Fridae

LGBT students across the Philippines experience bullying and discrimination in school according to a report released last week by Human Rights Watch.

The report, titled “‘Just Let Us Be’: Discrimination Against LGBT Students in the Philippines,” details widespread bullying and harassment, discriminatory policies and practices, and little support that mean many LGBT are denied their right to education.

While Philippine law provides protections against discrimination and exclusion in schools, this is not always fully implemented by lawmakers and school administrators, according to the report.

“LGBT students in the Philippines are often the targets of ridicule and even violence,” said Ryan Thoreson, a fellow in the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch. “And in many instances, teachers and administrators are participating in this mistreatment instead of speaking out against discrimination and creating classrooms where everybody can learn.”

Human Rights Watch conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with 98 students and 46 parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, service providers, and experts on education in 10 cities in Luzon and the Visayas.

“President Duterte has spoken out against bullying and discrimination against LGBT people in the past, and he should do so now,” Thoreson said.

Watch the video report below: