The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group, in partnership with the Ateneo de Manila University Gender Hub, successfully conducted its First Queer Mental Health Conference on June 13, 2026, at Ateneo de Manila University. The conference gathered psychologists, guidance practitioners, educators, advocates, and allies to strengthen LGBTQIA+ affirmative mental health practices in the Philippines.
The conference formally opened with a welcome message from Mx. Mira Alexis Ofreneo, PhD, RPsy, Director of the Ateneo Gender Hub. Dr. Ofreneo challenged participants with the thought-provoking question, “Para kanino ang Psychology?” She emphasized that psychology is not only about addressing mental health concerns but also about promoting equality, respecting diversity, and creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, can thrive.
The first plenary session featured Cong. Mader Percival Cendaña, Equality Champion of Akbayan Party-list, who delivered the talk “Safe Spaces Begin With Us: Claiming Purpose, Power, and Possibilities in Queer Mental Health in the Philippines.” The session underscored that creating affirming environments is a shared responsibility. By embracing our purpose to support others, using our voices to challenge stigma, and believing in an inclusive future, we help empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to live authentically and achieve positive mental well-being.
The first roundtable discussion brought together Dr. Ver Reyes, Jeff Cagandahan, Vashti Ortego, and Mibo U. Borres to discuss the current state of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines. The panel highlighted the importance of respecting an individual’s lived name as an affirmation of identity and dignity, reflected on the role of religion as both a source of support and stigma, and encouraged psychology and guidance practitioners to reject conversion therapy in favor of affirming, evidence-based, and ethical mental health care.
The second roundtable discussion, led by Ms. Mariflor “Yeng” Gatchalian, Mx. Riyan Portuguez, Ms. Remedios Moog, and Dr. Angelique Villasanta, focused on LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Mental Health Practices for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. The speakers emphasized that affirming mental health care validates every person’s identity while providing compassionate and evidence-based support. They also highlighted the essential role of families in promoting positive mental health by accepting, listening to, and supporting their LGBTQIA+ children, creating homes where they feel safe, valued, and loved. In the afternoon, participants attended specialized workshops.
Mr. JohnFrey Cabalonga, Guidance Associate and SUMIKOM Adviser, participated in Parallel Session 1: Caring from the Margins: Lived Experiences of Tomboys and Bakla as Tagasalo on Filipino Families, facilitated by Dr. Junix Jerald Delos Santos. The session explored how many tomboys and bakla assume the role of tagasalo within their families providing emotional, financial, and caregiving support despite experiencing discrimination or limited acceptance. Their stories highlighted the resilience of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos and the importance of recognizing their invaluable contributions to their families and communities.
The parallel session concluded with Pinoy Parenting with Pride: Bridging Divides Between Filipino Parents and Their Queer Children, facilitated by Tagpuan Fellows Ms. Abigail V. Rivadelo and Dr. Eileen Tupaz of the Tagpuan Ateneo Center for Dialogue, Research, and Collaboration. The session discussed how parents’ reactions to their children coming out often progress from rejection, to ambivalence, and ultimately to acceptance and affirmation. It also clarified the meaning of SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics), encouraging parents to foster stronger relationships with their children through empathy, education, and open communication.
The conference served as a powerful reminder that creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces begins with each of us. Through education, compassion, and evidence-based psychological practice, mental health professionals, educators, families, and allies can work together to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ Filipino is treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care.
