Filipino traits like warmth, bayanihan (civic unity), and compassion are globally recognized, and have long been the cornerstone of Philippine society. But how do these time-honored values translate into modern business practices? As the world continues to recognize the importance of inclusivity, Philippine companies are emerging as pioneers in integrating the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with their deeply rooted cultural values.
The Philippines is a cultural melting pot, a nation with a rich history in the collaboration of diverse groups. The archipelagic nature of its geography forged centuries of interaction and exchange among communities with varying customs and beliefs. This long history of cultural diversity and exchange has equipped the Filipino people with accepting traits – a natural aptitude for recognizing and appreciating differences. How do these Filipino traits translate to the queer community?
The Root of Filipino Traits: LGBTQIA+ History in the Philippines
The queer community in the Philippines has, like the rest of the world, encountered its share of adversity.
However, the nation’s history is uniquely marked by a pre-colonial foundation of inclusion. Philippine queer historian and acclaimed writer J. Neil Garcia highlights the existence of men in pre-colonial society who assumed women’s roles, including the spiritually significant position of “babaylan”. Adopting women’s clothing and mannerisms was more than a superficial transformation for them. It marked a profound redefinition of themselves, not as men in disguise but as women. “They were comparable to women,” Garcia writes, “in every way except that they could not bear children.” They were not simply crossdressers, but individuals who crossed genders, and were recognized as such.
Eventually, the imposition of traditional gender roles by colonization created a climate where queer resistance became necessary.
In 1992, members of the Lesbian Collective (one of the Philippines’ earliest lesbian organizations) defied threats and discrimination to participate in the International Women’s March. Despite facing opposition from fellow marchers and the risk of being excluded, they persevered. This groundbreaking event marked the Philippines’ first Pride-related march.
These then led to UP Babaylan, the first inclusive queer student organization in the Philippines, the first Pride March in the Philippines in 1994 led by the Metropolitan Community Church, and several other notable milestones in Philippine queer history. In 2023, HGS OSS was even honored to be a part of the Quezon City Pride March, recognized as Southeast Asia’s largest Pride event.
Philippine Companies and DEI
The Filipino culture of optimism, helpfulness, and courtesy provides a strong foundation for DEI efforts. Despite lingering colonial influences, the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly embraced and is actively working to advance LGBTQIA+ rights in the country.
Companies like HGS OSS recognize the value of diverse perspectives, including those from the queer community. As a result, there’s a growing trend among Philippine businesses to prioritize DEI initiatives, with a specific focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Inclusive Policies and Benefits Rooted in Filipino Values and Traits
A 2021 survey conducted by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) indicates significant progress in workplace inclusivity among major Philippine companies.
The survey found that 88% have implemented policies against gender discrimination with robust complaint mechanisms, while 75% extend medical benefits to same-sex domestic partners on par with those offered to married heterosexual couples.
Traits of Compassion: Respecting Preferred Pronouns
Many Philippine companies recognize that an individual’s legal name and gender may not align with their true identity.
Preferred pronouns refer to the pronouns a person chooses to be addressed by. They are an essential aspect of an individual’s gender identity and expression and are a way to indicate how a person wants to be addressed beyond their name or legally assigned gender – it’s a fundamental aspect of respect. While traditional pronouns like “he/him/his” and “she/hers/her” are common, there is a growing recognition for pronouns representing the diverse spectrum of gender identity, one of which is the non-binary “they/them/theirs.”
Reflecting the findings of 63% of respondents in the PFIP survey, companies like HGS honor chosen names and preferred pronouns. We actively promote this practice within our organization by suggesting that employees add their preferred pronouns to their email signatures.
Pride Employee Resource Groups, Embodying the Filipino Traits of Bayanihan
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led communities united by shared interests or experiences. HGS has the Pride ERG, dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees.
READ: HGS is the HR Asia DEI Award Winner for 2023
We organize queer-led events, provide a supportive network, and facilitate open dialogues about LGBTQIA+ issues and challenges. Our goal is to create a safe space, promote understanding, and enhance HGS’s LGBTQIA+-friendly policies and practices.
Today, the Pride ERG spans the global HGS network from the United Kingdom to the Philippines. We want to ensure that no queer individual feels alone, and so these groups are an avenue for a larger network. It’s not just about representation, but empowerment in the workplace.
Celebrating Pride Every Day at HGS
We’re incredibly proud to be home to a vibrant, intelligent, and talented queer community. Our annual Pride celebration, campaigns that highlight the community, and our initiatives to continue conversations, are testaments to our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, and embodying admirable Filipino traits.
As an organization, we’re always listening and continuing to improve our initiatives for our teams.
Read: How Does HGS OSS Celebrate Pride?
But Pride isn’t just for June. It’s a celebration of identity that deserves recognition every day of the year – which is why HGS invites everyone to celebrate Pride Every Day. Be part of this incredible movement at HGS OSS and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive team.
