Mandatory Military Service or Mandatory Trauma?

Patriotism — a concept or idea that every citizen of every nation is expected to embody. An attribute that is subject to free will and initiative. However, as the world advances and because of cultural adaptation, many of us are already in question embodying this attribute.

In conjunction, a lot of efforts have been made to ensure that future generations are made aware of the obstacles the country had to go through simply to get to where it is today. History lessons, encouraging the students to practice the Filipino language through a subject, a lot has been made, but where has it gotten us so far?

In pursuit of encouraging patriotism, there have been rumors of implementing mandatory military service for everyone who turns 18. Men, women, and even members of the LGBTQIA+ Community - no one exempted. Now the question is: "Will the members of the third sex have a mandatory safe place during the mandatory military service?”

It is no longer new to us that whenever we think of the military, the third sex is the last thing that comes to mind. In the Philippines, there is still an existing patriarchal and discriminatory culture. And more often than not, gays, lesbians, and other “odd” members of the pack continue to endure teasing, harassment, and emotional abuse in settings where men predominate. It is sad, but it is what it is. Even though there are already antidiscrimination laws — Republic Act 11313 also known as the Safe public spaces act — and measures introduced for the protection of the aforementioned community members, still, it lacks enforcement and encouragement to exercise those laws.

Having mandatory military service in our country is indeed a tremendous step toward better preparing the nation for potential war threats and safeguarding the Filipino heritage for future generations. But even so, heritage is passed down from one generation to the next. And what good will this effort make if the experience shared is of trauma and heartache?

Securing the safety of the country is vital. Members of the LGBT community are Filipinos and are vital. LGBT members’ physical and mental health is important. Mandatory military service is also deemed necessary. It is a system, and keeping the system safe for everyone participating in it is what we should do if we are to continue with this mandate. If it is to be made mandatory, then it should be for all. But not all rights and practices are for everyone. Provisions and considerations can be made if it is liberation we truly want. After all, the last thing that we need in pursuit of peace, is war-in our inner circle.

by Arnel James Y. Suprito