

In commemoration of 45th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City in the US on June 28, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has stated its recognition of the rights and welfare of the Filipino lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the June 21 issue of Ang Bayan, the official news organ of the party.

The CPP stated that the struggle of LGBT people against discrimination has its full support and LGBT issues are also being actively waged within its ranks. In accordance with a decision by the Central Committee’s 10th Plenum in 1992, the recognition of same-sex relationships is cited in an amendment in the March 1998 Rules and Guidelines on Marriage within the Party. The provision states:

“The Party recognizes and respects the right of individual Party members to choose their gender. The basic principles and rules on marriage within the Party are applicable in their case.”

“The party does not close its doors on gays, lesbians, bisexuals or transgenders who wish to join it. Whatever his or her gender preference (sic), anyone who is ready to embrace and advance Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the constitution of the Communist Party of the Philippines can become a member. The New People’s Army has a similar rule recognizing the right of Red fighters to choose their gender,” CPP stated.

Combined with the CPP’s recognition of the “right to choose one’s gender” is it’s efforts to resist misconceptions against LGBT people. The CPP acknowledges that the acceptance, recognition and defense of LGBT rights are dependent on the level of political consciousness of the revolutionary forces and the people.

“Discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders — ranging from humorous commentaries that reek of contempt to outright homophobia — is widespread in decadent societies. The revolutionary movement addresses this through education conducted among both the revolutionary forces and the masses. The movement exposes and assails the oppression suffered by gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders. Its goal is to struggle against various sectarian views and attitudes, prejudicial treatment and distorted views on the character of individuals with different gender preferences (sic),” CPP further stated.

The CPP’s policies against discrimination call on its cadres and members to be ready to treat every individual equally.

Meanwhile, revolutionary LGBT people are challenged to contribute studies to enrich the party’s rules and policies. Among their responsibilities is to sum-up their experiences in order to further develop the party’s views on revolutionary homosexual marriages.