This is my Full Speech for the 30th Commemoration of Pride in the Asia and in the Philippines. This speech have been delivered during the pride event in Quezon City Memorial Circle on June 22, 2024 at the height of political instability and resiliency among marginalized sector of society.
Watch the Full Campaign Video Here courtesy of BEGLAD. https://fb.watch/sZJvC0jbmY/
From the heart of the vibrant and resilient BPO workers, the BPO Employees Gays, Lesbians, and Allies for Genuine Acceptance and Democracy—BE GLAD—extend our militant greetings on the 30th Commemoration of Pride in the Philippines. This celebration is more than a festival; it is a declaration of our true identities, our unyielding spirits, and our ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality.
Our journey has been fraught with challenges, as the LGBT community continues to face systemic oppression and marginalization. The intersectionality of our struggles over the years has underscored one irrefutable truth: the fight for our rights is far from over.
In the midst of economic turmoil and political instability, the BPO industry stands as a pillar of the Philippine economy, generating over $37 billion in revenue in 2024. Yet, despite our significant contributions, we endure unfair labor practices, entry-level wages that border on exploitation, and rampant violations of our workplace rights. This stark reality threatens our job security and demands immediate, decisive action.
The government's alliance with private and wealthy corporations exacerbates our plight, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and deprivation. BE GLAD stands unwavering in our demand for national industrialization and fair wages for BPO workers. We are committed in ensuring that government policies prioritize the welfare and benefits of BPO employees, rejecting any attempts to suppress our rights.
We challenge the system with unwavering resolve, advocating for better working conditions and rejecting superficial reforms such as charter change. We denounce foreign interventions that undermine our dignity and strip away the emotional and physical well-being of LGBT BPO workers. Exploitation disguised as inclusivity must be met with fierce resistance. Our value as workers must be Fist up for higher pay! blow your pride to resist charter change!
Recognized and fairly compensated, without prejudice or conditional metrics based on gender.
As we conclude this statement, BE GLAD reaffirms our solidarity with all the marginalized sectors, workers, and every oppressed community. We vow to fight for transformative social change and justice through comprehensive legal reforms, ensuring their full and just implementation. We will not relent until our rights to equality and opportunities are fully realized, paving the way for genuine acceptance and national democracy.
No comments:
Post a Comment