Toward a Truly Loving City

By Noel Galon de Leon

Every June, as Pride Month rolls in, we see rainbow flags, colorful parades, and powerful slogans that celebrate love and diversity. It’s a time of joy and resistance. But behind all the brightness and celebration, many quiet battles are still being fought, especially regarding mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community. As someone who has walked the streets of Iloilo City and felt both the warmth and the quiet ache of being different, I believe it’s time we talk more openly about the struggles so many continue to face in silence.

A recent national survey conducted in 2024 by The Trevor Project, together with the Psychological Association of the Philippines, revealed some heartbreaking truths. About 62 percent of LGBTQIA+ youth in the country reported symptoms of depression. The same number experienced anxiety. Even more painful, 75 percent said they had seriously considered suicide, and over one-third had actually tried. These are not just statistics. These are real people—our friends, classmates, neighbors. Maybe even ourselves.

In a society like ours, where conservative values still dominate many conversations in families, schools, and even churches, those numbers begin to make more sense, however heartbreaking that may be. Many of us have been there—pretending to be someone we’re not, avoiding questions we’re afraid to answer, hiding parts of ourselves to keep peace at home or stay safe at school. That takes a toll, slowly but deeply.

Iloilo City is often called the City of Love. And in many ways, it tries to live up to that name. In 2018, our local government passed an Anti-Discrimination Ordinance meant to protect people from unfair treatment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Soon after, the city created the Office of LGBT Affairs, which has been active in raising awareness and supporting community initiatives.

One inspiring initiative is the Mango Clinic, opened by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines. It is the first clinic in the country designed specifically for transgender individuals. It offers gender-affirming hormone therapy, HIV testing, and mental health support. As someone who has seen friends struggle to find doctors who understand them, I can say this clinic is a huge step in the right direction.

The Iloilo provincial government has also partnered with the Unilab Foundation to improve mental health services. New programs focused on suicide prevention have been introduced, and there are even plans for halfway homes for those who need safe spaces. These are promising developments, but they are only the beginning.

Despite these advances, many LGBTQIA+ individuals are still afraid to seek help. Some worry about being judged or misunderstood by health professionals. Others simply don’t know where to turn. And for those living in more rural areas around the city, options can be scarce.

This is where schools, community groups, and families play a crucial role. At the University of the Philippines Visayas, forums on LGBTQIA+ health and awareness have been held, thanks to partnerships with groups like the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network. These conversations are vital. They help normalize our stories and show young people that they are not alone.

Groups like the Iloilo Pride Team are also making a difference. They organize events, advocate for safer spaces, and use social media to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices. These efforts matter. Sometimes, just seeing someone like you living freely and openly can be the light you need when everything feels dark.

As someone who has felt both the pride and the pain of being queer in this country, I believe real change begins with compassion—not just from governments or institutions, but from each of us. If we truly want to support the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community, we need to do more.

There are real, practical ways we can offer support right here and right now. These actions may seem simple, but together they can lead to lasting change.

First, we need to make mental health services truly inclusive and accessible. Healthcare workers must be trained to understand the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Clinics and hospitals should be safe spaces, not places of fear or judgment. No one should feel unwelcome or invisible when seeking help.

Second, let’s hold systems accountable. The Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in Iloilo City is a powerful tool, but it must be enforced seriously and consistently. A law only works if people trust it will protect them. That means proper reporting mechanisms, support for victims, and real consequences for violators.

Third, we have to start talking. Gender identity and mental health should not be taboo topics. Open conversations in our homes, classrooms, churches, and workplaces can shift mindsets and break long-held prejudices. The earlier we teach empathy and respect, the more compassionate our society will become.

Finally, we must support those already doing the work. Local LGBTQIA+ organizations, peer support groups, and community advocates are on the frontlines. They know the challenges on the ground and are often the first point of help for those in crisis. Let’s amplify their voices, share their efforts, and ensure they have the resources they need.

Iloilo City has made real efforts to live up to its name. But love is more than a slogan or a law. It’s in how we treat one another. It’s in the silence we break when we ask someone how they’re really doing. It’s in the courage it takes to speak the truth about who we are and what we need.

This Pride Month, let’s celebrate loudly. But let’s also listen quietly to those who are still hurting, still hiding, still healing. Let’s make Iloilo not just the City of Love, but a city that truly loves all of us. Mental health is not just a personal issue, it’s a community responsibility. And it’s time we all show up.

***

Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.