which one identifies (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Gender dysphoria involves "clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning” (DSM-5 302.6/F64.2; DSM-5 302.85/F64.1). Transgender people do not necessarily experience clinically significant distress in their desire to transition to the other gender. While many transgender people do experience distress, it is mostly from societal stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. 
  6. LGBT+ individuals in the Philippines experience stigma, discrimination, and violence on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, which has negative consequences on their mental health and well-being throughout their life span. This stigma can take varied forms including: bullying and harassment of LGBT+ children in families and schools; physical and sexual violence against LGBT+ Filipinos; denial of entry of transgender Filipinos into commercial establishments and public spaces; and discrimination on the basis of SOGIE in hiring practices, health care services, and housing (Lim & Jordan, 2013; Rainbow Rights Project, 2014). Research shows that such experiences of stigma and discrimination are linked to increased risk of mental health problems (including depression and suicide) among LGBT+ people (Manalastas, 2013; Manalastas, 2016; Meyer, 2003). 
  7. The experience of other countries shows that policies and legislation promoting equal rights and prohibiting discrimination can reduce stigma on the basis of SOGIE and lead to better mental and physical health. Anti-discrimination legislation is associated with decreased risk for mental and physical health problems, and therefore improved well-being among LGBT+ individuals (Evans, 2018). 

Given these, we reiterate our support of the basic human rights of all people in the SOGIE spectrum. In addition, we recommend (1) continuing education of medical and mental health professionals in order to enhance their knowledge and skills in providing humane and evidencebased care for clients seeking help with SOGIE-related concerns; (2) dissemination of research that addresses the needs and concerns of LGBT+ Filipinos and their families through workshops, seminars, and similar activities; and (3) continuing dissemination of information on the importance of seeking out certified psychologists for media practitioners and individuals who wish to get professional psychological advice on SOGIE-related concerns (a list of certified psychologists can be found at the PAP website: www.pap.org.ph). 

The PAP affirms that by virtue of their gender identity, transwomen (transpinays) are women and transmen (transpinoys) are men; and that all human beings, including LGBT individuals, deserve to live with dignity and respect for their rights and well-being. We will uphold any law, ordinance, and policy against discrimination in any form as a means to promote the mental health and well-being of Filipinos of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. 

REFERENCES

American Psychiatric Association. (1973). Position statement on homosexuality and civil rights. American Journal of Psychiatry, 131; 497. 

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. 

American Psychological Association. (2008). Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Washington, DC: Author. [Retrieved from www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.pdf.] 

American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation (2009). Report of the Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 

American Psychological Association. (2011). Answers to your questions about transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/ lgbt/transgender.aspx 

Evans, A. C. (2018, May 22). Protecting the LGBT community is good health policy. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/op-eds/lgbt- health-policy. 

International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues. (2018, June). IPsyNet statement on LGBTIQ+ concerns. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ipsynet/advocacy/policy/statementcommitment.aspx 

Lim, A. M., & Jordan, C. M. (2013). Policy audit: Social protection policies and urban poor LBTs in the Philippines. England: Institute of Development Studies. 

Manalastas, E. J. (2013). Sexual orientation and suicide risk in the Philippines: Evidence from a nationally representative sample of young Filipino men. Philippine Journal of Psychology, 46 (1), 1-13. 

Manalastas, E. J. (2016). Suicide ideation and suicide attempt among young lesbian and bisexual Filipina women: Evidence for disparities in the Philippines. Asian Women, 32 (3), 101-120. 

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129; 674-697. 

Rainbow Rights Project. (2009). Kwentong Bebot: Lived Experiences of Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender Women in the Philippines. In Violence Through the Lens of Lesbians, Bisexual Women, and Trans People in Asia. New York, NY: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. 

Recent Announcements
Psychology Law Revisions FAQs
October 24, 2024 - 14:06:26 pm
Newly elected Executive Committee FY2024-2025
October 01, 2024 - 11:00:07 am
Virtual Fun Run!
September 06, 2024 - 08:23:02 am
PAPCON 2024 registration is now closed!
July 15, 2024 - 16:55:13 pm
Noninations for Board of Trustees and Chairpersons Extended
July 07, 2024 - 13:14:27 pm
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
June 19, 2024 - 07:32:07 am
Policy for creating and Publishing Position Papers/Statements (April 2024)
June 14, 2024 - 14:30:15 pm
Position Statement on the youth suicide prevention act of 2022
June 10, 2024 - 08:11:56 am
PAPCON call for papers
May 15, 2024 - 10:35:24 am
Meet our PAPJA 2024 Keynote Speaker
March 26, 2024 - 13:03:44 pm
PAPJA 2024 Plenary Speakers
March 26, 2024 - 13:01:59 pm
Call to Bid
March 23, 2024 - 10:42:00 am
PAP Diamond Jubilee Convention
March 21, 2024 - 08:30:38 am
37th PAPJA National Convention
March 07, 2024 - 12:02:26 pm
ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies Mental Health in ASEAN
September 26, 2023 - 12:57:48 pm
USAID RewHealth Holds 1st Batch of Training of Trainers for Lusog Isip Kabataan Education
September 09, 2023 - 15:40:23 pm
PAP attended DOH's Public Health Serivices Team and Partners' Meeting
September 08, 2023 - 07:23:17 am
Psych Law Revisions: PAP Meets with Senator Koko Pimentel
September 08, 2023 - 07:21:34 am
Call for Papers.
September 01, 2023 - 14:22:09 pm
Philippine Journal of Psychology Call for Papers
August 24, 2023 - 07:54:26 am
PRC Press Release - List of applicants/nominees for PRC-PRB of Psychology
August 11, 2023 - 19:34:36 pm
Early Bird Registration for PAPCON 2023 is extended until July 31, 2023.
July 24, 2023 - 07:31:49 am
PAP’s Statement and Position Paper on Resolution No. 4 series of 2023
July 11, 2023 - 18:41:16 pm
Professional Regulatory Board fo Psychology Resolution No. 04 Series of 2023
July 05, 2023 - 14:11:35 pm
List of Hotel in Albay Legaspi for PAPCON 2023
June 02, 2023 - 16:44:03 pm
3rd PRC Fun Run
May 31, 2023 - 14:50:38 pm
PAPCON 2023 Call for Papers
May 26, 2023 - 15:02:52 pm
RESCHEDULING THE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOMETRICIANS LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS TO AUGUST 01-02, 2023, AND FIXING A NEW APPLICATION PERIOD
May 02, 2023 - 21:51:56 pm
How to Request COGS?
April 24, 2023 - 16:01:41 pm
PAP President Dr. Niño Jose Mateo has taken his oath as CPD Council for Psychology
April 14, 2023 - 13:17:08 pm
PAPCON 2023
April 13, 2023 - 13:00:51 pm
Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) and Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc (PFRD) MOU signing which held at De La Salle University Manila
April 03, 2023 - 18:31:11 pm
WE ARE HIRING!
March 31, 2023 - 16:32:25 pm
Self-Directed Learning Workshops
March 21, 2023 - 13:10:28 pm
PAPJA: REGISTRATION IS STILL EXTENDED
March 17, 2023 - 15:01:16 pm
Application for Certification Specialization
March 16, 2023 - 16:37:14 pm
PAPJA Registration is Extended!
March 13, 2023 - 13:49:52 pm
WE ARE HIRING: ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
March 06, 2023 - 13:33:25 pm
WE ARE HIRING: MESSENGER
March 06, 2023 - 13:32:36 pm
PAPJA Convention: Plenary Speaker 1
March 01, 2023 - 13:35:12 pm
PAPJA Reminders!
February 27, 2023 - 12:44:25 pm
CPDAS
February 24, 2023 - 18:05:50 pm
KUMUSTAHAN 2023: PAP SUPR SIG TOWNHALL MEETING.
February 17, 2023 - 11:14:24 am
Psychology Professionals can submit their abstracts for the 36th Papja Convention starting February 13 until March 12, 2023.
February 10, 2023 - 18:16:34 pm
36th PAPJA National Convention: Contest
February 09, 2023 - 10:22:52 am
36th PAPJA National Convention: Call For Workshop Facilitators
February 09, 2023 - 10:19:33 am
The Psychological Association of the Philippines, thru its president Dr. Niño Jose Mateo and fellow advocates...
February 01, 2023 - 13:10:09 pm
Your Voice Matter! Tell Us what You Think.
January 19, 2023 - 20:43:00 pm
CALL FOR PAPERS AND SESSIONS
January 13, 2023 - 13:49:03 pm
36th PAPJA NATIONAL CONVENTION
January 13, 2023 - 13:31:23 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
December 23, 2022 - 16:33:57 pm
Top Filipino Psychologist Named as Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences
December 13, 2022 - 22:19:30 pm
We're Looking For An IT Consultant
November 18, 2022 - 12:54:28 pm
Join ICP and the Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights for a webinar
November 14, 2022 - 12:29:25 pm
60th Founding Anniversary
November 11, 2022 - 10:17:14 am
PAP 60th
November 10, 2022 - 11:22:59 am
Raising the Bar: A Filipino Pole Vaulter's Journey
October 24, 2022 - 14:31:29 pm
President's Report F.Y. 2021-2022
October 05, 2022 - 13:39:37 pm
PAP Public Statement What is Psychological First Aid
September 29, 2022 - 13:58:38 pm
MAPANURING KONSUMER JOINT STATEMENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (PAP)
September 29, 2022 - 13:57:08 pm
PAPCON EVALUATION FORM AND CERTIFICATE
September 23, 2022 - 12:42:02 pm
PAPCON ADVISORY
September 15, 2022 - 16:38:15 pm
Framing Climate Change For Global Mental Health: Virtual Event
August 26, 2022 - 13:43:22 pm
Framing Climate Change For Global Mental Health: Meet Our General Assembly Lecturers
August 26, 2022 - 13:42:49 pm
Framing Climate Change For Global Mental Health: Meet Our Speakers
August 26, 2022 - 13:40:43 pm
Framing Climate Change For Global Mental Health: Meet Our Learning Session Facilitators
August 26, 2022 - 13:38:32 pm
The Annual General Assembly Of Registered Psychometricians
August 02, 2022 - 16:10:45 pm
Press Release 2022 Summit: Global Leaders Apply Psychology
June 30, 2022 - 09:06:00 am
PAPCON Deadline has been extended to July 10, 2022
June 27, 2022 - 23:33:19 pm
Congratulations Dr. Violeta V. Bautista
June 27, 2022 - 23:26:27 pm
Congratulations to our Dear PAP President Dr. Marc Eric Reyes!
June 23, 2022 - 23:02:17 pm
CALL FOR PAPERS: PAPCON
June 09, 2022 - 15:46:54 pm
Membership Rates
June 02, 2022 - 09:07:13 am
Future Directions of the Social Sciences in Global Health A Roundtable Discussion
May 31, 2022 - 11:53:08 am
PAP Convention
May 24, 2022 - 09:54:32 am
PAPCON Registration to Open Soon!
May 11, 2022 - 14:08:22 pm
Outstanding Professional of the year Award
May 11, 2022 - 14:05:22 pm
Demographic Correlates of Late-Life Depression in the Philippines: Exploring Gender Differences" this 6 April 2022 at 9am via Zoom.
March 30, 2022 - 16:33:12 pm
The Psychological Association of the Philippines as Psychology's Accredited Integrated Professional Organization
March 28, 2022 - 13:44:11 pm
BLEPP 2022 test-takers, we request your participation in answering this survey about your experience.
March 14, 2022 - 12:01:05 pm
Open job opportunities at CEU Makati campus for School
March 03, 2022 - 12:34:26 pm
Global Psychology Alliance
February 25, 2022 - 16:59:55 pm
Davao Chapter is Hiring!
February 17, 2022 - 14:22:28 pm
PAPJA Annual Convention Invitation
February 16, 2022 - 12:09:18 pm
(𝗠𝗜𝗦)𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
February 06, 2022 - 01:02:17 am
YES, WE STEM!
January 29, 2022 - 02:22:06 am
FAQ - FOR MEMBER REGISTRATION
January 21, 2022 - 02:24:13 am
We Encourage you to use our new membership portal
January 21, 2022 - 02:15:36 am
PAPCON 2021
July 16, 2021 - 17:33:02 pm
Building Back Better after Covid -19 through Addressing Health Equity, Mental Health, and Well-being
July 12, 2021 - 08:51:18 am
PAP LGBT SIG
June 16, 2021 - 14:51:41 pm
Scoliosis Summit
June 16, 2021 - 09:33:18 am
International Interdisciplinary Conference on Clinical Supervision
June 16, 2021 - 09:31:32 am
Call for Nominations for Board of Directors
June 07, 2021 - 21:44:00 pm
Call for Volunteer Psychologists
April 29, 2021 - 12:47:33 pm
Measuring Mental Health and Well-being during the Pandemic
April 14, 2021 - 14:40:12 pm
Conversations of Social Psychologists
April 13, 2021 - 09:20:17 am
The Sport and Exercise Psychology - Special Interest Group
April 06, 2021 - 10:15:36 am
Psychology's Contributions to Human Rights
March 30, 2021 - 16:58:18 pm
14th Annual Psychology Day at the United Nations
March 18, 2021 - 13:26:55 pm
Green and Good: A conversation on environmental psychology, pro-environmental behaviors, and nexus of nature and mental health
March 18, 2021 - 13:12:09 pm
LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion 2021 Conference hosted by Leiden University
March 09, 2021 - 19:21:55 pm
Psychometricians' Welfare and Concerns
March 01, 2021 - 18:25:55 pm
Women's Month
February 28, 2021 - 20:43:33 pm
Call for Research Submissions for EADP 2021
February 22, 2021 - 10:48:32 am
PAP STATEMENT ON RESPONSIBLE FILM AND MEDIA COMMUNICATION AND PRODUCTION ON MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS
February 14, 2021 - 14:11:08 pm
Call for applications: APA-IUPsyS Global Mental Health Fellowship
February 14, 2021 - 14:09:15 pm
IUPsyS webinar for new authors
February 08, 2021 - 11:22:08 am
PAP Advisory
January 26, 2021 - 11:37:26 am
Developmental Psychology Division: The Webinar Series
January 26, 2021 - 11:36:40 am
AASP 14th Biennial Conference
January 15, 2021 - 11:06:02 am
Parenting in a Pandemic
January 08, 2021 - 13:13:16 pm
Ageing Gracefully During the Time of Covid
January 07, 2021 - 08:34:25 am
DOH Survey on MHIS
January 05, 2021 - 13:35:08 pm
PAP Supports Substitute House Bill on Basic Education: Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Act
December 15, 2020 - 12:51:57 pm
Call for Submissions
December 14, 2020 - 10:38:09 am
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Virginia A. Miralao Excellence in Research Award
November 23, 2020 - 12:37:17 pm
Guidelines in Organizing PAP Regional Chapters
November 21, 2020 - 08:36:15 am
Work From Home Status of PAP Secretariat
November 18, 2020 - 07:59:32 am
Official List of Recognized PAP Specialty Divisions, Special Interest Groups (SIG), and Regional Chapters
November 17, 2020 - 09:11:23 am
PAP's 58th Founding Anniversary
November 11, 2020 - 17:07:45 pm
Congratulations to Dr. Allan BI Bernardo!
November 11, 2020 - 11:45:02 am
PAP RFID Now Ready For Delivery
November 10, 2020 - 02:22:20 am
Psychology Board Resolution No. 02 (s. 2020)
August 14, 2020 - 16:17:05 pm
Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines on Non-Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression
August 11, 2020 - 19:05:16 pm