₱50.00 Is Not Pride: Where is the Gold at the End of the Rainbow?

BE GLAD Statement on the False Promise of Inclusivity and the Betrayal of Filipino Workers

They wave the rainbow.

They speak of inclusivity.

They march in Pride.

And yet—after all the colors, sweat, and struggle, what lies at the end of the rainbow?

₱50.00.

That is the government's answer to the decades-long cry for justice from workers, including LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. A meager, humiliating ₱50 wage increase—as if that is enough to buy food, medicine, shelter, dignity, or a future.

"Pride is not a party. It began as a riot. And in this country, it must remain a protest." – BeGlad

While companies boast about diversity and inclusion, queer workers in private schools are forced to hide their identities. In service sectors, they are bullied into silence. In manufacturing, they are told they’re not “fit” to lead. And in the BPO industry—often branded as "LGBTQIA+ friendly"—we are used for productivity but abandoned when we speak of fairness.

Inclusivity is a lie if it does not put food on our tables.

Inclusivity is an illusion if it does not raise our wages.

Inclusivity is an insult if it demands our labor but denies our lives.

IBON Foundation reports that the current ₱645/day minimum wage in NCR is a cruel joke, falling short of the ₱1,221/day family living wage by ₱576. In the provinces, it’s worse. The “increase” doesn’t even scratch the surface of what working families—queer or not—actually need.

“They tell us to be grateful for scraps, while our bodies break and our spirits bend. No amount of rainbow-colored capitalism can disguise economic oppression.” – A queer factory worker, Laguna

They promised change. The elections came and went. The banners are down, but the hunger remains. Politicians used our struggles as stepping stones—and gave us crumbs in return. Token increases and empty praise are not progress. They are distractions. Delays. Deceptions.

And yet—we continue to rise.

Because Pride is not only about identity. It is a demand for justice, dignity, and survival.

“You can’t be proud if you’re not paid. You can’t be free if you’re hungry.” – BeGlad

We demand to this current leadership:

A living wage that meets the real cost of living.

Safe, secure, and affirming workplaces for all, including LGBTQIA+.

Laws that protect, not tokenize, our existence.

Real intersectional inclusivity—economic, political, and cultural.

This is our call:

To the LGBTQIA+ community, to the workers, to the youth, to the poor: organize, mobilize, resist.

Let us not settle for decorative acceptance. Let us not bow to token reforms.

Our liberation is tied together.

Our lives are worth more than ₱50.

At the end of the rainbow is not a coin—it must be justice.

And we will not stop and fight until we get it.

FIGHT FOR GENUINE LIVING WAGE!

LGBT BPO WORKERS, UNITE FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS!