LGBTQIA+ Filipinos More Active, Vocal in 2025 Polls

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

LGBTQIA+ Filipinos show stronger online engagement, more defined political leanings, and distinct policy priorities compared to heterosexuals, according to a new survey by public opinion firm WR Numero.

Dominating the Digital Sphere

The WR Numero Halalan 2025 survey found LGBTQIA+ Filipinos significantly more active on digital platforms, with 83% using Facebook and 49% on TikTok—substantially higher than 69% and 25% among heterosexual users, respectively.

They also engage more with online news sites, with 58% of LGBTQIA+ respondents reading digital news compared to 45% of heterosexuals.

Traditional media remains influential among LGBTQIA+ respondents, with 52% always watching TV, 30% regularly reading broadsheets, and 18% listening to radio.

Despite increased visibility, LGBTQIA+ Filipinos also face challenges in reporting abuse, particularly online, as detailed in a separate study by Terre des Hommes Netherlands.

PARTISANSHIP

WR Numero’s findings show LGBTQIA+ voters are more politically engaged, with 7% backing opposition figures like Leni Robredo and Risa Hontiveros, compared to 5% for the Duterte camp and 4% for Marcos allies.

Only 3% said they were unaffiliated with any major political camp, suggesting a higher rate of partisan identification than the general population.

POLICY PRIORITIES

The survey also reveals policy priorities distinct to LGBTQIA+ voters, including inflation, education, and national sovereignty.

Nearly half (49%) urge elected officials to prioritize lowering food prices, while 22% emphasize defending the West Philippine Sea, a significantly higher figure than among heterosexual voters.

Fifteen percent of LGBTQIA+ respondents support implementing comprehensive sexuality education, and 11% want a fair impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte.

Ten percent favor legalizing same-sex marriage, and 7% back divorce—numbers that, while relatively low, still reflect higher support than seen in the general population.

Across gender identities, 35% support wage increases, 27% seek stronger anti-drug and anti-crime measures, and 20% call for more jobs, poverty alleviation, and restored PhilHealth subsidies.

Fifteen percent highlight the need to address the education crisis, while 11% demand anti-corruption reforms.

Only 3% want stronger national defense, and just 1% seek regulation of political dynasties.

The WR Numero survey was conducted April 23–30, 2025, through face-to-face interviews with 2,413 likely voters across the Philippines.

The survey has a ±2% national margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

Subnational margins are ±6% in the National Capital Region, ±3% in the rest of Luzon, ±5% in the Visayas, and ±4% in Mindanao.

Online Abuse Risks

Meanwhile, a new study reveals that Filipino girls and LGBTI children face disproportionate risks of online sexual abuse and exploitation, often navigating these dangers without adequate support.

The report, titled Rainbows in the Dark: Filipino Girls and LGBTI Children in the Fight to End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), was released by child rights group Terre des Hommes Netherlands and sheds light on experiences of exclusion, fear, and resilience.

Conducted across Bohol, Cebu, and Taguig, the study engaged more than 1,800 children, parents, teachers, and community members through interviews and workshops.

The findings paint a troubling picture: children, especially those with diverse gender identities, are aware of abuse but often hesitate to report it due to fear, shame, and potential discrimination.

“I stopped posting photos of myself,” said a trans teenager from Cebu. “Every time I did, I got cruel messages. It felt safer to disappear.”

According to the report, Filipino girls and LGBTI youth are often left alone to navigate online threats, with adults failing to offer guidance that is both safe and affirming.

“For many Filipino girls and LGBTI children, the internet is both a lifeline and a landmine,” said Anna Abelinde, Philippine Country Director of Terre des Hommes Netherlands. “This study urges us to reimagine child protection with an inclusive lens, one that not only listens but truly sees and affirms who these children are.”

The study identifies three key challenges:

First is Exclusion in Protection, where many children feel invisible or misjudged by child protection systems.

Second is Barriers to Help-Seeking, as children fear being shamed, blamed, or outed if they report abuse.

Third is Digital Disempowerment, which leaves children without trusted adults to guide them in safely navigating the internet.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands calls on Philippine authorities, educators, and parents to embrace gender-affirming practices and inclusive safety measures.

The group urges the creation of safe platforms where children can share their voices and shape policy and programs that affect their lives.

The organization also released parenting resources under its #LetChildrenBeChildren campaign to help families discuss online experiences, personal boundaries, and gender identity openly and safely.

The study’s release was marked by Our Voices, Our Pride, Our Safety, a youth-led dialogue in Quezon City where young people shared experiences with decision-makers and pushed for concrete action.

The full report and educational materials are available on the Terre des Hommes Netherlands website.