They have been excluded because they dressed differently at school, but they fought against it. Their job applications were deliberately ignored because they disclosed they were HIV-positive, and they tried to complain about it. The police continue harassing them because of their sexual preference, and they are struggling against it.

These are common Filipinos you might have crossed on the street, without giving them a second glance. Elegant transsexuals or discreet gays, as well as courageous HIV-positive people; they are the daily victims of an invisible and non-punishable crime: discrimination.

They have decided to come out, to show their faces and to air their complaints, for you to see and understand how is it to be different. Today, they ask for these senseless abuses to stop, and request the passage of the first anti-discrimination law in the Philippines.

Now, it is your turn.

Fighting discrimination requires everyone's help, for in standing up against discrimination, you are not only standing up for others, you are standing up for yourself. While today it may be a stranger who it is being discriminated against, tomorrow it may be a friend, and one day in the future it may be you.

However, the fight against discrimination and bigotry is not one that will be won easily or quickly. The road ahead may seem daunting, but taking one step at a time, and working together, we can build a better society.