SOGIE and Traditional Family

The Philippines, a nation known for its strong family values, finds itself navigating a complex issue: the acceptance and well-being of LGBTQIA+ children. While some advocate for inclusivity and embrace the spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation, this article presents a conservative perspective, emphasizing the importance of traditional values, the sanctity of marriage, and the need to safeguard the innocence of children. We recognize the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, but believe that promoting a healthy society begins with upholding the natural order and protecting the foundations of family.

Understanding Gender and Sexuality: A Traditional Framework

Before diving into the complexities of parenting LGBTQIA+ children, it is crucial to establish a clear understanding of gender and sexuality based on traditional values. The natural order, as defined by faith and centuries of human understanding, dictates a binary distinction between male and female, each with their unique biological and social roles.

While acknowledging individual differences, we believe that promoting acceptance of alternative gender identities and sexual orientations can lead to confusion and disorientation, especially for young minds.

Furthermore, the institution of marriage, a sacred union between one man and one woman, serves as the bedrock of society, fostering stability and continuity. This traditional view recognizes the essential role of heterosexual relationships in procreation and the natural progression of family life.

Parenting in a Conservative Context: Guiding Children with Love and Guidance

Parents have a sacred duty to guide their children towards a virtuous and fulfilling life. This responsibility includes instilling strong moral values, nurturing a sense of identity aligned with the traditional understanding of gender and sexuality, and fostering healthy social development within the context of the family unit.

While love and acceptance are essential, we believe that parents must avoid promoting or validating behaviours that deviate from traditional norms. Instead, they should focus on providing support, guidance, and encouragement for children to develop their talents and embrace their God-given gifts within the framework of a traditional, conservative society.

The recent controversy surrounding Elon Musk's public statements about his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has sparked a vital discussion about the role of parents in shaping their children's lives. While love and acceptance are paramount, there exists a critical need to uphold the traditional values that have served as the foundation for a strong and moral society. Parents have a sacred duty to guide their children towards a virtuous and fulfilling life, and this responsibility includes upholding these traditional values.

This is not about bigotry or intolerance; it is about safeguarding the natural order that has ensured the continuity and prosperity of generations. From the dawn of civilization, societies have thrived on a clear understanding of gender roles, based on the biological distinction between men and women. This understanding has underpinned the formation of families, the division of labor, and the very fabric of social interaction.

To tamper with this natural order by embracing radical, non-traditional ideologies risks disrupting the equilibrium that has fostered a stable and meaningful existence. The push for gender-affirming care, which often involves irreversible medical interventions, challenges the natural course of human development. While it may seem like an act of kindness to cater to a child's perceived identity, it can lead to irreversible consequences, both physically and emotionally.

The example of Vivian Jenna Wilson underscores the potential pitfalls of this approach. While we should not speculate on her personal journey, the fact that she sought legal emancipation and a complete severance of ties with her father highlights the profound impact of societal pressures on young individuals. Furthermore, Musk's own words reflect the growing anxieties of many parents who see their traditional values eroded by the rapid pace of cultural change.

The sanctity of the family unit, founded on the traditional roles of father and mother, remains crucial to the well-being of children. It provides a stable environment for children to develop their identity, learn moral values, and navigate the complexities of life. Parental guidance, rooted in traditional principles, empowers children to make sound decisions, embrace their God-given gifts, and contribute positively to society.
Instead of succumbing to the pressures of progressive ideologies, parents should focus on providing their children with the tools to succeed within the framework of a traditional society. This involves instilling a strong moral compass, encouraging a sense of self-reliance, and nurturing a deep understanding of their cultural heritage.

The need to preserve traditional values is not about stifling individual expression; it is about safeguarding the core principles that have built a just and thriving society. By upholding these principles, we empower our children to live meaningful lives, rooted in the wisdom of generations past.

Addressing Concerns: Understanding the Challenges and Finding Common Ground**

The concerns of parents grappling with their child's potential LGBTQIA+ identity are valid and should not be dismissed. The natural inclination of a parent is to protect their child, and the idea of their child deviating from traditional norms can be unsettling.

Instead of promoting acceptance of non-traditional identities, parents should focus on providing love, support, and understanding while maintaining firm adherence to their faith and values. They should encourage their children to explore their feelings within a safe and nurturing environment, but also emphasize the importance of adhering to the natural order and the sanctity of traditional family structures.

The Catholic Church, a pillar of faith and tradition, plays a vital role in offering guidance and support to families navigating these complex issues. While the Church acknowledges the inherent dignity of all individuals, it firmly upholds the traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality, rooted in the natural law and divine revelation.

The Church encourages parents to seek guidance and support from clergy and faith-based communities, empowering them to navigate these challenges with the support of a strong spiritual foundation.

**VI. Societal Acceptance: A Balance between Compassion and Tradition**

While compassion and understanding are vital, we must approach the issue of LGBTQIA+ individuals with a balanced perspective that prioritizes the preservation of traditional values. We need to avoid embracing a relativistic approach, where all views are deemed equally valid, and instead advocate for a society that upholds the natural order and the sanctity of the family unit.

The SOGIE Equality Bill, currently stalled in Congress, exemplifies this delicate balance. While the intention to protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination is understandable, its provisions must be carefully scrutinized to ensure they do not erode the foundations of traditional family structures and the sacred institution of marriage.

Conclusion

The challenges facing LGBTQIA+ children and families are real, and finding solutions requires empathy, understanding, and a commitment to finding common ground. However, this article advocates for a conservative approach, prioritizing the preservation of traditional values, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of guiding children towards a fulfilling life rooted in faith and tradition.

We believe that true love and acceptance involve respecting the natural order and upholding the foundations of family. While acknowledging the complexities of the issue, we urge the Filipino community to embrace a conservative approach that balances compassion with the preservation of traditional values.