Prior to joining #GCash the Philippines’ premier finance app and the largest ecosystem for cashless transactions, Hamill (she/her) sought a workplace that would embrace her full expression as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. For Hamill, expressing her gender is a crucial aspect of her professional presence, and while other companies were open to hiring her, they hesitated to fully acknowledge her identity as a transwoman.
GCash, leading the charge for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the Philippines’ fintech sector, provided Hamill not just a welcoming workplace, but also a work culture that empowers queer employees daily.
“When you exude confidence, it mirrors in your work. You become productive, and that instills pride,” says Hamill, the Technology Change Manager at GCash, “We have numerous LGBTQIA+ managers and employees, and they are free to express their identities. Sometimes, when work becomes challenging, the load feels lighter because colleagues support you.”
Hamill is among the many queer individuals at GCash who vouch for the company’s commitment to workplace and financial inclusion—be it through equitable and anti-discriminatory workplace policies or innovative financial products like insurance for same-sex couples.
Building on the triumphs of the previous year’s “Werk with Pride” celebration, GCash is reinforcing its pledge to dismantle the barriers that impede the LGBTQIA+ community from achieving economic empowerment.
“At GCash, we are dedicated to empowering all individuals, irrespective of gender or experience. As a forward-thinking leader, I am empowered to challenge the norm, and our vision of Finance For All begins with our employees who operate the company; which is why we ensure inclusion is ingrained in everything we undertake. This lays the foundation for us to be more innovative and allows us to create a greater impact in the lives of every Filipino we serve,” states GCash Chief People Officer Robert Conrad Gonzales.
Dependent Benefits for Same-sex Partners
Ian (he/him), Finance Transformation Manager at GCash, felt secure and genuinely appreciated when he joined GCash, particularly when it introduced the Life Partner Benefits program. Under this policy, employees can designate their same-sex partners as dependents and extend benefits to them with minimal requirements and without a marriage certificate.
Thanks to the Life Partner Benefits program, Ian was able to register his same-sex partner of three years, Theo, as his primary dependent in his HMO. Ian also nominated Theo as the primary beneficiary of his life insurance policy. The Life Partner Benefit program offers health insurance, disability and accident insurance, bereavement coverage, wellness allowances, and access to mental health apps like KonsultaMD and Mind You.
In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, where the law does not acknowledge same-sex unions and same-sex marriage is not legal, this is a significant step. The queer community in the Philippines also lacks key legal and social protections, including systemic financial inclusion, in the absence of a nationwide law protecting them from discrimination—despite over two decades of intense lobbying.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and fairness," Ian says. "GCash recognizes and values its employees and their life partners, ensuring that individual differences and circumstances are respected and supported.”
GCash also provides insurance for same-sex couples outside the company at an affordable price and with minimal paperwork through GInsure, with insurance partners such as FPG Insurance, Singlife, Sun Life, and Generali.
Anti-discrimination in the Workplace
GCash enforces a robust anti-discrimination policy in the workplace. DEI training is conducted to ensure all employees are treated fairly, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
GCash earned the Great Place to Work (GPTW) Certification in 2023, largely due to its commitment to inclusivity. This year’s internal employee survey for 2024 showed a 91% inclusion score, which covers the company’s commitment to the fair treatment of all employees, regardless of age, race, ethnic background, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. This culture has empowered LGBTQIA+ employees to be their most authentic selves at work, without worrying about acceptance.
GCash also has a network of queer employees called “Queer Peers CommYOUnity.” Besides connecting with like-minded peers through social activities, this network collaborates with the company’s HR team in advocating for programs and policies for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jeremiah (he/him), a member of Queer Peers CommYOUnity and the Marketing team, takes pride in working in a diverse environment. “You meet people from different backgrounds. You learn from the best people in the tech industry regardless of their gender identity and orientation,” Jeremiah says. “One day, you’re meeting with a girl in a pink tutu, and the next day, you have a meeting with a guy in a big ball outfit with organza ruffles—it’s amazing. You can just be who you are, and you can do your best without being ashamed of being who you are.”
The policies and culture for queer employees at GCash are part of a broader effort to promote financial inclusion for queer Filipinos. This also attests to GCash’s commitment to uphold one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks to eradicate systemic gender inequalities.
“GCash is a pioneer in innovation, not just in our tech solutions but in creating positive change for all Filipinos, including the queer community. It is crucial for us to exceed compliance standards when it comes to inclusion, to make the financial ecosystem more diverse and inclusive through our services, and to influence partners who can make an impact,” says CJ Alegre (he/him), Sustainability Head at GCash. “For GCash, pride is a celebration of differences, uniqueness, and unity, to achieve progress for all.”
FAQs
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What is GCash’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? GCash is committed to promoting DEI in the workplace and has implemented policies to ensure fair treatment for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
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What is the Life Partner Benefits program at GCash? The Life Partner Benefits program at GCash allows employees to declare their same-sex partners as dependents and extend benefits to them with minimal requirements and without a marriage certificate.
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Does GCash offer insurance for same-sex couples? Yes, GCash provides insurance for same-sex couples outside the company at an affordable price and with minimal paperwork through GInsure.
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What is the Queer Peers CommYOUnity at GCash? Queer Peers CommYOUnity is a network of queer employees at GCash. This network collaborates with the company’s HR team in advocating for programs and policies for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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What is GCash’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? GCash is committed to upholding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the goal that seeks to eradicate systemic gender inequalities.