ProGay Philippines

PINK SPORTS FESTIVAL 2006

2006-10-23T01:00:00.000+08:00

INSPIRED by the Gay Games VII in Chicago, USA and the First World OutGames in Montreal, Canada, ProGay Philippines carried on the spirit of gay athletics to its grassroots communities with the ProGay Pink Sports Festival.

With the support of Rep. Liza Maza of the Gabriela Partylist and Rep. Oscar Malabanan, 1st district of Caloocan City, the local chapters of ProGay Kabaro PUP and Maskara Caloocan City worked together to launch its first community-based athletic competitions of gay and transgender youth. The games were conducted in four Sundays that started August 13.

The Pink Sports Festival started with a rowdy Pride Parade in the streets of the smokestack factory areas of northern Caloocan, where 80 participants traipsed on a two-kilometer show of gay pride and waved to supportive onlookers riding the jeepneys and buses in the busy afternoon traffic.

The athletes brandished their political pride messages as they carried with dignity the 7-meter snippet of the world's longest Rainbow Flag (that was first unfurled in Florida by rainbow originator Gilbert Baker).

Afterwards, they trooped to the Bagbaguin covered court where cheerleader teams opened the games with boisterous cheer routines that wowed the adoring crowd. The bare amenities of a typical village basketball court, which was hardly classy, did not dampen the seriousness of the athletes who were only too imbued with the games spirit.

Three teams composed of 20 persons - Blue, Pink and Purple - competed in cheering, basketball, volleyball and badminton. Each team went out to the community to raise funds for uniforms. As each team explained to the communities the importance of gay pride and athletics, micro businesses such as bakeries, repair shops and food stalls shelled out a few pesos each until each team had enough to get their sets of "varsity tank tops."

Each Sunday, urban poor women and children looked forward to the games and cheered on the teams they root for. Even two dozen women's rights activists from Gabriela braved the traffic to give support to the event.

The final Sunday, September 3, of the Pink Sports Festival was almost discontinued because of sudden downpours that threatened to flood the basketball court during a close contest between the Blue and Pink teams. Immediately, the players and their supporters took out their brooms and frantically swept the incoming waters. The athletes decided to play out last basketball match on top of puddles of stormwater, with the Blue team bagging the championship for basketball.

There were times during the games that the players got too serious with their sports and some hotheaded team captains traded barbs during the heat of the game. That was when ProGay leaders reminded them of the great thems of the LGBT games which was inclusion, participation and personal best. Oscar Atadero, one of the delegates to the Gay Games in Chicago, explained to the teams the more important reason for LGBT people in organizing pride events such as the Pink Sports Festival.

ProGay earned much admiration from the grassroots community because of the creative advocacy that went with the games. It is hoped that the activist organization will be participating in both global and localized implementation of the burgeoning LGBT human rights mobilizations. We encourage many LGBT communities to give flesh to more activities that encourage the positive role of LGBTs in society.

Pinoy LGBTs in The First World Out Games

2006-09-11T16:17:00.002+08:00

MONTREAL, CANADA -- It was an exhilirating LGBT activist week at this city, as I joined 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries in the International Conference on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Human Rights that segued into the 1st World Outgames on 26-29 July.

At the Palais des congrès, Montréal’s world-class convention centre more than 200 different simultaneous workshops tackled the five main Conference themes: Essential Rights, Global Issues, the Diverse LGBT Community, Participation in Society, and Creating Social Change.

The four-day conference which preceded the Out Games provided an often sobering reality check to the boisterous festivities that rocked the stadium. Speakers from Iran, Russia, Latvia and Serbia, amongst others, gave graphic descriptions of the repression of LGBTs in their countries. Video and still pics showed police, politicians and religious leaders brazenly and violently repressing our rights to organize, assemble and speak out for our freedom. "The police were absolutely useless," said gay Latvian activist Gaston Lacombe about a series of confrontations with fascists which easily could have been fatal. Lacombe said they had evidence that the fascists have received heavy funding from organizations within the United States.

Activists in Belgrade, Serbia and Moscow spoke about gangs of street-fighting fascist youths, and tolerance of them by the authorities, which makes open LGBT organizing virtually impossible. Alice Knom, a woman lawyer defended nine men in Cameroon who were arrested for being gay. All other Cameroon delegates were denied visas by the new Conservative Party Canadian government.

One of the most dramatic moments of the conference came in the plenary on Africa and the Arab World when Lebanon's Rasha Moumnoh, spokeswoman for Helem, the first LGBT non-governmental organization in the Arab world, was forced to give her presentation via videotape on a huge projection screen. Moumnoh, who had previously planned to attend the conference in person, said that the struggle for LGBT rights cannot be divorced from other, "non-LGBT" issues, especially in a country whose modern infrastructure is being obliterated and over 600,000 homeless refugees crowd the nation's broken highways and cities. Moumnoh reported that her organization had turned over its entire facilities to aid the refugees.

The Philippines was represented by LGBT activists including yours truly, Angie Ubac of Rainbow Rights and Mira Ofreneo of CLIC.
I personally participated in the panel of a workshop "Against War?" together with Bob Schwartz, Member, Gay Liberation Network (USA) and Andy Thayer, National Action, DontAmend.com (USA). The workshop discussed how and why many LGBT activists connect their gay activism with anti-war activism.

"It is obvious that social services like health care, education and housing are hurt when military spending takes priority. The gay community's particular need for AIDS health care and research for treatments and a cure will never be adequate as long as the United States spends as much on its military as almost the rest of the world combined," Mr. Thayer said in the conclusion of our workshop.

(More details of the workshop are available online, http://cupeworkersout.blogspot.com)

Martin Cauchon, the former Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General, said at the close of the conference, "Separate but not equal has no place in our society." Cauchon is a hero to many in Canada for going against his own party to vote for full, equal marriage rights for same sex couples. He said he favors not just legal equality, but "full social acceptance." "If we deny equality to gays and lesbians today, who's next? I strongly believe that we should not play politics with fundamental rights."

Also on the podium was a recently retired Supreme Court justice, Claire L'Heureux Dube, who years ago voted as a minority of one against government contracts with religious institutions which discriminate against LGBT people, holding that the same standard that applies to racially discriminatory private organizations should hold with anti-gay ones as well.

Lesbian and tennis celeb Martina Navratilova rounded out the program, saying "I don't know about you, but I don't want to be tolerated. I want to be ACCEPTED. You tolerate someone with a bad smell, or someone who speaks too loudly on their cell phone. I want acceptance."

A most touching keynote address was delivered by Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "I also encourage human rights NGOs to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their agenda and to partner with LGBT NGOs to advocate better protection of human rights for everyone. Civil society will play an indispensable role in advancing the reach and scope of human rights law, towards the realization of a truly universal ideal. I also wish, with you, for a better and fairer world."

Afterwards, the “Declaration of Montréal” was presented during the closing luncheon of the Conference and will then be presented to authorities at the United Nations and to various governments around the world, enhancing the reputations of Montréal and of Québec as global leaders in the promotion of tolerance and inclusion.

That evening, together with other members of the Philippine delegation, thousands of conference delegates and athletes joined the emotional Out Games opening ceremonies. Lesbian singer k. d. lang slammed conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper for passing up his invitation to attend the games. He sent, in his place, Quebec Senator and Public Works Minister Michael Fortier, who was roundly booed when he tried to address the crowd at the Opening Ceremony. The conservative government has come under fire by LGBT rights groups for vowing to allow a ‘free vote’ in Parliament aimed at overturning the same-sex marriage legislation, which was introduced by the left-leaning Liberal government last year.

“This international conference is be the largest of its kind ever held,” said Mr. Laurent McCutcheon, president of Fondation Émergence and member of the International Scientific Committee for the Conference.

Québec Justice Minister Yvon Marcoux, underscored the importance of these events. “The 1st World Outgames and the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights will allow us to share our experience with other countries, and to be enriched by theirs. The participation of the Government of Québec demonstrates our commitment to a society that is always open to and welcoming of diversity,” said the minister.

The world’s inaugural Out Games officially closed with organisers thanking participants for contributing to a successful eight days of sport and cultural activities. More than 12,000 athletes from 111 countries participated, and organisers report around 500,000 spectators witnessed the event. Liza Minnelli performed the Broadway classic ‘New York, New York.’

“It was a gigantic effort,” said Out Games co-president and Canadian Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury. “The feedback we’re receiving from our participants, which is really our first concern, has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“’We Play For Real’ is the slogan of these games and it really came to life with the athletes of the world coming here and really raising the bar. Not just in terms of how the competitions were delivered, but in terms of how they competed.”

“For us to have the visibility with human rights and the sports, it seemed to raise the level of discussion about our issues, which are very serious,” said Tewksbury.

Tewksbury noted the broader theme of the drive for the universal recognition of the fundamental human rights of LGBT people worldwide, as expressed by delegates at the LGBT Rights Conference, staged just prior to, and in conjunction with, the games.

“Maybe the Olympics asks us to be better athletes, but the Out Games asks us to be better human beings.”

The 2nd Out Games will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.

GAY GAMES VII in Chicago, USA - The Adventures of Liga Pilipinas

2006-08-10T20:32:00.001+08:00

Some photos from the albums of Dr. Erick Ducut, Mary Jane and Glenn. To see larger pictures in another window, press Shift and left click on photo.

LIGA Pilipinas made a memorable splash into the Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival in the friendly city of Chicago on 15-22 July 2006. Twenty-two gay and lesbian Pinoys, including yours truly, joined over 12,000 athletes and artists from more than 100 countries competed in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event included band, cheerleading and colour guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of community-organised social events and parties.

The Filipino participants signed up for the Gay Games in Chicago when announcements for participants were sent out last year. Most raised money to travel, but five of us applied for generous scholarships from the Gay Games host committee led by the adorable duo Miss Aimee Pine and Summer Tillman.

For many Sundays between January and July, the participants met to unify plans on
increasing the chances of success for Liga Pilipinas. As each Sunday came to pass, teams for volleyball and badminton
were formed, sponsorship deals were announced and the design of the Liga Pilipinas banner
was finalized.

The support we got from the corporate world was precious and few - our official T-shirt
were provided by Bench, while the volleyball team uniforms were provided by the Library Bar.

Finally, on July 14, we arrived in the warm and humid summer of Chicago where Filipino migrants and their American families warmly received us into their homes. I stayed with the gay couple Robert Alfajora and Carter Martin. We were treated to three nights of wonderful cozy private parties hosted by Fil-Americans during our week-long stay there.

For Liga Pilipinas, the high point was joining all the other country delegations during the
opening ceremony at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium of American-style football’s
Chicago Bears. As one of the early birds of the Pinoy team, I had the grand time attracting
about two dozens of Filipino gays and lesbians from all over the United States who learned
about the existence of Liga Pilipinas only during that time. About ten of them decided to
join the Pinoy team instead of their state teams. With about 10,000 athletes lining up to be
introduced country by country, we all felt tense in great anticipation.

With the lovely Dee Mendoza of the Society of Transexual Women of the Philippines in an exquisite butterfly sleeve terno leading the pack, the Liga Pilipinas finally entered the turf of Soldier Field to the rousing cheers and thunderous music. A rush of exhiliration
went through my body like never before. The sight of thousands of gays and lesbians and our supporters was a truly rewarding experience of joy that validated all the hardships of doing
years of thankless activist work in my country.

The day after, we hunkered down to our individual events. I signed up for marathon scheduled for the closing day on July 22, which was quite awesome for a non-athlete to do. During the actual marathon itself, I failed to finish even half of it but gained a lot of Fil-Am friends.

About 75 ardent fans surrounded the court at the cheesy Navy Pier for a heated
volleyball match Tuesday between teams from the Philippines and Oakland, California, a match that had the intensity of a gold-medal game. The Philippines fans roared with every point and waved the country's red, white, blue and yellow flags.

And about 250 people turned out for figure-skating competition at the McFetridge Sports
Center, where even a slow-moving,heavyweight skater provoked hearty applause. Another 200
fans cheered and belted out catcalls for the mostly male bodybuilders preening and flexing
their muscles during preliminary rounds of the physique contest at Northwestern University
in Evanston.

Many bodybuilders flexed big muscles to Madonna's "Hung Up." Lightweight bodybuilder Yoni
Vallecillo led screamed for competitors hairdresser Alexis Fernandez and makeup artist
Orlando Barsallo.

"It's awesome. You get to show everybody else that we have strength in sports. They say the
best bodybuilders are gay, so we have to show everybody else we are the best.''

The sports events was also supported by a human rights conference hosted by Amnesty International and the annual Reeling Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

The city and surrounding suburbs pulled in $50 million to $80 million through the Gay Games. The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau made a more modest economic impact estimate
of $33.4 million based on the lodging, meals and transportation costs of the 11,500
registered athletes.

Mayor Daley helped Chicago say goodbye to Gay Games VII on Saturday during a colorful
closing ceremony at Wrigley Field.
Daley escorted the Gay Games flag during its ceremonial transfer to Elfi Scho-Antwerpes,
deputy mayor of Cologne, Germany, where the next Gay Games will be held in 2010. .
"As mayor, I want you to know how much we enjoyed having you here this past week," said
Daley, who also spoke at the Gay Games' opening ceremony a week earlier at Soldier Field.

"I'm sure you found Chicago is a very welcoming place for members of the gay and lesbian
community."

The sole somber moment came when a gay rights activist asked the crowd to observe a moment
of silence for many gays who are killed or tortured because of their sexual orientation.
Moments later, the crowd got rowdy again and screamed when two men in western gear
passionately kissed to the musical theme of "Brokeback Mountain" before the DC Cowboys
dancers kicked up their heels.

But Lauper, who hit the pop scene with her raucous "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" two decades
ago, got the men and women moving. Lauper took the stage with a rainbow-colored gown and gold crown. She held a shiny torch as she sang "True Colors" while standing next to her violinist, dressed as Abraham Lincoln. She ended the set by telling the crowd to "stand tall and together pass the flame on."

Skokie native and "L Word" star Marlee Matlin joined her co-stars, including Pam Grier, to show her support, and Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo and musician Dylan Rice debuted their song
"The Faces of Victory."

"I feel like this is becoming sort of a tradition for me since I performed last time the Gay Games were in the States, in New York City in 1994," Lauper said in a statement on the Gay
Games Web site.

Performers also included Chicago's Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps, also known as
ROTC, who twirled white ceremonial rifles to the disco hit, "Don't Leave Me This Way." The
crowd also tossed around hundreds of rainbow-colored beach balls handed out for a promotion
by the Illinois Lottery.

Events included traditional sports like tennis, soccer, track and power lifting. Same-sex
pairs figure skating and ballroom dancing drew crowds of cheering spectators.

The Gay Games are open to anyone with no qualifying events, no minimum or maximum requirements, and no mandatory affiliations. The Games are built on the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best, and promote a supportive environment, free from bigotry, where participants achieve success by their own measure. More than a tournament or cultural program, the Gay Games is a gathering of the international sports and arts community that changes lives, attitudes, and the very nature of competition.

In 1982, Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete, founded the Games primarily to showcase LGBT sports, describing it as "an experiment in global unity; an experiment in education; a vehicle for change." Since that time nearly 50,000 individuals of different races, genders, sexual orientations, national origin, physical and athletic abilities, health statuses, ages, religious and socio-economic backgrounds have come together from around the world in the spirit of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best.

For 25 years, these values have helped to foster an international LGBT sports movement that builds bridges across borders, eradicates stereotypes, and truly changes the world.

The day after the closing ceremonies, I bundled up toasty warm memories of this unforgetable gay coming home party as I boarded the plane to yet another gay and lesbian conference and more LGBT advocacy work. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

United Nations conference on HIV/AIDS - 5 years after UNGASS

2006-08-09T01:02:00.000+08:00

The civil society representatives from the Philippines posing with DOH Secretary Duque and Peter Heller, deputy director of the International Monetary Fund

(This article is for the memory of Jon Gacioch who died of HIV/AIDS in May and whose house in Chelsea, New York was lent by his bereaved mother during my stay)

In June 2001, the United Nations convened a landmark meeting of Member State Parties, non-government organizations, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and other parties to the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS or UNGASS in New York. The meeting was called to hammer out the global response in fighting the epidemic. ProGay was one of the organizations invited from the Philippines to represent the community of one of the country's high risk groups, the sector of Men having Sex with Men or MSMs.

The UNGASS conference was a highly contested meeting of minds between governments who were in denial of the AIDS crisis and the militant voices of the NGOs and PLWHAs on the other hand who demanded more action from UN members in providing more dollars for treatment and care and more definite language to defend the human rights of the millions of people affected by AIDS. Islamic countries and their conservative allies pushed to prevent a lesbian representative from speaking before the assembly and keep out statements that identified people in prostitution, gays and injecting drug users.

It resulted in the weak Declaration of Commitment that listed recommendations for UN members to abide with in their national programs. Also created was the Global Fund for HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. According to new data in the UNAIDS 2006 Report on the global AIDS epidemic the AIDS epidemic appears to be slowing down globally, but new infections are continuing to increase in certain countries. Important progress has been made in country AIDS responses, including increases in funding and access to treatment, and decreases in HIV prevalence among young people in some countries over the past five years.

However AIDS remains an exceptional threat. The response is diverse with some countries doing well on treatment but poorly on HIV prevention efforts and vice-versa. Civil society reports indicate that stigma and discrimination remain pervasive. Half of all reporting countries said that they have laws and policies that interfere with the accessibility and effectiveness of HIV prevention and care. Care and support for the 15 million children orphaned by AIDS, and for millions of other vulnerable children, lag far behind the need.

Five years afterwards, the UN again called on the global community to return to the UN headquarters in New York for the UNGASS Review High Level Meeting in a bid to review the Declaration and find out the deficiencies in the original commitments and how the states and NGOs fared in managing their programs in reducing HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. On May 31 - June 2, the UN asked governments and NGOs from countries including the Philippines to send their delegates.

Thus from the Philippines, the government sent Secretary Francisco Duque of the Department of Health, Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz from the House of Representatives and Dr. Ferchito Avelino of the Philippine National AIDS Council. Civil society was represented by Atty.Gilda Guerrero of ALTERLAW; Oscar Atadero of ProGay Philippines (picture left, holding sign); Mr. Rico Barbosa, Positive Action Foundation and Isabelita Solano-Antonio, Executive Director, Pilipina Legal Resources Center.

The conference opened to a report from the UN Secretary General Koffi Anan, who called on long-term sustained commitment for universal access in developing countries to reverse the spread of AIDS by 2015. The three-day conference then proceeded for three days with member states hammering out the Political Declaration on AIDS.

On the first day all of the civil society representatives staged a rally at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza outside the headquarters to protest the failure of governments to fulfil the promises made five years ago. After 15 million deaths due to AIDS and 25 million HIV infections, the protesters called to attention the world's failure to address AIDS. As we marched past the permanent mission of the United States with our banners and protest signs, police arrested several activists who chained themselves to the metal barricade.

But in the end, civil society groups who attended the meeting and from around the world denounced the final UN Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS for its failure to demonstrate real political leadership in the fight against the pandemic. On the other hand, UNAIDS director Dr. Peter Piot praised the document as a significant step, a strong declaration that endorses strong national targets, comprehensive HIV prevention strategies and protection for all people with HIV.

Mr. Kofi Anan, for his part, was gladdened by governments having committed themselves to actions to promote gender equality, the empowerment of women and the protection of girls; provision of the full range of HIV prevention measures, including male and female condoms and sterile injection equipment; and the full engagement in the response of the private sector and civil society, including people living with HIV.

But civil society is not pleased. In a joint statement, NGOs denounced UN Member States for refusing to commit to hard targets on funding, prevention, care and treatment. They rejected frank acknowledgement that some of the today’s fastest growing HIV epidemics are happening among injecting and other drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men. “The final outcome document is pathetically weak. It is remarkable at this stage in the global epidemic that governments can not set the much needed targets nor can they can name in the document the very people that are most vulnerable” said Sisonke Msimang of the African Civil Society Coalition. The United States was largely blamed for ensuring that the final declaration only weakly acknowledges that more money is needed, rather than committing to raising the needed funds.

An estimated $23 billion is needed per annum by 2010 in order to fund AIDS treatment, care, prevention and health infrastructure. Despite the attendance of active civil society organizations working in grassroots communities to fight AIDS, our voices were not heard and the governments merely rehashed its old unfulfilled promises. Maiden R. Manzanal, a Filipino member of the Youth Coalition working internationally for sexual and reproductive rights said, "I stayed with the negotiations until 3:00 this morning making sure that we see the final draft of the declaration after all the hard work lobbying. Generally the declaration was not enough and it could have been better if only governments really take the process seriously."

"The process of the review could have been better because it was really messy, unorganized and not transparent. and this is what we gonna take home is even depressing. I'm particularly frustrated with the Asia Pacific countries who have not been active in this process and just went here today to deliver their speeches and go shopping."

The four civil society representatives can attest to this, as it was so difficult locating the government delegation and there was no effort on the part of the Philippine party to consult with us via email. The only opportunities for the CSO to interact with Secretary Duque and the Philippine Mission in New York was a hurried lunch meeting on the second day. Very little of our recommendations were taken up as part of the speech delivered by Secretary Duque as he and the officers of the mission kept using the excuse that the Organization of Islamic Countries will not agree to civil society demands.

Despite all the difficulties we experience dealing with governments, the fight against AIDS must go on as we pass the 25th year of the epidemic, once termed the "gay cancer" but now is afflicting mostly women and girls in the poorer countries. Despite all the weaknesses of the Political Declaration and most of the international agreements, we will continue to hold our governments accountable for its failures and shortcomings as a daily 8,000 new infections worldwide make AIDS a continuing nightmare for the future generations.

Twelve years of LGBT Pride in the Philippines

2006-06-28T07:23:00.000+08:00

ProGay Philippines and Rainbows for Change celebrated the 12th anniversary of LGBT Pride in the Philippines and the 37th anniversary of the Stonewall riots on June 26, 2006 with a Pride parade around the University of the Philippines campus with the theme Rage to Change. Gays and lesbians dressed as representatives of different sectors of Philippines society - farmers, professionals, workers, even cops - paraded with the piece of the longest Rainbow Flag originally unfurled in Key West, Florida and donated by InterPride to ProGay.

These are some of the pictures splashed in the newspapers in Manila.

ProGay led the first gay and lesbian pride march in Asia and the first in the Philippines on June 26, 1994 also in Quezon City.

LGBT Human Rights in the United Nations

2006-04-27T09:51:00.000+08:00

Click on images above to enlarge in a new window.

ILGA 23rd World Conference in Geneva

On the invitation of the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), I went to Geneva, Switzerland in March for an important training course on human rights that was set to coincide with the 62nd and final meeting of the United Nations Commission for Human Rights. During the same time, the International Lesbian and Gay Association held its 23rd World Conference, two years after the 2003 ILGA conference in Manila.

Together with human rights activists from India, Africa, West Papua, Palestine, Mongolia, Germany, Ireland and many other countries, I participated in the exciting course where we had hands-on courses on lobbying, preparing human rights reports, negotiating treaties and visiting government representatives of their permanent missions in Geneva.

I had the pleasure to meet Ms. Jones Mahilum-West, the human rights diplomat at the Philippine mission with other Filipino gay activists. I also had exchanges with UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Asma Jahangir and the Special Rapporteur on Discrimination Ms. Gay McDougall.

In the sprawling United Nations Office in Geneva, the ISHR led by its director Chris Sidotti conducted the Advanced Geneva Training Course 2006 drilled 25 of us in the basic operations of the future Human Rights Council which replaces the Commission in June of this year.

The chance to observe deliberations of States Parties representatives and the human rights non-government organizations gave me precious insights on how gay organizations can push for equal rights and gradual acceptance of LGBT issues on an international level.

Of course, the ILGA conference was one of the major events that hoped to push for LGBT rights in the UN meetings. With some 220 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists coming from all regions of the world, the 23rd ILGA Conference held from March 27 till April 3 showed how alive and needed the LGBT movement and ILGA as its platform are in the world today. At 28 years, ILGA is the only worldwide federation of groups – now over 500 - working to achieve equal rights for LGBT people locally and globally.

The conference was organised by a coalition of Swiss LGBT groups such as Lestime, Dialogai, Pink Cross and 360° led by Yves de Matteis.

ILGA members convene every other year to decide of the association’s agenda, elect its representatives, network, share and voice their concerns over human rights violations still committed on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

An exhilirating moment of the conference was our protest in front of Permanent Mission of Russia. Heeding the call of Russian activist Nikolai Alekseev to react to the recent homophobic statements against the Moscow Gay Pride. I joined more than 100 activists from 35 different countries joined in a protest in front of the mission, 100 meters from the United Nations headquarters.

Major themes of this international gathering included health promotion for LGBT people and religions and homosexuality. A spontaneous initiative also saw a declaration to push for better representation of youth within ILGA. A full day meeting on the theme of discrimination at the workplace gave Global trade unions such as Public Services International and Education International and corporate businesses. Unaids and WHO representatives were amongst the participants of two preconferences on health, the first one focusing on Gay Health and its promotion beyond Aids prevention whilst the second addressed health concerns amongst lesbians and bisexual women.

A panel on religions and homosexuality organised by ILGA at the UN in 2005 had a interesting follow up in Geneva. Clercs from various obediences, including Rabbi François Garai, Muslim Imam Muhsin Hendricks and Bishop Michael Ingham engaged in a very inspiring interreligious dialogue on several occasions during this ILGA conference. The conference also gave birth to a new Initiative for the Advocacy of Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights in Muslim Communities.

ILGA members elected German and Sri Lankan activists Philipp Braun and Rosanna Flamer Caldera (for a second term) to serve as secretaries generals of ILGA until the next World conference of ILGA to be hosted, as voted by members in Quebec in 2008. Philipp Braun from LSVD, the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany, has lobbied extensively on partnership, antidiscrimination and transgender legislation in Germany.

The Geneva experiences added to the growing importance that ProGay Philippines is giving human rights advocacy on the national and international levels. This year, ProGay will prepare to train its local members on strengthening its capacity on providing legal and advocacy services to its members and allied organizations with a rejuvenated Human Rights Program. There will be trainings of new activists in campuses with the use of the curriculum that ISHR has provided.

If you are interested in a training program on LGBT rights, please contact ProGay at tel. 3673109 or mobile 0921 3398955 or email progay@yahoo.com

BUILDING THE PINK NATION

2006-03-15T01:30:00.000+08:00

Pink Festival
New Date: September 2006
Philippines - Manila

2006 Submission deadline: March 15, 2006.

There is no entry fee.

Please send us a preview VCD or DVD to the following address:

Mr. Nicolas Deocampo
c/o MOWELFUND Film Institute
66 Rosario Drive corner Ilang-ilang Street,
Cubao, Quezon City
1109 PHILIPPINES

For inquiries, please contact by email:
Mr. Edgar Atadero
Festival Coordinator
Telephone: 632-3673109
or Mr. Barnard Miranda
Festival Coordinator
Telephone: 632-7271915
Fax: +632-7272033
Email: pinkfilmfest@yahoo.com

Check out Pink Festival 2005 website
www.geocities.com/progayphilippines

The PINK FESTIVAL is a non-competitive film and video festival run by
non-profit groups ProGay and Mowelfund Film Institute. The PINK
FESTIVAL will be offering its fourth festival in the city of Manila.
Additional resources and supporters can assure its extension to other cities of
the Philippines.

Last year, the 3rd Pink Film Festival played to full houses of
students and teachers in Manila and Davao cities. The Festival with the theme IN THE PINK OF HEALTH presented short films, documentaries and full feature films from
all over the world and helped raise awareness on community health and HIV/AIDS issues.

This year, with the theme BUILDING THE PINK NATION, we ask for more
entries focused on the political and social movements of lesbians, gay,
bisexual, transgender, intersexed and gender-crossing people. Stories
can include LGBT rights, biopics of LGBT leaders, discrimination, legal
struggles, social movements and similar depictions. This year's theme
dwells on the recent successes and failures of the political and social
movement in working for equality, as well as hopes for strengthening
the LGBT communities in the Philippines and the whole world.

We still encourage educational entries with reproductive health
issues, HIV/AIDS, adolescent sexuality, sexually transmitted infections
and other issues that intersect with or do not depart widely from LGBT and
reproductive health concerns.

The films must be produced by independent filmmakers, or by private
studios or co-produced between governments and international agencies.
Films that are made by LGBT persons but do not have the themes
mentioned will likely not qualify.

Contemporary films and videos must be have the year of first release
at least in or after the year 2002. We also seek vintage LGBT films
first-screened before circa 1980 for the retrospective portion. All
non-English-language entries must have subtitles or dubbing in English or the
Philippine language Tagalog.

* Submission guidelines
1. To help facilitate your entries, a completed entry form must
accompany each submission (see Official Application Form at the end of these
guidelines). The submission deadline is March 15, 2006. Please email
deadline extension requests to the festival organizer.

2. There is no application fee. Please note that Pink Festival will
not pay any fee for delivery and in-transit insurance of films. Rest
assured that screeners and the final print will be given the best possible
care during the duration of the festival.

3. If you are sending work from outside the Philippines, please
indicate on the outside of the package, FOR FESTIVAL PREVIEW ONLY, NO
COMMERCIAL VALUE. You may be required to pay customs duties if there is no
clear marking for this. Declare less than US$10 value on the package
(Pink Film Festival will be charged customs fees which we cannot pay).

4. Preview materials are non-returnable and will be archived. Entries
not included this year will be considered for 2007. You can send preview
materials by regular post to save money (we do not pay to receive preview
tapes as we do not have an entry fee). If using couriers, please check if
the courier service charges high customs duties in their Manila outlets as we
cannot possibly pay those charges).

5. We prefer submissions of preview material to be in NTSC Video CD,
DVD and DV tape formats rather than VHS to cut on shipment costs. If
you send VHS, please make sure it is in NTSC and not PAL, as it is
difficult to obtain PAL video cassette players in the Philippines.

6. For submissions of several entries in one package, please provide
for separate jackets for each disk and printed materials, making sure
they do not mix up. Use air padded envelopes and avoid fiber especially
when sending tape.

7. The preview disks or tapes must be clearly labeled with the name
of film, filmmakers' names, year of completion and running time, both in
English and the native language or languages of the film's
co-producers.

Filmmakers should submit a brief, 1-paragraph synopsis of the film in
the English language that can be easily used for future publicity.
Longer promotion writeups can also be included to help the festival
organizers know more about the film.

8. The Philippine government through its regulatory agencies also
screens the content and form of any film against its legal and moral
standards, and rates them for audiences according to rapidly shifting
opinions. Please be advised that some films acceptable or legally defensible
in the cultures and political climate of the host countries may meet
with difficulty getting approved for public exhibition in Manila.
Repeated appeals for reversal of ratings with the regulators mean duplication
of costs and can result in heavy financial losses for a particular
film. Screeners of works in progress cannot be guaranteed exhibition
because a final version might not pass the regulators.

9. We discourage you from sending the final print for preview and you
do so at your own risk. Both successful festival entrees and those not
considered will be notified by email only, and only then will the
festival request the filmmaker to send the final print.
Because of the expenses entailed in transporting big rolls of
celluloid, the festival will
encourage submissions of final print in DVD form or some other
suitable small format.

10. Pink Festival reserves the right to excerpt the chosen programmed
works (up to 1
minute), photographic stills and promotional pictures/likenesses of
the actors and crew for promotional purposes and to distribute these to
broadcast and print media.
You can email the accompanying materials before planning to send the
application in hard copy so that we can check if you still have missing
data entries. Please also send an email during the same time of sending
the snail mail. This would notify us to expect material coming in the
mail. Emailed inquiries can be directed to: pinkfilmfest@ yahoo.com

Copy and paste the following into the body of the email:

PINK FESTIVAL 2006
Film and Video Festival
Official Application Form

Name of film:
Filmmakers' Names:
Address:
Telephone contact:
Email address:
Websites:
Name/s of Director/s:
Name/s of Cinematographer/s:
Name/s of the lead star/s
and their respective character names:
Year of completion or first theatrical release 200___
Languages:
Length in minutes:
Colour or Black & White?
Aspect ratio : 1.33 1.66 1.85 Scope
Genre (check all that apply):
Documentary ____
Feature ____
Animation ______
Live Action _____
Experimental ____
Other ___________
Has the film premiered anywhere?
If yes, where?
Has it received a television broadcast?
Original format (check all that apply):
35mm___ 16mm____ Beta cam ___ Super VHS ___ Mini DV___
List of festivals joined:
List of websites that have featured or discussed the film:
Previous awards for film:
Previous awards for filmmaker for this film and
her/his other films (please mention the titles):

**************

Please remember to attach:
A short synopsis of the film (1 paragraph)
A brief biography and filmography of the filmmaker

It will help if you can also attach (optional):
Photocopied proof of ownership/authorship/copyrights to film

International Dialogue on Gender, Sexuality, HIV/AIDS and Human Rights: Focus on Asia

2005-12-26T14:51:00.000+08:00

The International Dialogue on Gender, Sexuality, HIV/AIDS and Human Rights: Focus on Asia hosted LGBT activists from all over the world, including Oscar Atadero of ProGay Philippines.

The conference was hosted by ARC International which collaborated with the Korean Sexual-Minority Culture & Rights Center on November 24th - 27th, 2005 in Seoul, South Korea. By hosting this year¡¦s Dialogue in Seoul, we honour the historic decision of South Korea to be a signatory to a statement on sexual orientation at this year's UN Commission on Human Rights, the only Asian country to do so.

The dialogue began with a pre-conference called Human Rights Institute on November 24th. The participants were stakeholders in the international arena (NGOs, academics, and funding organizations) from all geographic regions, particularly those with some experience advancing human rights regionally and/or internationally.

Building on previous consultations in Rio de Janeiro and Geneva, the Dialogue was able to conduct specific training on domestic, regional and international human rights mechanisms.

Lnkages between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, including through an HIV/AIDS lens were built, as well as NGO capacity for reporting human rights violations.

The Dialogue raised awareness of proposals for UN reform and its possible impact for our communities and explored faith-based and other responses to religious fundamentalism/ Regional priorities and strategies to assist in advancing those priorities, with particular focus on the Asia region, were developed.

For sharing sessions for Philippine NGOs working on LGBT rights, please contact Oscar Atadero at tel. 3743451 or mobile 0921-3398955 or email progay@yahoo.com

Pride Parade Pictures in Manila, December 10

2005-12-22T17:43:00.000+08:00

Hi friends, we would like to share with you pictures from the ProGay delegation to the Celebrating Pride and Rights, last December 10, 2005 in Plaza Miranda, Manila.

GIFT - Gays and Lesbians in the Family Day 2005

2005-12-12T17:55:00.000+08:00

Support GIFT Fundraiser - Gays & Lesbians in the Family Day,
December 15

Please forward to all your yahoogroups and email lists, thanks!!!

ProGay Philippines and the Rainbows for Change invite everyone to
its 6th annual

GAYS (& Lesbians) IN THE FAMILY DAY (GIFT)

December 15, 2005
Come as early as 6pm. Party ends at 9pm.

Venue: ProGay Philippines
35 Scout Delgado Street,
Barangay Laging Handa,
Quezon City
Tel. 3743451
0928 7571119

Entrance minimum: Fifty pesos (PhP 50) or US$1
Additional donations of cash and goods more than welcome!

Please bring your printed cards/signs with focused messages such
as:

I Love My Gay Brother 300%!
I Support My Bisexual Mother!
Mahal Ko ang Aking Kapatid na Lesbiyana!
Ginihugma Ko ang Akong Bonggang Bayot na Inday!
Love Makes a Queer Family!

Be as creative as you can be! Token prizes await the 3 best messages!
Hindi na po kasali sa competition ang mga slogans na nabanggit sa
itaas. Each individual participant can bring a maximum of three
signs, each not larger than 2 x 3 feet and not smaller than a short document
paper (8x11 inches).

The annual GIFT party is our community's reunion and advocacy activity
to bring together the LGBT and their supportive friends and families,
with the objective of honoring the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
members of Filipino families and focusing on their importance for
building families and the Filipino nation.

The organizers make an effort to invite parents, brothers and sisters
of LGBTs and ask them to bring gifts and oral testimonies of their love
and support for their queer relative.

Tandaan: Mahalaga ang LGBT sa Pamilyang Pilipino!!

Support the struggle of MARLON LACSAMANA for his workplace rights!

2005-11-22T14:06:00.000+08:00

Photo: Marlon Lacsamana
(left) during a picket for
LGBT rights.

22 November 2005

ProGay backs librarian’s NLRC suit vs Miriam College

GAY and lesbian activists trooped to the National Labor Relations Commission today, November 22, in support of gay librarian Marlon Lacsamana in his unfair labor practices suit he filed against the administration of Miriam College, which he alleges fired him for his same-sex union with his lover.

Also a member of ProGay Philippines, the gay activist last week filed a criminal complaint against Miriam College before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office for alleged violation of the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. Charged are school president Patricia Licuanan, vice president Grace Dalisay, associate dean Rosa Paragas, human resources chief Olivia Ilagan, and chief librarian Emelita del Rosario.

ProGay said that the Philippine government is obligated by international covenants that it ratified to protect the rights of all citizens to equal treatment in employment and workplace relations.

Oscar Atadero, president of ProGay, cited two pertinent articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights or ICESCR, the 1966 UN General Assembly Resolution. The first, Article 10, protects the right of gay men like Lacsamana to found a family and urges the signatory state to recognize that “marriage must be entered into with the free consent of the intending spouses.”

The second provision, ICESR Article 6.1 recognizes the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts.

Atadero says that most school employers in the Philippines are grossly homophobic and make life miserable for gay and lesbian faculty by accusing homosexuals of being unfit and immoral to work around their students. The result, he said, is so many dedicated teachers and staff losing their livelihood and credentials.

The ProGay leader said he would like to see Miriam College reinstate and compensate Lacsamana with back pay and restoration of his rank, and also live up to its much promoted gender programs.

ProGay is backing Lacsamana with its human rights program against gender-based violence called CHANGE or Combat Homophobia, Act Now for Gender Equality.
*** ProGay backs librarian’s NLRC suit vs Miriam College page 2

Atadero said CHANGE aims to minimize homophobia in schools, employers and family and replace these with acceptance and equal rights.

Lacsamana was head of the Circulation Department, tasked with cataloguing materials in the technical services section and indexed materials in the periodical section. On May 14, 2005, Lacsamana and his lover Janus were wed in the presence of Miriam employees in Christian ceremonies at the Order of St. Aelred, a church that preaches Christian love and acceptance for all people including homosexuals and other sexual minorities.

“My fixed term contract has been used against me to cheat me out of office and my right to security of tenure. Since Miriam College has not informed me of any fault or negligence on my part constituting cause for removal or non-compliance with any work standard, I am led to believe that the so-called expiration of my contract was just a ploy to cheat me of my rights as an employee under the law,” he added.

“Miriam College’s decision was discriminatory against homosexuals. It was hypocritical of Miriam College to publicly espouse gender fairness and gender sensitivity while it terminates employees for having “gay weddings.”

Meanwhile, the case is attracting the attention of gay and lesbian sympathizers in countries such as Hong Kong, Canada and other countries. The Blue Diamond Society, a gay activist group of Nepal sent a support statement urging Lacsamana to fight for the rights of gay couples.

Pelikula, Kultura at Homophobia - CHANGE/International Day Against Homophobia

2005-05-15T02:45:00.000+08:00

Please come and support grassroots observance of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) through Combat Homophobia, Act Now for Gender Equality (CHANGE)

Join a film exhibition and community discussion chats.

Help educate heterosexuals on need to support LGBT concerns.

Pelikula, Kultura at Homophobia
(Films, Culture and Homophobia)

May 17 Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00

Barangay Caybiga Hall, Caloocan City

Hosted by:

MASKARA - ProGay Philippines

Supported by:

Caybiga Barangay Council and Grupong Sinehan

Free admission, but we appreciate donations of cash, food and community service.

Contact Mykel 0928 7571119

***********************

Fifteen years ago, on 17th May 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) delisted homosexuality from the official WHO list of mental disorders.

This declaration helped gay and lesbians to overcome medical homophobia which was prevalent for many centuries.

Help lobby the United Nations to declare May 17th as the "International Day Against Homophobia-(IDAHO). Sign the petition @ www.petitiononline.com/idaho and www.idahomophobia.org

For more information, visit the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) website

http://ilga.org/news_results_b.asp?FileID=329

Download a free PDF version of ILGA’s magazine
http://www.ilga.org/donate.asp

Download ILGA’s 2004 annual report
http://www.ilga.org/campaigning/ILGAannualreport2004.pdf

***********************

ProGay Philippines
35 Scout Delgado Street,
Barangay Laging Handa
Quezon City

Phone: 632-3673109

PHANSuP supports Pink Festival 2005

2005-04-25T08:46:00.000+08:00

The Philippine NGO Support Program (PHANSuP) announced its partnership with ProGay Philippines in bringing reproductive health issues to the public in the Pink Festival 2005, the annual film and arts event in the Pride month of June.

PHANSuP executive director Roberto A.O. Nebrida praised the festival's daring and creative efforts to mainstream the urgent issues of reproductive health to mall audiences especially the school-age youth who are most vulnerable to health problems and confusion that can stem from wrong information.

Nebrida noted that the feast of videos and documentaries dovetails into PHANSuP's vision in contributing to the improvement of the quality of life in communities, families and individuals.

Since 1994, PHANSuP has provided NGOs and community-based organizations with comprehensive organizational, technical and financial support. PHANSuP's assistance strengthen capacities of organizations in planning and implementing effective and sustainable responses to reproductive health needs.

The Pink festivals, the third one this year, features high-quality films from abroad and the local movie industry that highlight the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people worldwide.

With the theme "In the Pink of Health" this year's international festival will give importance to issues of reproductive health and its companion issues such as domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, party substance and hormone abuse, male cancers and discrimination against sexual minorities.

Aside from film screenings, the festival will also reach out to student organizations in four cities nationwide, with the aim of engaging them in interactive discussions and learning activities to raise their awareness of health issues.

The Pink Festival is also presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Mowelfund Film Institute.

To commit your support for sponsorships and volunteer work, please contact the Pink Secretariat through tel. 4104567 or email progay@yahoo.com

Log on to www.pinkfilmfest.cjb.net

Help ProGay in LGBT Development Projects

2005-02-12T03:26:00.000+08:00

Happy Love Month greetings from The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines!

ProGay has been working 11 years in advocacies and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Filipinos. To help us continue with this important work and expand our projects to reach more under-served LGBT people, we are appealing to the community again for material and financial assistance.

May we invite you to become one of our partners in our search for equality and justice?

At present we have four thematic programs and a general support program:

* RAGE/CHANGE - Raising Awareness for Gay Empowerment / Combat Homophobia, Act Now for Gender Equality

Lecture-and-capacity-building tours in schools and communities on homophobia and learning experiences on gender sensitivity, discrimination and fair treatment

* SIGLAH - Sharing Information for Gay and Lesbian Access to Health

Research and information sharing among urban-poor transgender, gay and lesbian out-of-school youth, and health care providers

* Pink Festival

Annual June Pride arts events promoting human rights issues, LGBT Pride and reproductive health awareness

* GIFT - Gays (and Lesbians) in the Family Today

Annual community-based Pride mini-events among LGBT youth and their friends, families, co-workers and schoolmates aimed at promoting acceptance of sexual minorities

* General Support Program

Telephone counseling, providing legal assistance for discrimination cases, networking with government agencies, documentation, mass media advocacy and unexpected emergencies

We accept these suggested forms of assistance:

- Sponsorship support for community-based events (food, transportation, equipment rentals, venue and lodging)

- Pledges of pro-bono attorney representation for indigent clients

- Pledges of free medical consultation from general practitioners, mental health care providers, nurses and medical school students/graduates

- Equipment and office furniture (must be serviceable, and please shoulder needed repairs and delivery to our office, thank you)

- Referrals of student practicum and student volunteer services

- Office supplies, internet connection, food coupons and food certificates, telephone rental, office rental and travel allowances for our staff

- Mass media promotions, broadcast and print advertising, billboards, Tshirts and other advertising collaterals

ProGay is presently sharing a crowded office space with other organizations, so it will be a blessing if it can move to a more liveable space to be able to hold community activities in private and for longer hours and more days.

ProGay is also 100% volunteer-driven and its staff receives no salary despite big tasks. A few of us have part-time paid jobs to support our advocacies. We would appreciate your understanding if you can volunteer ample hours of your free time, too. Please understand that we may not be able to collect your contributions individually from wherever you may be, so do make the initiative of bringing these to us.

Donations to ProGay are presently not tax-deductible. What we can offer are acknowledgment and advertising opportunities in exchange.

Thank you for your tireless contributions for social change and enlightenment.

Mabuhay kayo!

************************************

Contact information:

Edgar Oscar Atadero
President
ProGay Philippines
Tels. 3673109, 3712302
Mobile 0921 3398955

Mailing address:
35 Scout Delgado Street,
Barangay Laging Handa,
Quezon City, Philippines

Email: progay@yahoo.com

PRIDE MANILA CHORUS thanks the community for the support!

2004-12-22T08:14:00.000+08:00

The PRIDE MANILA CHORUS thanks all the kapatiran who patronized our first public performance with other great choirs for the Merry Novo Christmas 2004 at the CCP Little Theatre on December 15. And our hats off to Cholo Gino our choirmaster who patiently built the choir and honed our talents. And special thanks to Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Libre and Yehey.com for the publicity.

We hope to keep getting your support for our planned solo performance next year! With your help, we can train and practice and hopefully join the many LGBT choirs around the world in bringing the music of tolerance, understanding and acceptance to hardened hearts and lonely souls.

As part of the LGBT community, we ask for your continued offers of help, in the form of financial and material resources, building up our name in the music industry, media promotions, linkages with sponsors and creating general public support. With your help, we will slowly and surely become better ambassadors of the community to the larger society.

Please contact Bryan at 0927 6443854 or Oscar tel. 3673109 for your suggestions and assistance. Email barneyard@yahoo.com

Have a happy holiday full of songs and joys and with less discrimination and homophobia!

Gays and Lesbians in the Family Day 2004

2004-12-16T07:03:00.000+08:00

PINANGUNAHAN ng Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay), kasama ang Alyansa ng mga Progresibong Lesbyana ng Pilipinas (Prolesb), ang taunang Pride event na Gay and Lesbian in the Family Day o GLIFT sa Baranggay Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches Quezon City nitong Disyembre 18.

Sa tulong ng Quezon City Gender and Development Resource Center Office (GADRCO) sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Punong Lungsod Feliciano Belmonte at ng Gender and Development Focal Person Marie Roño at kagawad ng pamahalaang barangay, naglunsad ng ang ProGay ng libreng salon hot oil. Ang Prolesb ay nagpadaloy ng dental services at seminar sa bookkeeping para sa mamamayan ng nasabing barangay.
Habang nag-aabang ang mga beneficiaries sa mga serbisyo, nagbigay ng gender sensitivity workshop ang mga bakla at lesbiyana ukol sa kahalagahan ng araw ng GLIFT.

Anang grupo, mahalaga sa kanila ang araw na ito dahil ito ang panahon ng mga pagtitipon ng pamilya ngunit kadalasan na itinatratong saling pusa lamang ang mga bakla at lesbyana sa ganitong pagtitipon.

"Mahalaga ang bakla at lesbyana sa pamilyang Pilipino, kami ang kadalasang pumapasan ng krisis na idinidikta ng gobyerno sa aming mga pamilya. Inaasahan na kami ang maghahanap ng trabaho na kadalasan ay nauuwi sa parlor dahil sa kami ay nadidiscriminate sa mga pagawaan at opisina," ani Michael Urbano, kalihim ng ProGay
Dagdag nila, batay sa pag-aaral ng grupo, mahalaga ang papel ng pamilya sa paghubog ng kaisipan ng isang tao kaya't kapag ang bakla at lesbyana ay itinatakwil ng pamilya, kadalasan natutulak ang mga homosekswal na sa mga anti-sosyal na gawain tulad ng pagnanakaw, paggamit ng bawal na gamot at pagpapakamatay.

Layunin ng kampanyang GLIFT ang mapalapit ang mga anak na LGBT sa kanilang mga magulang para maiwasan ang karahasan sa komunidad. Isang dahilan ng mga sunod-sunod na serial murders sa hanay ng mga bading ay ang kawalan ng komunikasyon sa pagitan ng pamilya at mga bading. Sabi ng ProGay, malaki ang maitutulong ng acceptance sa pamilya para maging bukas ang bading sa kanilang mga relasyon sa papa at hindi palihim na ginagawa sa dilim na kadalasan nauuwi sa karahasan at sa tuwina ay kamatayan.

"Kaya't nararapat lamang na sa pamilya magsimula ang pagtanggap sa mga gay at lesbian, ito ang magtutulak sa kanila para labanan ang diskriminasyon at homophobia" ani Urbano.

Nais ng Prolesb at ProGay na gawing Pride tradition din ng iba't ibang local government units ang GLIFT hanggang maging isang national observance ito na kahanay ng Mothers' Day at Fathers' Day.

At sa ating sariling tahanan, opisina, pagawaan kalye at barangay ay magagawa natin ang simpleng pagdiriwang na nito.

Magbigay ng simpleng greeting cards, magluto ng special na putahe, o magbigay ng simpleng dasal sa hapag kainan na dedicated sa ating mga gay and lesbian children. Ang mga simple things that mean a lot na ito ay malaki ang maitutulong para sa maangat ang kamalayan ng lipunan tungo sa pantay na karapatan.

Maaaring tawagan si Mykel Urbano ng Progay sa tel. 3712302 o mobile 0919 8374234 at si Lee Topacio ng Prolesb 09263440070 para sa dagdag na detalye tungkol sa GLIFT at iba pang proyekto ng LGBT Pride.

BATH HOUSE

2004-11-16T23:10:00.000+08:00

Sanctuary of Fears

TOO many of us may have been in denial for far too long regarding sexual orientation. Perhaps, too many of us have beein in the closet hanging for years and equivalently, have kept the feeligns that give low regard for our lives for almost a lifetime.

Independent digital whiz kid Cris Pablo is one again offering to the public another digital video-movie that will surely change our sense of what it means to be gay in the country.

BATH HOUSE dares to describe bravely the affectionless and heartless behaviors we often give to gay people and how gay people have somehow absorbed these biases to become even more cruel to our own kind. But it also depicts that sex is not a be-all and end-all of being gay. There will always be something that would fill the emptiness caused by fear, uncertainty and grief in not being able to come out in the open.

The movie BATH HOUSE hews closely to the signature autership of Cris Pablo's internationally acclaimed "Duda/Doubt" which earned for him two Best Director nominations for both the 2004 New York Asian American Film Festival and the Barcelona International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

BATH HOUSE is a broody tale of the geeky youth Rico (Ray An Dulay) who experiences a roller coaster relationship with the senior lawyer Cris (Jet Alcantara), his mentor in sexual awakening at the dark recesses of Klub Hombre, a private club somewhere in Manila. The film goes through a smorgasboard of gay male stereotypes who haunt the cavernous steam rooms clad only in towels and false illusions about themselves and their desires.

The film is now being crafted by the intrepid production house Grupong Sinehan on a shoestring budget, video and audio equipment that have seen better days and huge helpings of heroic dedication and volunteer spirits from gay and lesbian artists and their heterosexual supporters this November, in time, hopefully, for the World AIDS Day on December 1, 2004. Parts of the production budget were sourced through fundraising efforts of ProGay Philippines, the Gay Men's Support Group, L Magazine and Fahrenheit Cafe and Fitness Center. The movie will be launched with a mall parade led by the Remedios AIDS Foundation.

The Grupong Sinehan is asking once more for the solid support of the gay and lesbian community by offering cash donations, food and beverages and fast food certificates for the shooting and editing crews, vehicles, gasoline and diesel for the vehicles, free editing services, costumes, wardrobes and other necessary support for the production, editing, marketing and audience mobilization expenses.

For serious offers of help, please call Mark of Grupong Sinehan at 0927 5249436 and landline 4368987 or Oscar of ProGay at 0921 3398955 and landline 3673109. Or email progay@yahoo.com

Thank you and mabuhay ang Pinoy queer films!

Wanted talents for the movie BATH HOUSE

2004-09-27T18:15:00.000+08:00

Thanks for all those who emailed their applications for the movie project *Serial Killer*, your applications will be added to this project also. No need to email your applications again.

We are now issuing the Casting call for the following roles:

Lead Actors:

First Lead
Male 19-20 innocent looking, fit, willing to bare

Second Lead
Male 25-26 hunky looking, fit, willing to bare

Other roles

Males 25-30 different characters, all body types, masculine, discreet, effeminate, in between, different hair styles, etc., all willing to bare

Female 20-something, pokpok-looking, willing to bare

Male 40-something, father role

Female 40-something, mother role

Report for auditions on September 30, Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at this address: 21-B Kamias Road, Diliman, Quezon City, near City Savers Hotel. Look for Manny Vicera.

Bring a resume with the following information either

1. in hard copy and either a close up or full body photo (xeroxed or printer-ink copies allowed)

2. OR email your resume in Microsoft Word format to progay@yahoo.com

The following basic info are needed:

Name and desired screen name

Contact information:
Mailing address
Email address
Mobile phone
Landline phone (please indicate if this is your home or office phone and if
you share this landline phone with other people)

Your usual gender or gender identity (optional)
Age
Your usual body build / body type
Languages spoken

Previous acting work/experience in TV/movie/theatre/advertising/events

Previous production work/experience in TV/movie/theatre/advertising/events

Your present and past occupations/work/vocations

Degrees or training and seminars in acting, directing or production work

Time schedules and constraints

Other information that may seem important to mention.

We prefer fresh talents who are out of the closet, with no pending work contracts or other obligations. Foreign nationals may apply if work permits can be shown.

Please attach one close up face picture and one full body colored picture in jpeg format, together not more than 300 kilobytes in file size.

Your contact information needs to be complete and available so that we can contact you for the scheduled auditions sometime in September or October.

Only those who submit their serious interest, resume and pictures will be entertained. Thank you for your untiring support for independent queer films!

Remember, first auditions on Sept. 30 for our productions to start in October!

Filipino Gay Choir Auditions Continue

2004-09-14T01:31:00.000+08:00

Hi there, if you can still enlist for the Pinoy Gay choir, read the following advertisement.

If you can't join, you can still help by becoming a patron and sponsor supporting our rehearsal, clothing and transportation costs! Contact Barnard and Cholo for details, email barneyard@yahoo.com Marketing people, please help us find willing sponsors - and help us focus on the artistic side of this project by volunteering to do the talking to the sponsors and setting up meetings for us. Thank you and may your blessings be multiplied many times over!

--

BE THE VOICE -- an audition for the first OUT Filipino GAY choir

The Gay Men Support Group (GMSG) is spearheading the formation of the first openly known Filipino male gay choir with the following requirements for interested applicants:

above 20 years old
really talented (with an audience other than your mom)
team player (no divas pls.)
has the time and is totally commited for the rehearsals (Saturdays)
definitely proud of his gay sexuality

The goal is to gather as diverse a group as possible because the group will not only perform and entertain with their showstopping numbers, but will also act as the voice of the gay community in all its splendid rainbow colors.

The audition proces will consist of the following:

a range check
a "sing back" test (the conductor will perform a series of notes and the auditionee will be expected to sing it back)
a performance (a capella) of any song of the candidate's choice. it can EITHER BE:

a Filipino "kundiman"
a German lied or an Italian art song
anything from a musical theater

Auditions will be held on August 28, 2004 from 10am-4pm. at 53-A, Mapang-akit St., V.Luna, Quezon City. For more details, pls. text 0920-544-1630.

Successful applicants will be contacted either by landline or email. Rehearsals will begin immediately (every saturdays, 2-5PM) considering that performances are being lined up fast for December 2004 and February 2005.

Choir master will be Cholo Gino, a stalwart of Novo Concertante Manila,and is a revered conductor of many prestigious schools and church choirs. He is a Conducting major at the UP College of Music.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Go to the GMA MRT station. You should be on the side going to SM North, Caloocan, etc...

Once on the ground floor, walk towards the intersection of Edsa and Timog. Your landmarks are the giant billboards of GMA-7.

Upon reaching the intersection cross the street and ride anything going to Philcoa,or Fairview (bus or jeep)

Get off at Jollibee V. Luna. It's just a ten minute ride.

You will see yellow tricycles on the V,. Luna side of Jollibee. Tell them 53-A, Mapang-akit St.

If there are no tricycles, walk three streets further down the road and turn right which is already Mapang-akit St.(your landmark is the hardware store) Walk, walk, walk, until you reach a row of apartments with red gates on your right side. 53-A is the left most apartment on that row.

C ya, all ye mighty and proud!

Hush (synopsis by the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival)

2004-09-12T16:33:00.000+08:00

Director and Writer: Ryosuke Hashiguchi
Principal Cast: Seiichi Tanebe, Kazuya Takahashi, Reiko Kataoka
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
Year: 2001
Runtime: 135 minutes

A gay man leading a double life; a biological clock that needs stopping; the complications of family life - Hashiguchi addresses all these issues in his funny but thoughtful portrait of modern Japanese life. Katsuhiro is a closeted gay man who gradually develops a relationship with the more extrovert and self-centered Naoya who works in a pet store. However a chance encounter with a depressed young woman, Asako, changes the course of their life forever. Told that she may never be able to have children, Asako is desparate to become pregnant and approaches Katsuhiro to be the father. Naively they navigate a three-way relationship but tension starts to show when Naoya and Asoka discover Katsuhiro has not always been honest with them. As the drama unfolds, it transpires all three have difficult relationships with their families and, to make sense of the mess they are in, the threesome must ultimately decide what being a family means.

The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with UP Film Institute, Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Podium and SM Cinema, proudly presents Eiga Sai 2004, treating Manila folks to contemporary films @ the UP Film Institute, CCP Dream Theater, The Podium and SM Megamall.

ADMISSION IS FREE. For inquiries, please call 811-6155

Screening schedule for HUSH

CPP Dream Theater
Oct 1 (Fri) 7:00 PM
Oct 3 (Sun) 7:00 PM

UP Film Institute
Sep 8 (Wed) 4:00 PM
Sep 11 (Sat) 1:00 PM

SM Megamall
Oct 6 (Wed) 8:00 PM
Oct 8 (Fri) 2:00 PM
Oct 10 (Sun) 8:00 PM
Oct 11 (Mon) 5:00 PM

Now Available @ the Fahrenheit Cafe and Fitness Center - GAY PRIDE T-Shirts

2004-09-10T01:27:00.000+08:00

Mahalaga Ang Lesbians Sa Pamilyang Pilipino

Mabibili na ngayon ang ProGay Family Pride Tshirts sa FAHRENHEIT Café & Fitness Center sa 1204 E. Rodriguez Sr. Street, corner Alabama Street, New Manila, Quezon City sa halagang 140 (white) at 160 (black and red).

Ask for Rainiel or Wilbert 0918-9008002 or 0918-9008007. Tawagan din si Oscar sa 3673109 at 0921 3398955 para magbilin ng design kapag wala nang stock sa Fahrenheit.

Napapanahon dahil malapit na ang kapaskuhan at nararapat lamang na ipagdiwang ang halaga ng mga LGBT sa ating mga pamilya.... hindi na dapat manahimik na lang sa isang sulok tuwing may family reunion at itatago ang jowa sa paningin ng ating mga kaanak, katrabaho, kapuso, kabarkada, katropa, kaklase at kasimbahan.

Maging isa sa mga walking education billboard na proud na nagdiriwang sa ating halaga! Convince mo na ang female friends mo na maging cool at chic na rumampa sa campus wearing this t-shirt na magkakasama sa gimikan at hanging out. Pati si kuya at pinsan na tumatambay sa bilyaran at basketball court, ipasuot na para patunayan nila ang sabi nilang hindi sila homophobic. Dare nga oh!

Help ProGay Education Efforts, Support, Buy And Wear GAY PRIDE T-Shirts

2004-09-10T01:17:00.000+08:00

Help ProGay Education Efforts, Support, Buy And Wear GAY PRIDE T-Shirts

ProGay-Philippines works tirelessly to provide grassroots education not only to gays and lesbians but also our families, co-workers and the general public.

You can help ProGay continue with this mission by wearing ProGay Family Pride Shirts (see photo) and having our friends, co-workers and families wear them also with genuine Pride! They are great for gift-giving during Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day/Father's Day, World AIDS Day, family reunions and fiesta holidays.

These shirts when worn often helps keep awareness among Filipino families and communities about the unspoken and often taken-for-granted important roles of queers in our society. They confront homophobia and discrimination using the slogan MAHALAGA ANG BAKLA SA PAMILYANG PILIPINO in a gentle reminding way that queers are the forgotten parts of our most basic unit of our nation.

The income generated all go to the upkeep of office expenses as we go about in our efforts to build better world for the marginalized bakla and tibo in the urban poor communities and campuses.

Since they are not yet available at stores, please contact us for information on how to buy by piece or advanced bulk orders. Call Oscar at 3673109 or 0921 3398955 or email progay@yahoo.com. For now, we can sell within Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan and Makati areas only, preferrably at MRT and LRT stations. Please allow one week for delivery as we are also busy with our other grassroots schedules. You can invite us to your events, school fairs and stores and help us with free use of your space.

We also appreciate additional financial help in making the silkscreen printing frames for other slogans and designs and provide employment opportunities for our out-of-school volunteers who print the shirts.

Bi-Diaries

2004-08-21T15:36:00.000+08:00

Support our community theater movements and gay arts! Watch BI-DIARIES presented by the Teatro Kalipi Cultural Event Management Team and the Nakpil Theater Guild.

A sex-dramedy written by Oscar Navarra Jr. and directed by Jerome Lardizabal.

Cast:

Carlo Miguel Gonzales as Grifford
Jordan Gil Santiago as Zelda
Jayson Sanchez as Luisa
Norman Lardizabal as Che-che
Sydney Sacdalan as Jerry
Gerald Mendoza at Lance
James Brian Enriquez as Gen
Emil Torcelino as Troy
Jonathan Garin as Biboy
Sky Lazatin as CJ

Sa masalimuot at masayang mundo ng kabaklaan, kung saan ang tingin sa kanila ay bumibili lamang ng aliw... hindi bukas ang isip ng mundo para tanggapin sila. Paano ba nila matatatanggap ang sarili bilang bahagi ng kakaibang kasarian?

Sa likod ng saya ay may nakatagong lungkot ang bawat isa. Si Luisa na japanerang transexual, magugulat sa balitang iiwanan na siya ng kanyang boyfriend. Si Zelda, pilit tinatakasan ang pagiging bading. Si Che-che na laruan ng macho dancer. Magtatagal kaya sila kahit iba't iba ang pananaw? Paano ba nila maipapakita ang sinseridad ng tunay na pagmamahal?

Buksan na nating ang unang pahina at sabay nating silipin ang mga pangyayari sa... Bi-Diaries.

One Night Only

Teatro Nakpil has limited seating capacity of 100 only, and tickets are sold at the door.

Location: Bautista Street (formerly Barbosa Street), Quiapo, Manila

August 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Please confirm with Jerome at 0920 5606011 and 7147996.

Smash & Match!

2004-08-20T05:19:00.000+08:00

Compete with so much fun and get the chance to meet the people you want in the Smash and Match - The Pride Tournament!

SMASH!

Arguably, the first gay lesbian, bisexual, transgender badminton tournament, we are inviting everyone, even those of the straight persuasion, to participate in this unique event that seamlessly combines the rigors of badminton and eyeball match-ups.

A legitimate doubles badminton tournament, this is a genderless competition where the
gays can be pitted off with the lesbians, the bisexuals with the straights, etc... There will be two important dates.

Leveling Phase: Saturday (September 4, 4-6 pm)
The Leveling Phase is where your class will be determined. You can either be on Class A (Pro) or Class B (beginner-average).

Competition Proper: Sunday (September 5, 8-5pm)
The competition proper, the winning pair for each class will win a trophy and surprise goodies from our supportive sponsors. Entry fee is a very P300 inclusive of the Leveling Phase and Competition proper.

Both will be held at the Woosh Badminton Court, along Quezon Avenue beside Hi-Top (on the right side if you are facing Hi-top) For more details about the mechanics, pls call Woosh at 4138483.

... and MATCH!

Conceptualized for the players and their friends, you don't need to throw stolen glances at the person who you might not even be compatible with because there will be a real time matching service called the Smashter. A computer program specifically developed for the affair, it aims to match the Smashee with the preferred Smasher which can either be a romantic partner or a friend.

This will up the ante of eye balls for everyone who will be there. A very minimal fee shall be charged (mas mahal pa ang kape mo!) for this engaging and exciting game. The detailed mechanics shall be posted asap.

Aiming to be the biggest and most interactive eye-ball event, we are also encouraging all groups out there to participate with your own gimmick.

There is a long covered driveway where you can set-up anything for a very minimal fee again (mas mahal pa ang apat na sine). Possibilities are endless. You can have face-painting, garage sales, pastry festivals, leafleting, and so much more!

For details, please contact Barnard at 0927-6443854. There is no reason to be left out so join na kayo and win the competition and the hearts of your new found friend or promising date with Smash and Match - The Pride Tournament

Interactive

2004-08-20T03:55:00.000+08:00

SAFETY GUIDE

What If It Happens to You? A Guide to Prevent Violent Crimes vs. Gay Men

THESE past few months, repeated reports of violent hate crime against gays have dominated the queer community. Panicky stories have created fear of real or imagined "serial killers" who supposedly enter homes and brutally kill and mutilate lone gay occupants.

The public remain clueless and no credible suspects have been arrested. This follows many years of irregular reports in Metro Manila and nearby provinces of gay men found dead of stabbing and strangulation in their homes or by the wayside. From the evidence of unusual severity of physical harm inflicted - so many stab wounds, strangulation and gross mutilation - it is increasingly evident that homophobic hatred against the victims motivated the offenders' cruel crimes.

In the light of all these, it is becoming important for the gay community to think about safety for its members. We have to take steps to share our problems, to educate ourselves and to start talking and acting against violence, discrimination and homophobia. By discussing our fears, we hope to minimize harm done to our friends and bring the criminals to justice.

We do not know when the next attack will happen. You cannot insure that you will never become a crime victim. No crime victim is to blame for the crime committed against them. Often, we are assaulted by total strangers. Sometimes, we are attacked by people we may know, including family members or lovers.

So for our own protection, let us share the following information:

Safety Tips for Dating, Cruising and Walking Home

When going out with a new date or acquaintance, picking up strangers in the streets or simply walking or jogging just to get home, review these reminders.

Let friends and family know whom you are with and where you will be. Provide detailed itinerary and contact information or write these on a piece of paper and leave them where people can read them later.

Get to know your date in a neutral, public location such as a mall. When at gay venues, be alert and be aware of your surroundings. Don't assume gay venues are safe places. Many times, straight men intentionally mingle with gay men to explore chances for their purposes.

Find out about any local "danger zones" in the neighborhoods you frequent where lesbians and gay men may have been attacked. Skip these areas especially if you are alone.

If you cannot detour from a hostile area, it is better to avoid behaving in a way that can provoke strangers into engaging you, such as eye contact. Remember that attackers can use some articles of clothing or jewelry to restrain or hurt you.

Set clear limits with dates and usual partners - do not assume that a person is consistently well behaved or sensitive to your needs. Establish your rights over your own body. Sex is not a game. You have the right to decide when to stop regardless of money spent or previous sexual behavior.

Make sure that your verbal and nonverbal signals are clear and consistent. Match your actions with your intentions. Be clear and assertive about your sexual desires and limits. Practice saying "no" firmly and directly - and repeatedly.

Mix your own drinks or watch to see how much alcohol is put in your drink. Do not leave your food and drink unattended or get fresh ones when you have to. Someone might slip drugs in your drink. Better buy your own drink and food and stay sober by drinking less. Refuse peer pressure to share drugs.

Exchange names and telephone numbers with your partner. If you leave a bar with someone you have just met, introduce him or her to a friend or bartender. Don't worry if others will gossip about you and your date - say out loud the place that you agreed to go to.

When leaving bars and other gay-identified facilities, try to get people you know or trust accompany you and your companion. Assailants sometimes wait for potential victims outside of places where lesbians and gay men meet and gather.

While cruising the streets, carry just enough money to cover fare and phone calls, no jewelry and only identification that does not have your address.

Protect your valuables. Avoid lending your cellphones to new and casual friends.

If you are unsure about leaving with someone - DON'T! Give yourself permission to be impolite or over cautious. Letting someone you do not know into your home or apartment make you vulnerable to robbery and assault especially when living alone.

Homophobic verbal abuse is often the first stage to an attack - if you answer back, be prepared for what might follow.

Be aware of who gets on and off public transport with you. Have your keys in your hand when you reach your home or car.

Walk in well lit streets where there are people and traffic. Avoid shrubbery or doorways that might hide an attacker. Be aware of who is in front of you and who is behind you. If you feel threatened or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Cross the street, change direction, let them pass or run to a safe place. If the threat becomes real, bang garbage cans, grab a stick, make noise, yell 'Sunog!" Call 117 for police assistance as soon as possible.

But stay calm and think. Figure out what your options are and how safe it is to resist. One of the main questions to answer is - does s/he have weapons or chemicals. Ask yourself - Is it safe to resist? Your best protection may still be to avoid fighting.

In other situations, assertive behavior can prevent an attack because attackers expect a passive or quiet victim.. If a self-assured, confident image is presented using a firm voice and direct eye contact, the offender may be dissuaded from the assault. Carry a whistle. Consider taking a self-defense class.

Internet Crimes vs. Gays - Online Safety Tips

The more folks get computers in their homes the more we see incidents of crime. Gay men victimized by online predators are less likely than women to complain, especially if they are closeted. But it's important for gay men to come forward when they are assaulted or robbed.

Meanwhile gay men should take special precautions when meeting partners online, because of the anonymity in cyberspace. Pictures can be faked and identities can be fabricated. Meet in a public place, perhaps with a friend in tow; avoid going home with the person on the first date; give your old friends the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the new people you're meeting; and type memos to yourself in your computer listing everything you know about the person, including copies of your online communication.

Never give anyone else your computer or Web site password. No matter what a person says, s/he does not need your password. If someone asks you for your password, report him or her to your online service provider. If you think someone knows your password, change it.

Protect your privacy. Surfing the net seems anonymous, but Web sites you visit may gather your e-mail address or other information, or record which sites you've visited in a "cookie" which they or another site can retrieve later, without your knowledge or consent. Learn about the privacy and security features of your Web browser, and use them. For example, you may want to get a warning if a site tries to give you a cookie, or disable cookies altogether. You can customize your Web browser's e-mail settings to use a pseudonym instead of your real name, and a blank or false e-mail address.

Be cautious about revealing information that could identify you. For example, if you give someone your listed phone number, they can get your real name and street address.

Never give your address immediately. Direct him to the nearest bus stop or convenience store or just give your street name, and then make him call when he's arrived, and go fetch him. If he looks drunk or acts weird or threatening, you can then leave him there. If he calls again, just politely inform him you are no longer available.

Remember that when you meet someone you've chatted with online, you're really meeting this person for the first time. When you're online, you do not have non-verbal cues such as voice inflection or body language to guide your judgment of their honesty or intentions.

If you are traveling to visit this person in his town or neighborhood, you should pick a place with which you are comfortable. If visiting a private residence make sure you have the address and a fixed line number (never rely on cellphones) so you can make sure he is genuine and if you get lost you can call for directions.

Safety Tips on Harassment and Stalking

But even if some of us just stay at home or work and do not date, cruise the streets or surf the internet, we can still be harassed by homophobes who do not like us. In cases where we start getting threats at home, school or work, do the following.

Keep accurate records of an incident harassment, intimidation or assault directed against you. Write down harassing text messages, phone calls and hate mail, including mail that contains threatening or harassing remarks. Record the date and time when you receive the calls, and any identifying data. Keep a log of the time and date of harassing phone calls. If harassing messages have been left on your answering machine, keep the tape.

Do report all incidents, including threatening or harassing phone calls to your friends, and the police. Document physical injuries and damage to property with photographs and store evidence in plastic bags. Write down the incidents and reports, and how the police responded to your call.

What To Do After You Are Actually Attacked?

If you survive an attack, get a friend, a taxi or yourself to seek medical attention for you. Consult a physician or hospital emergency room, even if you do not believe that you have been seriously injured. Do this as soon after an assault as possible. Do not to take a shower or douche before the police or medical help arrives, you may be destroying vital evidence for identifying your attacker.

Save the clothes that you were wearing, do not clean them. Do not rearrange or clean the crime scene such as furniture or car. It is very helpful to write down on paper or memorize the description of the attackers while waiting for help or walking away to seek help.

Report the crime to the police. Many survivors of violence are reluctant to seek help from social service agencies, the police or the criminal justice system because they anticipate a hostile response to their sexual orientation or a lack of sensitivity to their specific needs. Others may simply be unaware of the services available to help them through the trauma of victimization.

There is no requirement that you report a crime to the police. The decision about filing a complaint with the police, is yours as the survivor of a crime. Do what is most comfortable for you. Keep in mind that police reports are public record and under most circumstances can be released to the media.

But if you wish to seek financial compensation from the offender for medical expenses or lost earnings, a police report is required. If you decide to report a crime, a ProGay volunteer advocate may be able to accompany you to the local police station to provide assistance and support.

Take care of yourself. Talking about the incident to supportive friends, lovers or family members can be helpful. Accept your feelings and reactions to the trauma. You may find it helpful to discuss the incident with a counselor at ProGay (directions available at the end of this material).

There are many normal physical or psychological reactions to the trauma of victimization. Emotional reactions such as denial - trying to forget or pretend that the crime never happened - anger, isolation, fear, depression and problems with concentration are common.

Survivors of violent crime may also experience physical problems that seem unrelated to an assault such as head or stomach aches. Insomnia, change in appetite, sexual difficulties and general listlessness are also common physical changes suffered by crime victims. ignoring these symptoms may lead to further complications.

What We Can Do As a Community?

Violence against lesbians and gay men affects everyone in our communities. Every attack against one of us is in reality an assault against us all. If you see someone being hassled - help them or call for help.

The most effective way to deal with this violence is through community education and involvement. Organize occasional community meetings at which people who have been subject to harassment or assault, or fear such harassment/assault can come together to speak out, find support, record their experiences, and learn how to seek redress.

Use meetings as opportunities to recruit volunteers. With a group, educate the community, law enforcement officials, the press, and community leaders. Record the stories of those who attend, and create systems to tear down the walls of isolation that make us all vulnerable.

Incorporate safety briefings and take security measures into all of your organizing efforts. Know where your volunteers are going, set clear timelines, create systems for people to check in and to report incidents, and don't send people out into potentially dangerous situations alone!

Do keep as few secrets as possible. The less you have to secure, the easier it is to secure it. Keep only that which absolutely must remain secret a secret.

If someone you know is assaulted and turns to you for support, the most important thing you can do is listen. Many victims tell no one about their assault. Don't worry about what to say. Your friend trusts you, that is what is important. During the assault, all sense of power and control were taken away from them. Support them in reclaiming control.

o Believe them. They need you to legitimize their pain and experience.

o Tell them it was not their fault. No matter where they were, what they were wearing, or how much they had to drink, no one deserves or asks to be attacked. They are not responsible for someone else's criminal behaviour.

o Refer them to ProGay to help them figure out their options. They do not have to press formal charges in the police to get help or to receive confidential service. If you or your friends have been victimized, you can call our hotlines 0919-8374234, 3673109 or 3712302 or email progay@edsamail.com.ph

Sources:

Safe Surfing by Jermaine Travis; Anti-Violence Project http://www.avp.org; Working Men Project www.wmplondon.org.uk

ILGA Asia Surges Forward

2004-08-20T03:39:00.000+08:00

The International Lesbian and Gay Association in Asia
(ILGA-Asia)

MANILA -- The Asia Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) convened a successful caucus in this city as part of the 22nd ILGA World Conference on 11-18 November.

The caucus convened human rights activist networks and HIV/AIDS support groups from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand who committed themselves to renewed campaigns for equality for sexual minorities.

"This Asian caucus is another milestone in our just struggle to put to task governments and private institutions in 80 countries, pressuring them to assure protection and welfare for the millions of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs), in the region," said Lanny Winata, the newly elected Asian Female Representative who hails from Indonesia.

Mr. Vivek Anand, the new Asian male representative-elect, revealed that hand-in-hand with defending the rights of sexual minorities is tackling related issues of health, availability of health care services and poverty.

"The looming HIV/AIDS crises in India, China and many Asian coutries are complicated by the antiquated policies and cultural biases against LGBTs. Our task as ILGA members therefore have to correct those laws and educate the people about the need to be more open to gender and sexual issues," Anand said.

Anand cited India's complicated attitudes towards homosexuality as a damper on efforts to control the spread of HIV, from his experiences as a health worker of the Humsafar Trust, a service organization based in Bombay.

The historic first conference on LGBT rights in an Asian country is seen to increase the opportunities in more cooperative endeavors among the scattered groups in Asia which are mostly hidden, suffer police repression and poorly funded.

Yet the conference owes its inception to two courageous Asian lesbians, Manila-based Anna Leah Sarabia who heads ILGA's Women Secretariat and Rosanna Flamer-Caldera who recently was elected the female secretary-general of the ILGA World Federation.

Caldera was the ILGA Asia female representative before Winata.

Sarabia noted that the conference owes part of its success to the timely contributions of heterosexual human rights supporters in Manila who provided venues, funds, personnel and assistance to the secretariat.

The conference ended with the well-accepted speech of Hon. Claudia Roth, the Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance from Germany who authored most of the gay-friendly legislations in the European Union.

Roth's urgent appeal for governments to implement global human rights standards for LGBTs in Asia inspired the member organizations towards more activism and cooperation.

ILGA Asia is expected to make modest gains for equality as previously hostile regimes such as Taiwan, China and Singapore have started to relax their colonial-era sodomy laws and have even extended limited dialogues with LGBT citizens.

ILGA is a federation of over 400 groups from about 90 countries fighting for equal human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Support the Brazilian resolution: sign our petition!

--

ILGA - International Lesbian and Gay Association
Kolenmarkt, 81 * B-1000 Brussels * Belgium
Phone/Fax: +32-(0)2-502-24 71 * E-mail: ilga@ilga.org
World Wide Web site: http://www.ilga.org/
Since 1978

ProGay Bags Regional Human Rights Prize

2004-08-20T03:30:00.000+08:00

UTOPIA, Asia’s premier gay and lesbian web portal and tour operator, awarded the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) with the Utopia Awards on November 15 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The national network of grassroots gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals conducts community forums and public protests to confront homophobia and discrimination.

ProGay’s efforts across the past nine years have led to the debate on the ban on gays in the Philippine military, legalization of gay partnerships, lower prices for AIDS drugs and solidarity with international gay issues. ProGay led the first Gay and Lesbian Pride March in Manila and in Asia on 26 June 1994.

The group’s president Oscar Atadero received the Utopia Awards for Lesbian and Gay Pioneers in Asia at the popular Freeman Arena in downtown Bangkok together with three other recipients from the Asian region.

The other pioneers are Alex Au, founder of the Singaporean queer organization People Like Us; Daychawut Chantakaro, Thailand’s most famous katoey or “ladyboy” entertainer on television and movies; and restaurateur and philanthropist Bruno Forrer who helped sponsor many of Thailand’s gay events. The awards are part of the annual Bangkok Gay and Lesbian Pride Week that this year was supported by the Thai office of the Prime Minister, big-name business brands and traditional civic organizations.

Past Utopia awards have gone to the Pink Triangle Foundation in Malaysia, gay publisher Floating Loturs, Indonesia’s Dede Oetomo, the lesbian group Anjaree, AIDS activist Natee Teerarojjanapongs and film director Yongyoot Thongkontoon.

Pictures of the 2002 Utopia Awards and the glamourous Bangkok Pride Week and Parades may be viewed from http://www.utopia-asia.com/spec/awards02.htm.

Historic Rainbow Flag Unfurls At Manila Gay Pride

2004-08-20T03:22:00.000+08:00

The gay world's most popular symbol, the Rainbow Flag, makes a grand 25th anniversary splash on November 16 at the Solidarity Pride March for the 22nd World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).

A 5-meter wide, 25-meter long will be unfurled during the Manila parade led by ILGA delegates from Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

But the flag is only a small section of the "Rainbow25 Sea-to-Sea Flag" the world's longest yet flag inaugurated last June 16 in Key West, Florida, the United States. The 1-1/4 mile long flag stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and had to be carried by 3,000 volunteers lined up along Duval Street.

The flag was later cut into portions and bequeathed to Pride organizations in 100 cities including Manila, Rio de Janeiro, Montreal, New York, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, to continue the inspiration that the Rainbow Flag provides for the gay community.

In 1978, Gilbert Baker, the original Rainbow Flag creator hand-sewed eight colors to signify the diversity of the sexual orientations and gender identities of lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gay, intersexed and heterosexual people.

Since then, the Rainbow was adopted by so many queer cultures worldwide that it became the official symbol of LGBT Pride.

"One of the most wonderful things about the Rainbow Flag and the use of the rainbow in general has been its role as a silent but visible connection point for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Passing a car on the highway with a rainbow bumper sticker or seeing a person with a T-shirt sporting the rainbow still gives me a sense of connection," said Paula L. Ettelbrick, Executive Director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "What a true gift Gilbert Baker has given us - the ability to connect as people all over the world."

"The Rainbow Flag is the universal sign of being open and proud. The colors are symbolic of the diversity of our community. For the LGBT community of color it symbolizes our presence, our beauty, and our link to the whole." Bill Peters, Executive Director of Gay Men of African Descent, added.

"We've come a long way from the days when LGBT youth were left to struggle in silence. When they see the Rainbow Flag proudly worn on buttons, displayed in people's yards or windows, or attached to a car's bumper sticker, it is an important reminder to them that as LGBT youth they are not alone in their quest for respect, safe schools and equality." Kevin Jennings, Executive Director, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (glsen.org)

Rainbow25, presented by ABSOLUT, and PrideFest Key West worked together to make the June 15 launch possible. The idea of displaying a sea-to-sea rainbow flag was hatched three years ago, when Key West businessman Gregg McGrady envisioned the display as part of the community’s annual gay pride celebration. It came to fruition when PrideFest 2003 co-chairs Heather Carruthers and Tom Wheaton met Baker by chance in San Francisco.

When finished, flag ate up approximately 17,600 linear yards of fabric and weighed more than three tons.

The section for the city of Manila was awarded to the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) in October 2003 by Baker himself during the general meeting of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Coordinators (InterPride) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

ProGay led the first gay and lesbian pride march in the Philippines and Asia on June 26, 1994.

ProGay is seeking volunteers to link up historically with the flag for the Torch Pride Parade on November 16. Those interested are advised to report personally for the march at 4:00 p.m. in front of the Century Park Hotel at Vito Cruz, wearing your most colorful rainbow clothes. From there, the parade will wind down to Roxas Boulevard then to Remedios Street until we reach the Remedios Circle.

You can also call ProGay at tel. 3673109, cellphone 0919-3150123 or email us at progay@edsamail.com.ph.

Happy Pinoy Pride, everyone!

Helow... Kadet, Daplis

2004-08-20T03:08:00.000+08:00

Dalawang Dula Tampok sa UP Diliman

INIHAHANDOG ng ProGay Philippines, sa pakikipagtulungan ng AVON, the company for women at Camp Suki ang dalawang dulang isinulat para sa mga taong walang puso at sarado ang isip - Helow, Kadet at Daplis.

Sa dulang Helow… Kadet, naghintay ang director na si Meg kay Joey, isang kadete sa PMA, ng pitong taon. Nangako ang huli na magbabalik, at si Meg ay umasa. Patuloy na nagmamahal sa gitna ng pagdurusa. Subalit makaraan ang pitong taon, ng mga paulit-ulit na sakit sa dibdib at pagpipilit na mabuhay sa mga alaala, umabot sa hangganan ang paghihintay ni Meg.

Bakit siya iniwan ni Joey? Nangako itong magbabalik ngunit kailan? Pinaniwala ni Joey na mahal niya si Meg ngunit bakit niya ito iniwan nang walang paalam? Paanong magagawa ng isang tao, matapos mo siyang pagsilbihan, mahalin, sambahin, ang iwan ka ng walang sapat na kadahilanan?

Itinatampok sina Mel Martinez at Francis Cruz III bilang sina Bles at Meg.

Kasunod ang Daplis, na tampok sina Serge Paguiligan at Mel Magno. Ang bagong discovered talent na si Anthony Lapiña ang gaganap sa mapangahas na papel ng isang macho dancer.

Si Ben ay isang bakla na ayaw mayroong category ang kanyang pagiging kakaiba. Gusto niya tanggapin siya ng mga tao kung ano siya sa paraang tinatanggap niya ang mga tao sa kung ano sila. Dahil sa kanyang pag-ibig, nais niyang maiahon si Jerry sa putik na kanyang kinalalagyan subalit ang kinang ng mga ilaw, ang mga palakpak at paghanga ng mga manonood, ang kalaban ni Ben.

Ang dalawang dula na ito panulat at direksyon ni Mel Magno, at itatanghal sa Pebrero 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 27 at 28, ika-7 ng gabi Abelardo Mini-Hall sa Kolehiyo ng Musika, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman, Lunsod ng Quezon.

ProGay Celebrates Gay In The Family Day

2004-08-20T02:55:00.000+08:00

11 December 2003

The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) celebrated its fourth Gays in the Family Day (GIFT) today to highlight the need to address the needs of homosexuals for acceptance in family and society.

In the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, about 50 gays, lesbians, transgenders, friends and family members gathered and marched in a Family Gay Pride rally around the campus grounds with a huge Rainbow25 Flag, the accepted symbol of gay pride all over the world.

The Rainbow25 Flag is part of the world’s biggest and longest gay pride flag first unfurled in Key West, Florida, USA in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the flag as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersexed (LGBTI) people.

The participants chanted the main slogan “Gays are important to Filipino families!” as they asked passersby to remember the social, economic, political and cultural contributions of the LGBTI for the family, community and nation.

Michael Urbano, ProGay secretary-general, said that gays and other sexual minorities often suffer marginalization in many aspects of social life in the country despite the popular belief that Philippine society is tolerant and accepting of gender-different people.

“During holidays when family and friends gather in reunions, we gays and lesbians feel left out and unimportant, especially if some of us are young and not yet breadwinners,” Urbano said. “Our parents and friends always question our place or belonging in society, our roles, our love lives, our importance.”

“Yet after working hard to support our parents and families, we grow old without social security, usually alone with no marriage benefits, no insurance, no medical care and facilities to take care of our old age needs.”

ProGay hopes that Gays in the Family Day or GIFT becomes an institution just like Mothers’ Day or Fathers’ Day, a day when people prepare special parties or gatherings that discuss the need to get rid of homophobia and discrimination and fight for equal rights and acceptance.

Pink Film Festival Brings Gay Pride To Iloilo City

2004-08-20T02:13:00.000+08:00

Celebrating 10 years of gay and lesbian pride in the Philippines, SM Cinemas, the Mowelfund Film Institute and ProGay Philippines launches the Pink Film Festival, the 2nd International Gay and Lesbian Film and Video Festival in SM City Supermall in Iloilo City.

The festival tour touches down with the potboiler "Inter.M@tes," directed by South Africa-born director, Hamilton McLeod. The film is a UK-Philippine production shot entirely in the Philippines with an all-Filipino cast and has been shown in the Newfest 2004 or the New York Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in June this year.

Ian Veneracion plays the lead role as Oliver Dantes, a spoiled brat who leads the double life of a tough action star and a recklessly promiscuous gay internet chatter.

Joining him are gorgeous Filipino actors and male ramp models - Raymond Bagatsing, Simon Ibarra, Jojo Alejar, Jay Espano, Mike Lloren and William Thio and Migue Moreno. Beauty queen Evangeline Pascual executes a diva rendition of Oliver's beauty queen mom.

The Philippine retrospective carries distinguished names in local cinema. Classic gay films include Lino Brocka's "Macho Dancer" and celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Deocampo's classic documentary, "Oliver."

The delightful "Chuck and Buck" by Mike White and Miguel Arteta delves on the frustrations of an obsessive crush felt by an emotionally retarded gay man on his lover from childhood days.

Also to be screened are Deocampo's prizewinning films like "The Sex Warriors and the Samurai," the autobiographical "Private Wars" and "Isaak". Other titles include gay and lesbian works coming from the Mowelfund Film Institute and the University of the Philippines Film Institute.

Ilonggos will also be treated to a rising gay crowd favorite Cris Pablo's "Duda" the first digital Filipino gay and lesbian drama about a man searching for elusive love in an ocean of casual sex, betrayal and homophobia.

The Pink Film Festival is sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and supported by Gerry's Grill, Jack Daniels, Villa Marcosa Catering, Pinoypride.Org, Fahrenheit Café and Fitness Center, People's Tonite and Love Radio.

The festival will enthrall Iloilo City on July 30 to August 1 at the SM City Cinema.

Gays And Lesbians Celebrate Ten Years Of Pride In The Philippines

2004-08-20T01:24:00.000+08:00

The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) this year leads the tenth anniversary celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride in the Philippines.

A decade ago, ProGay, together with the gay church MCC Manila, led the first gay and lesbian Pride march in the Philippines and the whole Asian region. About 50 gays and lesbians braved the summer rains and marched on Quezon Avenue and the Quezon Memorial Circle on June 26, 2004 to proclaim the rights of marginalized LGBT communities who suffer discrimination, homophobia and violence.

Pride in the Philippines is part of the thirty-five years global celebration of gay renaissance across the globe. It all started when thousands of gays and lesbians staged the Stonewall riots in New York City. On the night of June 26, 1969, corrupt NYPD cops who habitually arrest and mulct money from bar hoppers raided the Stonewall bar on Christopher Street. As the cops led their victims into police vans, angry street gays started to protest the oppression and fought with the officers, pushing them back to the bar and forcing the besieged cops to call in reinforcements.

For three days and nights, the area was a scene of pitched battles with the police and the event became symbolic for the political power of gays and lesbians everywhere. In the United States, Britain, Europe and many other countries, June has become the Pride month and the time for celebrations not only among LGBT communities but also their friends and allies. Pride movements have succeeded in pushing the political agendas of LGBTs which include domestic partnerships, anti-violence legislation, workplace benefits and health care.

Since then, the June Pride marches and parties have become annual festive events highlighting the struggles for equality and acceptance for LGBTs in Manila, and now spreading to other cities of the country such as Cavite and Baguio. Pride events have been instrumental in gradually changing the negative attitudes of the public towards homosexuals.

This year, ProGay is commemorating the anniversary with the theme "Celebrate Ten Years of LGBT Pride in the Philippines, Advance Equality and Rights!" with local pride activities in schools and urban poor communities.

The Bed Bar is sponsoring the annual Pride party called A Midsummer White Dream, a three-day massive outdoor party at the Orosa strip in Malate. It is billed as 3 days, 3 fierce parties, 9 amazing DJs and 1 Diva. You are invited to get your WHITE outfits ready for a free Massive Outdoor Party Celebrating PRIDE Weekend on Saturday, June 26th 9PM, The Orosa Strip, Malate featuring DJs DAVID SUNG (Taipei, HK), Cocoy Puyat & Travis Monsod (BED) Soul Diva JAYA.

The Welcome Party is on Friday, June 25th 9PM at the BED Dance Club Malate. And wind down with the Recovery Party on Sunday, June 27th 3PM at The Westin Philippine Plaza.

ProGay also presents a two-month long Pink Film Festival together with SM Cinemas and Mowelfund Film Institute in Manila, Baguio and Iloilo Cities. The festival is an extravaganza of human rights education films that depict the hardships and everyday drama of LGBT life in different cultures worldwide. The event is supported by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Goethe Institut and the British Council.

No Less Human Or Righteous

2004-08-20T01:23:00.000+08:00

THIS is in reaction to the article (Dec. 17, 2003) about my wedding that sends alarm bells ringing in the Catholic Church. The hatred of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for gay people is not surprising. Let me just clarify some points before the bishops burn people like me on a stake like a faggot. My partner and I are both gay and unfortunately for the CBCP, we're both devout Catholics and intend to be so until we die. My partner and I are former lector-commentators and once became part of a church choir here in Baguio City. It is just sad to know that our church leaders continue to promote discrimination and hate while lascivious homosexual activities and uncontainable sex scandals are blatant realities within their own turf. Yet we believe that the Lord's love and forgivingness are unconditional and universal.

We entered into a relationship six years ago and decided to have a holy union last month, and invited Father Richard Mickley of the Order of Saint Aelred to officiate at the ceremony. It was a beautiful wedding and probably the happiest moment of our lives. Our liturgical reading was taken from 1 Samuel 20:1-16 and 2 Samuel 1:26 about the love covenant of King David and his lover Jonathan. The evening affair was all about love as even our families stood witness to our vows. My partner and I felt loved and accepted.

I deeply feel sorry for the CBCP for not being there to witness our wedding and feel the love that conquered all of us that evening. I pray that God would pour His wisdom upon our church leaders so that they would learn that hate has never been a good moral value to teach. Although let me assure Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon that no gay couple in their right mind would ever ask the Catholic Church to bless gay unions. My partner and I never sought their services so they don't have to remind people their religious mandate not to bless same-sex unions because people already know.

There's no need to toll the bells of bigotry and hate through another pastoral letter among the Catholic faithful less they isolate themselves from millions of Catholic lesbians and gays serving the church today.

I am glad that my wedding opened up rooms for discussion and reminded other gay and lesbian couples that God equally loves them. May it also remind our self-righteous church leaders that being gay and loving people of the same sex doesn't make a man less human nor less righteous in the eyes of God, but homophobia and bigotry do.

-- DAVID R. YAMZON (via e-mail)

Hate Is Not A Family Value, ProGay Baguio Tells Catholic Bishops

2004-08-20T01:21:00.000+08:00

THE Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) came to the defense of the Christian minister whom the Roman Catholic church is targetting for investigation.

Mykel Urbano, secretary general of the activist gay group, said that the Catholic bishops should respect the sanctity and confidentiality of the gay couple who were recently wed by Fr. Richard Mickley, head of the Order of St. Aelred.

David (not his real name), one of the gay partners involved and member of ProGay Baguio City, was furious that the Roman Catholic leadership chose to announce "investigating" the wedding that officialized their six-year partnership.

"Priests should be preaching love and family, not hate and persecution," David protested.

"The bishops have no business being alarmed and threatening to use their proposed pastoral guidelines on heterosexual and homosexual misconduct in the clergy on Fr. Mickley, because he is not in the fold of the Roman Catholic church," Urbano agreed.

Urbano also challenged the views of Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon on marriage "being fundamentally between a man and a woman."

"Marriage is all about love, nurturing and raising a family regardless of the gender of the people involved," Urbano countered.

Cenzon said the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in their plenary assembly next month will slam same-sex marriages like the one held in Baguio City. CBCP officials summoned Cenzon to Manila after news about the gay wedding came out.

During the wedding last month in the summer capital, David recited to his partner Alex a statement that conveyed the pains of being homosexuals who are persecuted by homophobes.

"Same-sex couples like us continue to struggle for equal rights and recognition of gay and lesbian marriage in a society pretending to be democratic and free," he said.

"Majority of governments around the world have refused to address this issue of equal marriages for same sex couples. Some even criminalize homosexuality by either imprisonment, torture and even death.

"The vows I made and the covenant I just signed in your presence formally seals our love. It is permanent and binding in the eyes of God. Man-made laws of our land may be re-written to finally recognize gay and lesbian rights as human rights.

"It is only fair that all our children and grandchildren share the same rights to love and marry regardless of sexual orientation. Thus, the struggle to end homophobia isn't just for the homosexual community alone, but for all men and women, gay or straight.

The gay couple had the support of many broad organizations in the mountainous region such as the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera, Tongtongan ti Umili, Inabuyog-Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA), partylists Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party.

Baguio Holy Union

2004-08-20T01:17:00.000+08:00

Baguio City -- Who wore the bridal gown? Neither spouse.

Because the couple was two men in their best barong tagalog as they march ed down the isle.

After six years nurturing their love, David and Alex finally exchanged wedding vows and rings as their family and friends stood witness to Baguio’s first same-sex wedding in a closed door ceremony held here last Monday.

David, a cultural arts worker and member of ProGay Baguio, and Alex, a business consultant, formalized their relationship in a holy union officiated by Fr. Richard Mickley, founder of the Order of St. Aelred and known to have officiated same-sex marriages elsewhere in the country.

The couple met in Manila six years ago and fell in love. They later moved to Baguio and became successful in their respective fields.

Two adult ring bearers and a lesbian partner carried their "wedding veil" that was actually a rainbow flag, the colorful international symbol of gay and lesbian pride.

"My partner and I don’t do role playing," said David. "We are both gay men and we’re taking pride in our decision to marry even if current laws won’t recognize this basic human right. But despite the inequality, a growing number of gay people are entering into relationships and establishing their own families without state-sponsored legislation."

He added that unlike holy matrimony, a "holy union" doesn’t require legal documents. People enter holy union as a holy sacrament that seeks divine blessings for the love they share to one another.

The whole affair was not only romantic and highly emotional, but was also very political. David recited to his partner Alex a statement that conveyed the pains of being homosexuals who are persecuted by homophobes.

"Same-sex couples like us continue to struggle for equal rights and recognition of gay and lesbian marriage in a society pretending to be democratic and free," he said.

"Majority of governments around the world have refused to address this issue of equal marriages for same sex couples. Some even criminalize homosexuality by either imprisonment, torture and even death.

"The vows I made and the covenant I just signed in your presence formally seals our love. It is permanent and binding in the eyes of God. Man-made laws of our land may be re-written to finally recognize gay and lesbian rights as human rights.

"It is only fair that all our children and grandchildren share the same rights to love and marry regardless of sexual orientation. Thus, the struggle to end homophobia isn't just for the homosexual community alone, but for all men and women, gay or straight.

Proponents of same-sex marriage in the Philippines Congress have been pushing for the legislation of equal right for gays and lesbians but have always encountered violent opposition from conservatives, particularly the Catholic church, who shamelessly pervert the unconditional love of God by casting stones at those they declare more sinful than themselves.

In fact, reports of their weddig alarmed Catholic bishops who have outlined pastoral guidelines on heterosexual and homosexual misconduct in the clergy.

"The wedding of gay couples is alarming because marriage, in all its fundamental sense, is between a man and a woman," said Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon. Cenzon said the Catholic Church remains firm in its religious mandate not to bless same sex unions.

The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) came to the lovers' defense and criticized the Roman Catholic church is targetting for investigation.

Mykel Urbano, secretary general of the activist gay group, said that the Catholic bishops should respect the sanctity and confidentiality of the gay couple.

David was furious that the Roman Catholic leadership chose to announce "investigating" the wedding that officialized their six-year partnership.

"Priests should be preaching love and family, not hate and persecution," David protested.

"Marriage is all about love, nurturing and raising a family regardless of the gender of the people involved," Urbano countered.

The gay couple had the support of many broad organizations in the mountainous region such as the LESBOND, Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera, Tongtongan ti Umili, Inabuyog-Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA), partylists Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party.

In 1994, the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) led the first gay and lesbian pride march in the country. Since then, Filipino homosexuals have marched in an annual public pride parade every June and a number of grassroots GLBT groups have lobbied the government for official recognition of their basic human rights.

Gay Wedding Sends Alarm Bells Ringing In Church

2004-08-20T01:15:00.000+08:00

Posted: 10:22 PM (Manila Time) | Dec. 16, 2003
By Desiree Caluza
Inquirer News Service

BAGUIO CITY -- The recent wedding of a gay couple in a clandestine ceremony here has alarmed Catholic bishops who have outlined pastoral guidelines on heterosexual and homosexual misconduct in the clergy.

"The wedding of gay couples is alarming because marriage, in all its fundamental sense, is between a man and a woman," said Baguio-Benguet Bishop Carlito Cenzon.

Cenzon said he and other Catholic bishops wanted to get information on gay marriages and the people involved in solemnizing such unions.

He said the members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in their plenary assembly in January in Tagaytay City, are expected to raise questions on same-sex marriages, especially the one held in Baguio City in November.

The wedding between two gay men here was officiated by Fr. Richard Mickley, the superior of the Order of St. Aelred. Mickley said he had officiated more than 100 weddings of gay and lesbian couples in the past seven years in the country.

His group provides a support system for gays and lesbians who, he said, are often discriminated against.

Cenzon said the Catholic Church remains firm in its religious mandate not to bless same sex unions.

Cenzon said CBCP officials summoned him to Manila after the story on the gay couple's marriage appeared in the Inquirer last month.

RP Gays Back US Lesbian Couple

2004-08-20T01:12:00.000+08:00

Agnes Donato
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002
page 2

THE PROGRESSIVE Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) yesterday trashed the Family Code for being "outdated" as it rallied support behind a lesbian couple from the United States who were denied a family visa to the Philippines.

"We sympathize with Ms Susan Trask Lamb and Ms Chantale Yok-Min Wong. It's really saddening that they should be treated like this here," ProGay president Oscar Atadero told the Inquirer in a telephone interview.

Lamb and Wong, who is alternate director for the US in the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, are legally married under the laws of the state of Vermont in the United States.

Their application for a family visa was turned down after Justice Secretary Hernando Perez issued an opinion that under the Constitution the word "family" was used in the Family Code to mean "a stable heterosexual relationship."

Atadero said the Family Code, which was passed during the Aquino administration, should be replaced immediately because it no longer applied to the situation of most family units now.

"Because of the Family Code's limited definition of a family, a significant portion of the population does not enjoy the benefits that should be extended to them," the ProGay leader explained.

He explained that many family units now are composed of single parents and their child/children, grandparents and grandchildren, or gay and lesbian couples.

"Congress should immediately passed laws giving gays and lesbians access to all rights being enjoyed by heterosexuals, including the right to establish a family," he added.

Atadero also urged legislators to allow domestic partners whose marriage is recognized in other countries to establish a family here in the Philippines in accordance with the International Declaration of Human Rights.

Atadero said it was "high time that member governments who compose the ADB's policy-making board to put in their corporate agenda an inclusive workplace benefit regime that will enhance the humanity of homosexual, bisexual and transgender employees working for ADB offices, suppliers and contractors.

"It behooves emerging Asian economies to start treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members as equal citizens," Atadero said.

But since it would take a while for Asian governments to remove gender-based discrimination from their laws, Atadero said the private sector should take the lead in extending employment benefits to sexual minorities.

He suggested that the ADB become a model employer by drafting comprehensive guidelines for the protection of its gay and lesbian staff.

ProGay along with other gay groups from other countries recently received an award from the Thailand-based Utopia Pride Group "for leading the fight for gay and lesbian rights in the Asia-Pacific region."

Issues

2004-08-20T00:59:00.000+08:00

PRESS RELEASES

News articles of progay's stands on particular gay-related issues. Usually published in major dailies.

RP Gays Back US Lesbian Couple - THE PROGRESSIVE Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) yesterday trashed the Family Code for being "outdated" as it rallied support behind a lesbian couple from the United States who were denied a family visa to the Philippines. ... (more...)

Gay Wedding Sends Alarm Bells Ringing In Church - BAGUIO CITY -- The recent wedding of a gay couple in a clandestine ceremony here has alarmed Catholic bishops who have outlined pastoral guidelines on heterosexual and homosexual misconduct in the clergy. ... (more...)

Baguio Holy Union - Baguio City -- Who wore the bridal gown? Neither spouse. Because the couple was two men in their best barong tagalog as they march ed down the isle. ... (more...)

Hate Is Not A Family Value - THE Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) came to the defense of the Christian minister whom the Roman Catholic church is targetting for investigation. ... (more...)

No Less Human Or Righteous - THIS is in reaction to the article (Dec. 17, 2003) about my wedding that sends alarm bells ringing in the Catholic Church. The hatred of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for gay people is not surprising. ... (more...)

Gays And Lesbians Celebrate Ten Years Of Pride - Pride in the Philippines is part of the thirty-five years global celebration of gay renaissance across the globe. It all started when thousands of gays and lesbians staged the Stonewall riots in New York City. ... (more...)

Pink Film Festival Brings Gay Pride To Iloilo City - Mga tomboy, lesbiana, agi, bisexual kag bayot! Sa western visayas magkinasadya kita sa pagtan-aw sang mga manami nga sine tungod sa pangabuhi sang mga homo/bisexual sa Pink Film Festival nga pagahiwaton sa SM City Iloilo sa Hulyo 30 asta Agosto 1! ... (more...)

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ARTICLES

Feature articles written by progay, or written about progay featured in a publication; may also include Mr&Ms articles. May be arranged according to subtopics, e.g., coming out, relationships, profiles of gays, general situation of gays in the Philippines, etc.

PROGay Celebrates Gay In The Family Day - The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) celebrated its fourth Gays in the Family Day (GIFT) today to highlight the need to address the needs of homosexuals for acceptance in family and society. ... (more...)

Helow... Kadet, Daplis - INIHAHANDOG ng ProGay Philippines, sa pakikipagtulungan ng AVON, the company for women at Camp Suki ang dalawang dulang isinulat para sa mga taong walang puso at sarado ang isip - Helow, Kadet at Daplis. ... (more...)

Historic Rainbow Flag Unfurls At Manila Gay Pride - The gay world's most popular symbol, the Rainbow Flag, makes a grand 25th anniversary splash on November 16 at the Solidarity Pride March for the 22nd World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). ... (more...)

PROGay Philippines Bags Regional Human Rights Prize - UTOPIA, Asia’s premier gay and lesbian web portal and tour operator, awarded the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) with the Utopia Awards on November 15 in Bangkok, Thailand. ... (more...)

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LEGISLATION

Bills pending in Congress or recently known laws that are either supportive of gays or the opposite.

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AFFILIATES' NEWS
ILGA and InterPride News.

ILGA Surges Forward - MANILA -- The Asia Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) convened a successful caucus in this city as part of the 22nd ILGA World Conference on 11-18 November. ... (more...)

About ProGay

2004-08-19T23:22:00.000+08:00

OUR HISTORY

In September 1993, gay student activists in Manila gathered to find ways to uphold the dignity of gays and lesbians in society. Later, the group grew out of the academe and became a national organization called PROGay Philippines.

PROGay led the first Manila Gay and Lesbian Pride March (also first in Asia) in June 1994, timed with the 25th global anniversary of the Stonewall event to celebrate pride, equality, and importance of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people everywhere. Thus, gay issues in society started being seriously discussed nationwide.

Since then, PROGay consistently highlighted the positive social contributions of marginalized gays in big and small forums. It also campaigned against discrimination and maltreatment of gays.

PROGay initiated the efforts to secure rightful plays of gays in Philippine society.

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MISSION VISION: Helping Gays And Lesbians At The Grassroots

The Philippines is considered as a third-world country and many gays and lesbians at the grassroots are deprived of their basic human rights usch as education, food, clothing, and shelter. Often, gays are ridiculed by their family, the Church, the government, and the mass media. Clearly enough, gays and lesbians in the Philippines feel discriminated, although most of them are not aware of this (not even as they encounter homophobia in their everyday lives, whether at work, in school, or in other institutions).

It is for this reason that PROGay Philippines was established and has continuously worked with many local and international individuals and organizations to defend gays and lesbians who have been victims of various forms of homophobia and hate-related crimes. We in PROGay have planned and developed our activities and programs for the underprivileged gays and lesbians because we believe that they are the most abused and neglected sector. First, most of them are not aware of their rights; second, they do not have resources to fight for their rights.

We in PROGay are located in different regions and sectors. We have members from schools, offices, factories, and migrant working communities, among others. We aim to encourage gay men and lesbians into realizing their rights and to act together to solve their problems. PROGay believes that with the help of our communities, we can lessen homophobia and other hate-related crimes through information dissemination and by showing ourselves as the best examples.

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ACTIVITIES: Gays Helping Other Gays

Education and skills training programs enabling gays and lesbians to learn and promote basic human rights awareness;

Awareness-raising activities such as street parties, school forums, assemblies, rallies, art festivals, and concerts gathering gays, their families and friends for sharing, support, and camaraderie;

Production of reading and video materials for public information;

Researches to advance further studies on gays and lesbians in the Philippines;

Working with international groups providing global understanding and mutual assistance;

Local networking for mutual support enhancing empowerment;

Peer counselling for gays and lesbians who have health and emotional concerns;

Forming local support group in different institutions such as offices, schools, and communities and addressing social issues and community problems.

ProGay Website Relaunch

2004-08-19T20:47:00.000+08:00

The new ProGay website has transferred to Blogger for more convenient updating. Check back regularly new content will be constantly added.

Webmaster