Quezon City introduces transgender health care program

The Quezon City government has introduced the Strategic Trans* Health Access to Resources and Services Program, also known as QC STARS, to improve health care access and services for transgender Filipinos.

The QC government, in partnership with TLF Share Collective, Trans* Health Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Philippine Professional Association for Transgender Health, launched QC STARS on Monday, June 10.

QC STARS will see the creation of a Gender-affirmation Code of Conduct, a Trans* Health Information Campaign, Trans* Competent Health Services, a Health Providers Network, and the enactment of the Gender-affirming Health Care Ordinance.

The QC government, along with TLF Share Collective Executive Director Tacing Marasigan, inked a memorandum of understanding to formalize their commitment towards inclusive health services that address the specific needs of the transgender community.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte also shared via X (formerly Twitter) on the same day that the program will provide free hormone counseling, assessment, and management to transgender Filipinos.

In late May, the QC government announced its plan to hold a graduation ceremony for members of the LGBTQ+ community who have been denied of marching in their school's graduation ceremony due to their SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression). The "Graduation Rights: March with Pride in QC" will be held on June 22.

The QC government also launched the Right to Care Card back in June to authorize LGBTQ+ couples to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners. It is the first card of its kind in the Philippines.

The QC government is this year's host of the Love Laban Pride March happening on June 22 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News