Deaf LGBTQ+ marchers heard loud and clear at Pride 2019

MANILA, Philippines – Deaf members of the LGBTQ+ community marched to fight the “double discrimination” against them as they joined the thousands-strong Pride March on Saturday, June 29.

“It’s double discrimination for them – discrimination because of their SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), and discrimination because of their hearing impairment,” said Bayani Heneroso Jr, one of the sign language interpreters for this year’s Pride event.

“If you can imagine a transgender person being discriminated against – you cannot let them go to the bathroom of their choice – imagine a deaf person who’s experiencing the same thing but has the communication barrier on top of that,” he added. (READ: ‘Tolerated, but not accepted’: Filipino LGBTQ+ speak up vs discrimination)

To promote inclusivity, Metro Manila Pride organizers made sure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) wouldn’t miss out on anything. For the 4th consecutive year, organizes hired sign language interpreters to make sure that everyone enjoys the event. (READ: WATCH: Meet the sign language interpreters of Metro Manila Pride 2018)

“I’m so thankful to Pride Manila that they’re so open to diversity and open to access. They’ve been so accommodating to us interpreters by giving us all the lyrics to the music. They are preparing and making sure that all the performers are aware that we have interpreters here, and they’ve just been so great to us,” Heneroso said.

Asked how they felt about being at this year’s Pride March, members of the deaf LGBTQ+ community showed their huge smiles.

“I want the LGBTQ+ community to unite with the deaf community. I also want people to know that learning sign language will make a happier world,” typed John Lester Molina from Pinoy Deaf Rainbow.  

“I’m happy to be in Metro Manila Pride for the first time,” typed Angelous Tuscano, also from Pinoy Deaf Rainbow.

Heneroso meanwhile hopes that things will get better for the deaf community now that Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Act, is in place. Thee law recognizes FSL as the official sign language to be used by institutions. –Rappler.com

Stanley Guevarra is a Rappler intern and an incoming AB Literature major at Ateneo de Manila University.