PHOTO: (left to right) Instagram/meganbata, Instagram/missizacalzado, Instagram/catriona_gray

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in 2018 showed that 2 in 10 Filipinos support same-sex marriage, with 61% of respondents expressing disagreement with the proposed bill to legalize marriage between individuals of the same sex. In contrast, only 22% voiced support for such legislation, while 16% remained undecided on the matter.

These numbers highlight the significant divide in public opinion surrounding same-sex marriage in the predominantly Catholic nation. Despite growing acceptance and recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights in other parts of the world, the survey suggests that a substantial portion of Filipinos still hold traditional views on the institution of marriage.

However, we find that these 9 celebrities stand for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially when it comes to legalizing same-sex marriage. Let’s take a look at these people.

Here Are 7 Filipino Celebs Who Support SOGIE Rights In The Philippines

1. Pia Wurtzbach

Pia Wurtzbach continues to be an ally, not just of the universe, but also the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a 2019 interview with the Inquirer, Pia voiced her support for legalizing same-sex marriage in the Philippines, citing the developments in neighboring Taiwan, where the first same-sex marriage ceremonies were held, and in Ecuador—a Catholic country like the Philippines—where such unions were approved earlier that month.

“First of all, we’re (allies) not doing anything bad, we’re not hurting anybody.. We’re just celebrating everyone,” Pia said.

2. Lea Salonga

Five years ago, Lea Salonga made her mark by expressing her support for same-sex marriage in the Philippines. In a tweet at the time, the singer and actress conveyed her disappointment over the potential failure of legalizing same-sex marriage in the country.

3. Boy Abunda

Boy Abunda has always been vocal about advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. As a member of the community himself, he expressed his thoughts during a media conference for “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” saying:

“Sana, dumating ang panahon na magkaroon ng same-sex marriage. Takot na takot dito ‘yung ating mga legislators.”

4. Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis has always been a solid supporter of SOGIE Equality Bill, specifically advocating for same-sex marriage. In an interview with PEP the actress addressed that that it saddens her that a lot of people are against the passage of the bill when it “all boils down to rqual rights as human beings.”

“It has come to a point where they need this bill to protect their rights as human beings. Equality is all they seek for. Equality regardless of what gender they identify as or how they choose to express themselves and equality as human beings and citizens of this country,” Anne expressed.

5. Catriona Gray

Way back in 2019, Catriona Gray was criticized for openly voicing her support for LGBTQIA+ community. After a netizen left a comment on her Instagram post questioning her Christian values and beliefs, the beauty queen pointed out that being a Christian does not have to limit her from “fighting for the rights of others.”

“Religion is never an excuse to hate, put down or act indifferent to the suffering of others. I believe God is love, and I will treat everyone – no matter who they are, to best of my ability, with love,” she iterated.

Instagram/catriona_gray

6. Iza Calzado

After the SOGIE Bill did not pass in the Senate in 2017, Iza Calzado was one of the celebrities who called on the Senators who voted against a legislation that would “protect all persons from discrimination based on gender identity or expression.”

In an Instagram post, Iza captioned, “I want every other human being to have the same rights and privileges that I enjoy. Lahat naman tayo ay pantay pantay, hindi po ba?”

7. Megan Young

Megan Young has always voiced her support for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, calling herself an “ally” of the community. In an interview, she opened that she wanted to do more work and find ways to help the community.

“I hope LGBTQ people can have the same rights as everyone else, and that’s what we’re all trying to push for with the Sogie (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) Equality Bill. We want to make sure that they don’t experience discrimination.. I hope we all get treated as equals in terms of what we do and who we love,” Megan emphasized.