Cagandahan Bill Refiled: A Major Step for Intersex Rights in the Philippines
The refiling of the Cagandahan Bill has taken a significant step forward, marking a crucial moment in the fight for intersex rights in the Philippines. Named after intersex pioneer Jeff Cagandahan, the bill aims to protect the bodily autonomy of intersex individuals and strengthen existing laws.
The bill's refiling is a central focus of the I.N.T.E.R.S.E.X. project, launched by Intersex Philippines with support from the Embassy of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The project also includes a digital storytelling campaign, legislative lobbying, media training, and national forums, all aimed at creating a future where no intersex person in the Philippines remains unseen, unsupported, or unprotected.
Currently, only two hospitals in the Philippines can provide specialized intersex diagnosis, both requiring costs beyond the reach of ordinary families. Many intersex Filipinos live their entire lives without knowing their status due to poverty and a healthcare system that does not recognize them. Intersex people worldwide face stigma, discrimination, and harmful medical practices, with silence compounding these issues in the Philippines due to lack of national data.
Atty. Antonio Roman III filed a version of the Cagandahan Bill at the House of Representatives during the 20th Congress. The bill's refiling is a key step towards achieving the vision of the I.N.T.E.R.S.E.X. project - to inform the nation, transform engagement, and raise support for intersex rights and existence in the Philippines.
