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[Press Release] “Bust stigma and discrimination not LGBTQ+ people!” -DAKILA

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

“Bust stigma and discrimination not LGBTQ+ people!”

After recent reports by several media outfits that 11 people were caught having an orgy while apparently on the influence of illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation by PDEA in a hotel in Taguig City, the artist – activist organization, DAKILA joined netizens in condemning the act of a media outfit and the PDEA to put the alleged suspects’ identities—with their names, age, work, and mugshots—on full display on social media.

According to DAKILA Communications Director and Bahaghari Program Head, Cha Roque, “While we acknowledge that illegal drug use is punishable by law and the people involved should be held accountable with due process, the media and law enforcement people involved do not have the right to out someone without their consent and create media furor out of someone’s sexual orientation or sexual activity. The news mentioned that one of the people arrested is HIV positive. Disclosing one’s HIV status is illegal under RA8504.”

The drug buy-bust operation in Taguig ended up with netizens slamming the media for releasing the photos and names of the 11 involved men who are allegedly gay. Only three days before the World AIDS Day on December 1, the stigma against the LGBTQ+ Community and people with HIV/AIDS remain to be a pressing concern among advocates. DAKILA has been a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community in fighting against stigma and discrimination.

“LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. We cannot stop the stigma and discrimination if we continue to hate on people who have suffered from the same stigma we are fighting against. We cannot achieve equality if we continue to shame people for their sexual orientation and/or activity”, said Roque.

As part of its two-week long Active Vista Human Rights Festival, DAKILA screened the films, Small Talk and Die Beautiful, and held an LGBTQ+ event in partnership with Pineapple Lab. These events happened a few days after the Transgender Day of Remembrance and leading towards the commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 01, 2017. Both events aimed to incite discourse on prejudice, discrimination, and isolation that the LGBTQ+ Community faces.

“Just reading the comments from the articles about the buy-bust is disheartening. This stigma against the LGBTQ+ Community and people with HIV/AIDS should not be tolerated. We need to be constantly talking about how our society deals with the LGBTQ+ community. DAKILA believes that as much as we celebrate that “love wins”, we shall also remember that with love comes the right to express yourself, and not to be discriminated for it,” added Roque.

Hui-Chen Huang’s Small Talk, Taiwan’s Oscar contender for Best Foreign Language Film had its Philippine premiere at the Active Vista Human Rights Festival last November 28, 2017 at Shangrila Cineplex. The film talks about a daughter who tries to open up a dialogue with her distant mother who is a lesbian Taoist priestess.

Jun Robles Lana’s Die Beautiful which won the Best Audience Choice Award and Best Actor Award at last year’s Tokyo International Film Festival had a screening followed by drag performances by the Philippines’ most recognized Lady Gaga impersonator, Lady Gagita, together with The Addlib Divas and Miss Joe Abuda, in Gaybourhood Night: Bongga Ka Die (Beautiful) last November 29, 2017 at Pineapple Lab in Makati. It was a night that celebrated love and respect for the LGBTQ+ Community.

“While these two nights were celebrations of our human rights, we hope that people also see these activities as a protest against the culture of hate and a platform to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We hope that in sharing these stories to the world through films, people will understand that we are all human who share the same sentiments, hope, heartbreaks, and rights,”

“Every hate we spew on each other is one more step backward in achieving the society we aspire, a society that respects, upholds, and promotes our basic human rights. We can do better. We must do better,” said Roque in her statement.

——————–
DAKILA is a collective of artists and activists building a movement of heroism towards social transformation. ACTIVE VISTA is a learning center for human rights education established by DAKILA which organises the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival.
For information to Active Vista’s programs on human rights education, check out http://www.activevista.ph or FB.com/ActiveVista

To know more about DAKILA and the work we do, visit http://www.dakila.org.ph or FB.com/dakila.philippines or follow dakila_ph on twitter and instagram

PRESS CONTACT:
Cha Roque
Mobile and Telephone: 0995-5259281, 4354309
E-mail: mabuhay@dakila.org.ph | activevista@dakila.org.ph

Visit and Follow Active Vista
Website: http://www.activevista.ph
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ActiveVista
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/activevista

Press Release

[Right-up] Bared Braveheart: Taking Pride in One’s True Self -By Jezarree B. Corpuz

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Bared Braveheart: Taking Pride in One’s True Self
by Jezarree B. Corpuz

Photo by Jezarree B. Corpuz

More than a week has passed since the Pride March held last 24^th of June, yet a smilecontinues to unwittinglyexpose itself at the reminiscent thought of it. There is nothing but pleasant memories from that sentimental Saturday—a picturesque memento immortalized in the hearts and minds of the LGBT+ community. Not even the scorching heat of the summer sun nor the torrential downpour suffered the evening after can stop a day dedicated to spreading love and declaring pride of one’s true self. Such a self once forced to hide; one condemned due to nonconformity towards social constructs.

It was two o’clock in the afternoon and sweat was trickling down the side of my face. The summer heat was relentless, but it was no match formy eagerness and exhilaration to be there. Upon arrival, a motley assortment of groups is there to greet. On the one hand, there stands the majestic LGBT+ community dominating the area. On the other, a group of homophobes presents itself at the sidelines, ready to spew hate.We chose to turn a blind eye despite their rebuke, for no amount of hate can trample on the love we so openly shared that day.

It was my first time coming to Marikina and I daresay, the streets were well maintained and spotless. The venue itself was big enough for a flock of thousands. To our left stood rows of tents propped up for Pride merchandise.Meanwhile, a stage has been set up in front and the plaza was open for people to gather upon. The place was already cramped when we got there. Around me I could see happy faces, smiles flashed from ear to ear. Laughs and stories of reunions and new beginnings filled the atmosphere. Kisses were shared without fear of judgment and reproach. Indeed, it was a safe space for anyone and everyone.

Before the march, there were several performances held. We chanced upon Wanggo Gallaga and Trisha O’Bannon’s spoken word poetry. It was of teenage experiences and coming out of the closet. Afterwards, the music of violinist Matthew Chang and ethnic jazz singer Ja Quintana serenaded us.Who would have known that an ethnic instrument coupled with classical violin tones would make for a harmonious piece? Complement that with the powerful voice of Ja Quintana and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a superb song.

After all the performances, the highlight of the program was provided by our guest of honor, Senator Risa Hontiveros. We had the pleasure of hearing Senator Risa deliver her keynote speech that afternoon. She spoke with much grace and eloquence—seraphic and wise are the words that come out of her mouth. She shared how it all started with the filing of the Anti-Discrimination Bill in Congress seventeen years ago, providing a brief glance of history before moving towards a reflection of the present situation. Such situation, it must be said, isone devoid ofmuchprogress for the LGBT+ community.

It was a profound speech; you could hear everyone cheering her on and affirming her statement. The whole message was undoubtedly powerful, but the words “We march for those who can’t”truly sent a shiver down my spine. That statement is the very foundation of why we were there at the Pride March. To fight for a cause close to our hearts andto speak upand stand for those who cannot. We march for our friends who remain hidden in the closet, unable to bare their true selves. Having her rally alongside us, to affirm our battle and to strengthen the cause gives me hope. Regardless of the ostracism we’ve suffered from the day we’ve chosen to come out,we remain empowered because of people like her. Allies coming to our defenses and letting us know we’re not alone.Our love for one another is indeed the currency of our struggle.

The march officially started after Senator Risa’s keynote speech. It was a long walk for pride; a parade for love and a celebration for the LGBT+ community. Songs were blaring from the speakers to enliven the crowd. Everyone sang along; some at the top of their lungs. There were homophobes lurking around the corners, crying hateful statements only to be overpowered by the love and support from the audience. Some of them were even apologizing “for being a voice of hate”. For them to come to such a realization was remarkable. It was an indescribable experience.

Words can never do justice to the feeling brought about by the Pride March—one must experience it in all its glory; take it all in and savor it. It’s like an explosion of colors striking the senses. Colorful shirts flaunted about, flags raised high and mighty to proclaim one’s pride, and rainbow fruit popsicles consumed to beat the heat.The combined voice of a 7000-strong community drowned even the most hurtful statements the adversaries can muster. The battle cry of the LGBT community is one yearning for recognition, for acceptance, and it made itself felt more than ever.It’s a feast for the eyes and a sweet tenderness tugging at the heartstrings.At best, it was a glorious sight to behold.

I marched across the streets of Marikina barely leaving a footprint; but the memory of my contribution to further the cause lives on.

My attiresoaked from sweat,

My feet numb and sore,

My hands tired and aching,

My heartimmensely happy it could almost burst!

New friendships have been wonderfully forged that afternoon; relationships have further been strengthened; and the community has been brought closer than ever. The struggle continues, but weremain “Here Together”—fighting for our rightsuntil the very last breath.

To this day the songs remain playing at the back of my mind; the memory still lingers like it was just yesterday.Love, laughter, and acceptance surrounded us at that moment—it was magic in the making, withthe feeling almost palpable. With that I say, the 2017 Pride March is verily an unforgettable experience.

[Statement] Celebrate Our Pride, Pursue With Our Struggle! -True Colors Coalition

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

TCC joins Pride March
Celebrate Our Pride,
Pursue With Our Struggle!

True Colors Coalition is one with our brothers and sisters in the community in celebrating our colorful lives and continuous struggle for acceptance, equality, and freedom. We will once again show the Filipino nation that the LGBT people is and always an integral part of the whole society’s quest to exercise our rights to live free from any forms of discrimination and in upholding our human dignity. Let us always be reminded of how we have been, for the longest time, fighting to erase the stigma and stereotyping on our sector.

We should also not forget that many of our ancestors in the community have devoted their lives so we can have what we are enjoying right now as a sector. It was never that easy. However, we are still constantly being challenged to keep on striving for our interest and well-being. That is why, TCC vows to continue to hold on to our reason for being – pursue our struggle and do not let anyone take away what our ancestors have accomplished. We know you are all one with us on this.

Today, while we march with you, we look back in the history of our bravery, and strength in unity.

Like what happened on the eve of June 28, 1969, when our brothers and sisters stood up and fought [for the first time] against the discrimination and violence done to our community, we must take our responsibility and task in the society to stand up and put forward our issues alongside the people’s issues. Let us continue to give fully our fair share in the nation’s development. The people’s struggle is our struggle.

Our existence is no less than the others. But that is not how we are experiencing it every single day. This march must be an instrument of our community to bring every LGBT together and address our issues as one community, just like how we did it on our quest for justice for our sister, Jennifer Laude. We still have a lot to do; our partial victory proves that we have to work harder and double our efforts for our issues and concerns.

Let the lessons of the past be always remembered. Our present and future generations should always be reminded of our great history of struggle. More than a celebration, let us take advantage of this as a tool for our efforts to strengthen our unity with the marginalized and oppressed to break free. We must take pride in saying that we may be diverse but we are united in struggling for our rights and the validity of our existence. ###

*About the PubMat: TCC offers our participation in the Pride March to remember the whole quest for justice for Jennifer Laude and our community’s partial victory, especially to the trans community, last December 1.

STATEMENT
December 5, 2015
Reference: Jhay De Jesus, Spokesperson (09167171398)

Uncategorized

[Urgent Appeal] Kyrgyzstan: Assault against participants to an anti-homophobia event organised by Labris -The Observatory

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The Observatory: Kyrgyzstan: Assault against participants to an anti-homophobia event organised by Labris

URGENT APPEAL – THE OBSERVATORY

KGZ 002 / 0515 / OBS 043
Harassment / Assault / Ill-treatment
Obstacles to freedom of peaceful assembly
Kyrgyzstan
May 21, 2015

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Kyrgyzstan.

Description of the situation:

The Observatory has been informed by reliable sources about an assault against participants to an event organised by Labris, a local NGO advocating for the respect of the rights of the LGBTI community in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the information received, on May 17, 2015, the organisers and the participants to the event held to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia were verbally and physically attacked and one participant was injured. The group of men responsible for the assault is allegedly associated with Kalys and Kirk Choro, two groups well known for their anti-LGBTI positions.

Afterwards, both assaulters and participants were taken under police custody. Upon their arrival at the police station, the participants faced further harassment by the police officers, who denied them medical care and subjected them to humiliating personal searches. On the other hand, the assaulters were treated respectfully. Moreover, two lawyers called to the police station by activists were denied access. A third attempt to request lawyer’s presence was only partially complied, as the lawyer was denied access to the interrogation room.

After more than five hours of questioning under police custody, finally a criminal case was opened against the assaulters, while the participants were released. The participants are planning to file a complaint against the police officers.

The Observatory recalls that Kyrgyz LGBTI rights defenders have been recently facing constant harassment. One month ago, the premises of the NGO Labris were set on fire.

The Observatory is further concerned about the consideration by the Kyrgyz Parliament of a highly controversial law banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”. If passed, the law shall provide for administrative and criminal sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment up to one year. The draft law, that was condemned by civil society, international human rights bodies and other international actors as being inherently discriminatory and infringing freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and other fundamental rights protected by Kyrgyzstan’s Constitution, was largely approved in the first reading in October 2014.

The Observatory is also extremely concerned by the fatwa launched on January 29, 2014, by Kyrgyzstan’s acting grand mufti, Maksat Hajji Toktomushev, against same-sex relations. Back in 2014, the mufti alreadycalled on the Kyrgyz authorities to “pay particular attention to the activities of public organisations that seed social hatred using humanitarian ideas”.

The Observatory expresses its deepest concern about the above-mentioned events and more in general about the intensification of harassment against the LGBTI community and its supporters, and fears that participants and organisers of the event on May 17, 2015 were attacked as a result of their human rights activities.

The Observatory calls for an immediate, thorough, transparent investigation into the assault, in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before an independent tribunal, and apply to them the sanctions provided by the law.

Actions requested:

Please write to the authorities in Kyrgyzstan, urging them to:

i. Guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical and psychological integrity of members of Labris NGO and, more in general, of LGBTI rights defenders and organisations in Kyrgyzstan;

ii. Put an end to any kind of harassment – including at the judicial level – against members of Labris NGO and, more in general, against LGBTI rights defenders and organisations in Kyrgyzstan;

iii. Ensure in all circumstances that members of Labris NGO and, more in general, LGBTI rights defenders and organisations are able to carry out their legitimate activities without any hindrance and fear of reprisals;

iv. Order an immediate, thorough, effective and impartial investigation into all acts of violence against members of Labris NGO and, more in general, against LGBTI rights defenders in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before a civil competent and impartial tribunal and apply the penal sanctions provided by the law;

v. Drop the bill criminalising LGBTI rights defenders and organisations;

vi. Conform with the provisions of the Kyrgyz Constitution that entitles each citizen a right to equal treatment and the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association;

vii. Conform with the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on December 9, 1998, especially:
· Its Article 1, which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”;
· Its Article 5(b) and (c) which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others “to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups” and “to communicate with non-governmental or intergovernmental organizations”;
· Its Article 6 (b) and (c), which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others […] as provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms and […] to study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”;
· Its Article 12.2, which provides that the State shall “take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of his or her rights”;

viii. Comply with the Resolution of the UN Human Rights Council A/HRC/22/L.13 on protecting human rights defenders, adopted on March 15, 2013, which “urges States to create a safe and enabling environment in which human rights defenders can operate free from hindrance and insecurity, in the whole country and in all sectors of society, including by extending support to local human rights defenders”;

ix. Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments ratified by Kyrgyzstan.

Addresses :

· Mr. Almazbek Atambaev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chuy Ave, 205, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Tel: +996 312 63 91 17, Fax: + 996312626191

· Mr. Melis Turganbayev, Minister of Internal Affairs, Frunze st. 469, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: 0996 312 66 24 50, Fax: + 996312682044 / + 996312623853, email: pressa226@mvd.kg

· Ms. Jyldyz Mambetalieva Jeenbaevna, Minister of Justice, 32 M.Gandi Str., 720010 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: +996 (312) 656490 , Fax: +996 (312) 656502, email: jm.26@mail.ru

· Ms. Indira Joldubayeva, General Prosecutor Office, 39 Erkindik Avenue, 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ,Tel: +996 (312) 663373, Fax: +996 (312) 661734

· State Committee of National Security, Erkindik blvd 70, Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: +996 (312) 66 04 75, Fax +996 (312)66 00 24

· Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations in Geneva, Rue Maunoir 26/Rue du Lac 4-6, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland, Email: kyrgyzmission@bluewin.ch, Fax: +41 22 707.92.21

· Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Brussels, 47 rue de l’Abbaye, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Tel: + 32 2 640 18 68 / + 32 2 640 38 83, Fax: + 32 2 640 01 31, Email: aitmatov@infonie.be

Please also write to diplomatic representations of Kyrgyzstan in your respective countries.

***

Paris-Geneva, May 21, 2015

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.

The Observatory, a FIDH and OMCT venture, is dedicated to the protection of Human Rights Defenders and aims to offer them concrete support in their time of need.

To contact the Observatory, call the emergency line:
E-mail: Appeals@fidh-omct.org
Tel and fax FIDH + 33 (0) 1 43 55 25 18 / +33 1 43 55 18 80
Tel and fax OMCT + 41 (0) 22 809 49 39 / + 41 22 809 49 29

[Featured site] aseansogie.wordpress.com

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

What is the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus?.

Vote for this site for the 5th HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards…

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus

The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus is a network of diverse human rights activists in Southeast Asia that aims for the inclusion of SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) in the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms in order to promote and protect the human rights of people regardless of SOGIE in the Southeast Asian region.

The ASC is composed of group of activists from the ten ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Indonesia) that are focused in doing human rights work based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) in relation to the ASEAN Human Rights Mechanisms.

https://aseansogie.wordpress.com

Featured Sites

[From the web] Claiming LGBT Rights in the ASEAN Community by Ging Cristobal

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Claiming LGBT Rights in the ASEAN Community
by Ging Cristobal, Project Coordinator for Asia, IGLHRC
April 22, 2015

Alongside 11 country flags of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists waved a rainbow flag Wednesday at the opening of the region’s Civil Society Conference and People’s Forum (ACSC/APF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Under the conference theme “Reclaiming the ASEAN Community for the People.” the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus are jointly presenting two workshops and the caucus has set up a booth for LGBT human rights education. An Indonesian LGBT organization, Arus Pelangi will screen a short film on LGBT human rights defenders.

The bold and brave affirmation of LGBT activists is taking place amidst the opposition on LGBT issues of religious extremist groups in Malaysia. A blog post questioned the inclusion of LGBT issues and participants in the people’s forum while a group of people filed a complaint with the office of former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi who was scheduled to give the opening speech at the 10th anniversary event. The people’s forum began in 2005 in Malaysia under his premiership.

Read full article @iglhrc.org

From the web

[In the news] Gay men holding hands on train bullied online -RAPPLER.com

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Gay men holding hands on train bullied online
Raisa Serafica, RAPPLER
April 18, 2015

grabbed from RAPPLER.com

Offensive comments like ‘Ano ba kayo, pet `yan’ and ‘Baka dadalhin sa prisinto si bakla’ flood the post

MANILA, Philippines – “Love in a different view.”

This is how a netizen described the photos of a gay Asian-Caucasian couple holding hands on a train that went viral on Saturday, April 18. (READ: When two boys hold hands)

The photos uploaded by the BV Patrol Facebook page came with a caption that read, “Suporta para sa kanila! Bawal ang bitter!” (Support them! Bitter people are not allowed!) As of this writing, the photos have garnered 14,884 likes and 1,497 shares.

The couple in the photos were later identified through their social media accounts as Naparuj Mond Kaendi, a Thai creative director and booking agent at Bacca Model Management, and Thorsten Mid, who appears to come from Germany. The photo was said to be taken at a Bangkok Sky Train.

Read full article @www.rappler.com

In the News

[Petition] Take Action: Urge Philippines Congress to #StopTheDiscrimination! – IGLHRC

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Take Action: Urge Philippines Congress to #StopTheDiscrimination!
February 9, 2015

The Issue
For more than a decade, the Philippines Congress has delayed taking action on the enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill. Now, a broad coalition of Filipino activists is urging Congress to take action and Stop the Discrimination!

Congress is currently considering numerous draft bills aimed at stopping discriminatory policies and practices in schools, places of employment, commercial establishments, hospitals and health care facilities, the civil service, police and military.

What YOU Can Do
Join IGLHRC and the multi-sectoral coalition of marginalized groups in the Philippines in our campaign “Stop The Discrimination”, urging the Philippines Congress to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people, indigenous peoples, persons with disability, persons living with HIV, religious minorities, young people and old people from discrimination and exclusion.

Sign our petition! Urge the Philippines House of Representatives and Senate to Stop The Discrimination by passing a Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law!

Sign pettion @iglhrc.org

Petition

[Press Release] Women and LGBT groups pressed for PH custody over Pemberton

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Women and LGBT groups pressed for PH custody over Pemberton

Women’s groups issued a joint statement in December 17, 2014 Wednesday, pressing for Philippine custody over Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, in the face of the US government’s demand to retain custody of the accused. The arrest warrant was issued by an Olongapo City court on Tuesday in connection with the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude. Subsequently, the Department of Foreign Affairs sent the warrant and demand for custody to the US Embassy on the same day.

However, the US, earlier in the day, issued a statement about its “right to retain custody.”

Photo from QC Pride Council

“The issuance of the warrant of arrest is a welcome development,” according to Jelen Paclarin, coordinator of Philwomen on the ASEAN. “However, our government must be firm with its position that the custody must remain with us. Our government must not forget that Jennifer Laude was murdered and her family wants justice,” Paclarin added.

“Murder is an extraordinary case where jurisdiction and custody lie in the Philippines. Even if request is made by the US — since this is murder — request should be denied,” according to lawyer of Laude’s family, Virginia Suarez. “We challenge the Philippine government to assert full jurisdiction over the accused murderer,” added Proleta Nunez of Scrap VFA Coalition. This is the time when the government should stand for the Filipino women and the Filipino people, according to the advocates.

The women are also anxious about the US demand, remembering what happened to the case of US soldier Daniel Smith, accused of raping “Nicole” in 2005. After conviction by a Makati Trial Court and despite rejection of US request by the same court and by the Court of Appeals, law enforcement agencies transferred Smith from the Makati City Jail to the US Embassy, shortly before midnight of Dec. 29, 2006.

“The US government and our government then have been shameless in trampling on our judicial process, our national laws and integrity,” stated Jean Enriquez of the World March of Women – Pilipinas. “The Visiting Forces Agreement never guaranteed protection of our people, much less our women, from transgressions by US military forces,” added Enriquez.

Ging Cristobal of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), calls on all Filipinos “to continue monitoring and to remain vigilant, and hold the Philippine and US governments accountable in ensuring that justice will not be denied to Jennifer.”

Dindi Tan, Board member of the Association of Transgenders in the Philippines (ATP), believe that the Jennifer Laude case dramatically changed the complexion of the national lobby for the enactment of the anti-discrimination bill pending in Congress. “We hope that the case will underscore among legislators the need to immediately decide for the bill,” Tan stated.

Press Release
December 17, 2014

Press Release

[Press Release] DFA request for Pemberton custody is pabalat-bunga, lacks weight of a sovereign state – Partido Manggagawa

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DFA request for Pemberton custody is pabalat-bunga, lacks weight of a sovereign state – Partido Manggagawa

The Partido Manggagawa (PM) viewed the effort of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to request custody of Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, prime suspect in the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, as insincere or “pabalat-bunga” since pleading for it through a ceremonial letter lacks the weight of a sovereign state.

“The DFA was basically pleading to get back the sovereignty we lost under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).. And the most stupid thing is to do it now is through a formal request,” said PM spokesman Wilson Fortaleza.

In the first place, Fortaleza argued, the DFA was not expecting US approval of its request because prior to commission of any crime by American soldiers, the government has already agreed to the provision that gave US the right to retain custody of its personnel involved in crimes in Philippine soil.

According to PM, the request was rather intended to pacify growing criticisms over a kind of foreign policy blunder that borders on outright surrender if not patent subservience to a colonial master.

Until said provision is deleted from the VFA, including other devious provisions in favor of US interest, Filipinos cannot expect justice for the likes of Jennifer, and would-be victims of American soldiers in Philippine soil.

PM added that the Philippines can effectively get hold of Pemberton only if it acts like a free nation and its foreign policy presided not by a certified Amboy.

PM, together with other militant groups, is calling for the scrapping of the VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.
PRESS RELEASE
Partido Manggagawa
18 December 2014
Contact: Wilson Fortaleza
09053732185

Press Release

[Event] Quezon City LGBT Pride March

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Quezon City LGBT Pride March

Rainbow Greeting!! In behalf of the QC Pride March Team (QCPM) with the support of the Quezon City government and the Quezon City Pride Council (QCPC), and in celebration of the 75th Jubilee anniversary of Quezon City, we invite you and your organization to celebrate the Quezon City LGBT Pride March!

With the theme, “EQUALITY. Walang Labis, Walang Kulang,” this year’s theme focuses on the assertion for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. As we celebrate the gains achieved on LGBT rights throughout the years, there is still much work that needs to be done and thus, the need to continue asserting for equality and equity in society.
The QC LGBT Pride March 2014 celebration will be on Saturday, December 13, 2014 and will have the following events:

LGBT PRIDE PARADE – The Parade will start at Tomas Morato – Timog – East Avenue – Matalino Street and will end at the Quezon Memorial Circle where a short program will be held to culminate the event.

LGBT PRIDE ACCESSORIES – LGBT accessories, shirts, rainbow flags and other novelty products will be sold throughout the event. If you are an interested seller, please email the QC Pride team.

LGBT PRIDE FLOAT COMPETITION – all groups, organizations and local Barangays with a fabulous float using recycled materials are automatically included in the float competition. Top prize will get P 30, 000, P20, 000 and P10, 000 in cash!

QC LGBT RAINBOW Awards – Recognition will be given to selected individuals/groups who have asserted the promotion of LGBT rights in the Philippines.

DIVERSITY FASHION SHOW – if you want to showcase your clothing line, be a model for the night or, why not both? Then this is your event!

To join the celebration, you can register online at http://www.qcpridecouncil.com/p/qc-p.html OR send the accomplished reply form to qcpridemarch@gmail.com. We will email and send an SMS communication to confirm receipt of your registration.

You are also requested to send a representative to attend the Acquaintance/Orientation meeting on THURSDAY, Nov 20, 1-4 (final date & time) pm at the Bulwagang Amoranto, 3rd floor, Main building Quezon City Hall. This is also the time where groups will draw lots for the sequence of parade participants during the parade.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Dindi Tan at 0916.6114640 and/or email qcpridemarch@gmail.com.

Let’s celebrate LGBT Pride as we assert equality and acceptance!
Yours in Pride and Equality,
Ging Cristobal – Overall QC Pride Coordinator

Noted & Approved,
Soxie Topacio, Chairperson
Quezon City Pride Council

QC Pride March, “EQALITY: Walang labis, Walang kulang.”
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Online registration: http://www.qcpridecouncil.com/p/qc-p.html
Website: https://www.facebook.com/qcpridemarch

[Blog] The Killing of Jennifer is the Central Issue not her sexuality and gender: the VFA as a symbol of National Shame by Jose Mario De Vega

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The Killing of Jennifer is the Central Issue not her sexuality and gender: the VFA as a symbol of National Shame
by Jose Mario De Vega

I refer to Rina Jimenez-David’s “Tangential issues”, At Large, PDI, October 17th with regard to the gruesome and barbaric killing of Jennifer (aka Jeffrey) Laude, “a transgender individual, in a motel room in Olongapo City allegedly by an American Marine taking part in war games here, is the “nature” of Jennifer and whether she was plying the “world’s oldest profession” or was merely out for a good time.””

I’m my view, the most tangential and substantive issue is not whether “she was a “trannie” in a land where there is still considerable social and legal discrimination against gays” or because in order for her, “to earn money to put a sibling through school and pay for other expenses, she was engaged in prostitution”, rather is it her gruesome and horrible killing.

The killing of a helpless human being: That is the central issue!

Indeed, Ms. David is absolutely correct in her contention that:

“Of course, it’s irrelevant and immaterial whether Jennifer was a prostitute or simply a good-time gal. She did not deserve to die simply because she was not “fully” a woman, in the same way that women (and men) engaged in the flesh trade cannot be raped, beaten up, or killed simply because they failed to satisfy their customers.”

Yet, instead of seeing it that way, her murder and death has only shown the apathy, the idiocy, the bigotry and the mental discrimination still running on the minds of some people of this country.

Again, to quote Ms. David:

“But her being transgender has trained a light as well on the realities of life for those whose sexuality and sexual orientation lie beyond the pale. Certainly appalling are comments that Filipinos are raising too much fuss about Jennifer’s killing, as if the death of a transgender person deserves less outrage and pain than the murder of a “normal” woman or man. Or that a prostitute’s life is not worth grieving or agonizing over, as if human rights apply only to those living righteous lives.”

I am wondering, what if it is a Filipino man who killed an American transgender, or if it is an American transgender that killed a Filipino woman, will there be a change to their moronic charges and idiotic comments?

To me, the fact remains and that fact is “that murder is murder, whether committed by a Filipino or an American, and must be prosecuted with the full force of the law.”

It is on this juncture that I am condemning to the utmost, some of our countrymen for their discrimination, bigotry, idiocy and even their colonial mentality.

As a Humanist, I don’t give a damn whether the one who violated the law is a man or a woman, “in between” or a transgender; that fact that he or she violated the law is enough for the said felon to be brought to the bar of justice.

In the same vein, I also don’t give a damn whether the offender is a local citizen or a foreigner, if they violated the law, hence they must answer — whoever the hell they are, whatever the hell they are!

On Humanity

As I’ve stated in one article, “Everyone deserves love”, The Star Malaysia, August 3, 2011:

“Transgenders are our fellow human beings; the only difference is that we are certain of our sexual orientation and gender affiliation.

“They also deserve to be loved and cherished. It is their inherent natural human right to love and be loved, regardless and irrespective of their abnormalities, deformities and physiological-sexual limitations.

“The dichotomy of the individual and that of society has long been settled by both sociology and anthropology. The presence of varied elements is precisely one of the key ingredients for society to grow and develop.

“Such a society would undeniably be vibrant, humane, accommodative to change and refreshingly adaptive to the prevailing circumstances.”

I am sad and it is with a heavy heart on my part to state that this bastard country is not that tolerant and open when it comes to the those people that belongs to the LGBT community!

This society is inhumane and discriminative!

That should not be the case, by virtue of the fact that the equal protection clause of the Constitution is anti-sexism, anti-discrimination, anti-racism and against all forms of cruelty. It is a document of justice, equality and fairness.

Yet, sad but true, such is not the case!

Shame!!!!

On the Question of the VFA and EDCA

I overwhelmingly concur with Professor Walden Bello that the presence of the US military to our country is dangerous to our people’s welfare.

As he stated categorically in his article, Afterthoughts, Fatal encounters: Jennifer meets US Marine Corps, PDI, October 20th:

“When we opposed the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the so-called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), one of our key reasons was to prevent our civilian population from again becoming collateral damage as victims of rape, murder, and hate crimes, as many of them were prior to the withdrawal of the big US bases in 1992.

“The rape of Nicole by another US Marine, Daniel Smith, in 2005 confirmed our worst fears. Now an even more brutal crime has taken place. No doubt there will be apologists who will say that the Nicole and Jennifer cases are “isolated incidents,” that these are outweighed by the benefits of the presence of American troops, as Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is supposed to have claimed. Such assertions are increasingly hollow, especially since Washington is not committed to defending our territories in the West Philippine Sea in the first place, since it says it won’t intervene in sovereignty disputes in the Spratlys.

“To prevent future incidents, some have proposed tighter regulation of shore leave or more intensive instruction of American troops on the “rules of engagement” with the civilian population. But again, why be satisfied with these half measures when those troops don’t need to be here in the first place since they do not promote our national security.”

On the implementation of the VFA

In my view, only a moron, or worst an extreme idiot of the lowest order will failed miserably to see that this so-called agreement between the Philippines and the United States of America is not only a lopsided agreement but undeniably a continuation and perpetuation of US colonization of this utterly damned and super stupid country.

As Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago emphatically stated:

“We are a stillborn state because our umbilical cord from the US has never been cut…”
The VFA is not only a failure, but a shame to us all

It is a basic rule of criminal procedure that jurisdiction includes custody, now base on that bullshit agreement, it states there that while the Philippines has jurisdiction over erring US officers, Article V, Paragraph 6 of the VFA states:

“The custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with the United States military authorities, if they so request.”

This is not only a “gross inequality” but a bastardization of the sovereignty and dignity of the whole country.

Again to quote Senator Santiago:

“If the Philippines has primary jurisdiction, then it follows that the Philippines should have custody. But this logic is spurned by the VFA…”

This is a shame!!!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy and Social Science lecturer
Unibersidad de Manila

Blog

[Statement] On the gruesome killing of a Filipino transgender woman by a US Serviceman -OWGC

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Statement on the gruesome killing of a Filipino transgender woman by a US Serviceman
October 20, 2014

Our shock and horror over the gruesome killing of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer (legal name: Jeffrey) Laude by a US marine serviceman are accompanied by grave concern about how the case will progress and the kind of justice that might prevail in the end given the circumstances surrounding the case.

1. The crime committed and the suspect are covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States that puts a Filipino crime victim at a disadvantage. A provision in the VFA gives the US custody of a crime suspect being tried who is a member of the US visiting forces.

2. Laude, the latest victim, is a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community that, in present society, continues to suffer discrimination, marginalization, exclusion and hate crimes. Such is the result of centuries-old societal biases toward those who “do not fit” into the so-called mainstream.

3. The victim belongs to a family of humble means whose resources might not see them through the whole legal process while the suspect has the whole US military might behind him.

We do not want to see a repeat of a past case that saw a rape suspect spirited away by his US defenders through the use of wile and force, resulting in the victim’s capitulation (despite overwhelming support from anti-violence against women advocates) and an acquittal.

Laude is dead and cannot give an account of what happened. We call on witnesses to put aside fear and come forward with what they know. We call on

Laude’s family and supporters to stay the course and not be cowed into giving up. We call on Laude’s critics to hold their judgment. We call on our government officials and lawmakers to re-examine the onerous provisions in the VFA.

Even while protecting the rights of a US citizen, in this case, US Marine PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is a crime suspect, the US government should refrain from using might to get its own brand of justice, with little regard for Philippine sovereignty.

We pray that genuine justice based on the truth will be served—for both the victim and the accused.

Office of Women and Gender Concerns

Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines

Sr. Mary John Mananzan OSB
Fr. Quirico Pedregoza OP
Chairpersons

Sr. Aurora Zambrano ICM
Chair emeritus
Board Members
Sr. Graziella Aseberos DOLSH
Sr. Betty Baroro PDDM
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Atty. Corazon Fabros
Sr. Lucila Vasquez SP
Sr. Leonila Villanueva FMM

Contact:
Office of Women and Gender Concerns
Mission Partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines
3F St. Scholastica’s College Museum
884 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila, PHILIPPINES
owgc_14@yahoo.com, 02-2636208

Statement

[People] Fatal encounter: Jennifer meets US Marine Corps by Walden Bello

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Afterthoughts
Fatal encounter: Jennifer meets US Marine Corps
By Walden Bello, INQUIRER.net
October 20, 2014

As I peered at Jennifer Laude’s serene face in the open casket, I saw the wound on her forehead that was barely concealed by the mortician’s make up. I did not see the bruises on her neck and shoulders, but a person familiar with the autopsy said they were severe. “They seemed to have been inflicted by a martial arts move,” said Marc Figueras, a local activist who has been with the Laude family since day one of the tragedy. “That may have been one of the causes of death, along with drowning.”

A few days earlier, Jennifer, a transgender woman, had been found dead in a hotel room in Olongapo, her face immersed in a toilet bowl. Private Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marine Corps was identified as Jennifer’s companion entering the motel room, then leaving the crime scene after about 15-20 minutes.

Walking weapons

Pemberton, it turns out, is scarcely out of the marines’ infamous boot camp, where martial arts skills–lots of it–are drilled into recruits. As a letter from one recruit (reproduced in Hamilton Nolan’s blog linked to the Huffington Post) notes,

“We learn a ton of martial arts, which is technically called MCMAP–Marine Corps Martial Arts Program–but I call it Karate and ninja training, which my DI’s [drill instructors] don’t like one bit. It started with boring punches and kicks, tiger shulman tae kwon do style, but now we’re learning throws, counters, elbows, stomps, bayonet attacks, bayonet defenses, etc. all of which we do at full speed and intensity on each other. (Sometimes with pads but often not). If the DI’s think we’re going easy on each other, they flip a shit.

“The MCMAP shit is incorporated into our PT workouts, one of the best workouts we did was the martial arts conditioning course: 2 minutes of jab straight hook vs. a recruit w a pad throw a recruit over your shoulder, carry them back and forth between 2 cones 30 yards apart somersault (sp?) back and forth 30 yards apartment roundhouse kicks drag a recruit back and forth for 30 yards elbow strikes choke counters knee strikes run 1/2 mile punch blocks/throws crawl (low) in sand for 100 yards body squats run 1/4 mile.”

Need it be said that the enraged Marine that fate brought face to face with Jennifer the night of October 11 at the Celzon Lodge had been trained to be a walking weapon?

Homophobic socialization

There is another thing that boot camp drills into raw recruits: homophobia, and plenty of it. With the repeal of the infamous “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the Pentagon, discrimination against gays and lesbians is now supposed to be banned in all US armed services, with heavy penalties for violations. But according to the same anonymous recruit’s account, “don’t ask don’t tell…may have been repealed, but the USMC sure hasn’t adapted. We’re called faggots 10-50 times a day… ‘Yeah, you would think that’s a pushup, faggot,’ etc. Any time we fuck something up, the DI’s tell us ‘you stupid fucking thing. That’s more wrong than two boys fucking.’ One captain, when giving an ethics class, and talking about how one mistake can change your life/identity told the entire company ‘you can be a bridge builder your entire life, but you suck one dick and you’re a cocksucker till you die.’”

With thousands of such walking weapons from the most homophobic of America’s armed services prowling Olongapo’s streets on R&R after testosterone-raising military exercises, the murder of Jennifer Laude was an event waiting to happen. The volatile mix of training in the lethal arts and aggressive homophobic socialization was likely to be among the factors that led Pemberton to cross the line from anger to murder that fateful night. And violence such as that meted out to Jennifer is likely to occur again and again, as the US stations more and more troops in our country in pursuit of Washington’s grand geopolitical design to contain China.

A dangerous and useless presence

When we opposed the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the so-called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), one of our key reasons was to prevent our civilian population from again becoming collateral damage as victims of rape, murder, and hate crimes, as many of them were prior to the withdrawal of the big US bases in 1992.

The rape of Nicole by another US Marine, Daniel Smith, in 2005 confirmed our worst fears. Now an even more brutal crime has taken place. No doubt there will be apologists who will say that the Nicole and Jennifer cases are “isolated incidents,” that these are outweighed by the benefits of the presence of American troops, as Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is supposed to have claimed. Such assertions are increasingly hollow, especially since Washington is not committed to defending our territories in the West Philippine Sea in the first place, since it says it won’t intervene in sovereignty disputes in the Spratlys.

To prevent future incidents, some have proposed tighter regulation of shore leave or more intensive instruction of American troops on the “rules of engagement” with the civilian population. But again, why be satisfied with these half measures when those troops don’t need to be here in the first place since they do not promote our national security.

LGBT Rights

Now people may disagree with me on whether we need a US military presence, but surely there can be no disputing the fact that murder is murder, whether committed by a Filipino or an American, and must be prosecuted with the full force of the law (and here one might note, parenthetically, that Jennifer’s killer is lucky that we don’t have the death penalty unlike in his home country). People may have different attitudes towards LGBTs (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders)—in the same way people may have different feelings about people of different races–but surely most would agree that transgenders and other members of that community have fundamental rights that must be upheld. Indeed, I doubt that most of those who have been spewing out derogatory comments about Jennifer in the social media would condone her murder.

That lopsided treaty called the Visiting Forces Agreement permits the US to retain custody of a US soldier charged with a crime while prosecution is ongoing. This will not do. The Philippine authorities should have learned from the Daniel Smith fiasco that allowing the US to keep the suspect is simply a way of keeping him away from our authorities until they can find a way to spirit him out of the country. This time Malacañang must demand the unconditional surrender of Pemberton by US authorities.

There must be zero tolerance for hate crimes and zero tolerance of violations of our national sovereignty.

Read more: http://opinion.inquirer.net/79430/fatal-encounter-jennifer-meets-us-marine-corps#ixzz3GdJYmKIm
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Uncategorized

[From the web] A plea to parents of gay children -RAPPLER.com

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

A plea to parents of gay children
By Shakira Sison
October 31, 2013

So your son has come to you and told you what he’s feeling. Or you’ve noticed the difference in his actions or your daughter’s outfits. As a parent, you feel a panic besiege you, knowing full well how the world treats people like them, even when they’re young. You recall the taunts you’ve heard growing up, directed at some poor kid and maybe even to you.

You think of your gay colleagues, many of whom are still cruising as adults, most still hiding their nature from their families. You feel protective of your child and would like to shield him from pain. You did not raise a child to be treated poorly, and it’s just natural for a parent to look after their offspring. You decide your child is not going to be treated that way.

But the task of changing the world is too big and cumbersome, so you decide the change is going to come from your child. You ask that he or she not be “like that,” as if it were a habit like saying a dirty word. God doesn’t want you to be that way, you say, because you can’t fathom as a parent saying you don’t like how your own child looks and acts. You cite examples for him like the neighborhood bakla you’ve assumed is lonely and alone. You mention your lesbian relative, and you say she will never have a family, or be a wife and a mother. So don’t be like that, you tell your daughter. I won’t have it. This is for your own good.

Read full article @www.rappler.com

From the web

[Press Release] ASEAN SOGIE Caucus launches regional campaign criticizing declarations on women and children By ASEAN SOGIE Caucus

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus launches regional campaign criticizing declarations on women and children
By ASEAN SOGIE Caucus

On October 14, a regional network of LGBT rights organizations launched a video in response to the exclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression (SOGIE) from the language of two recently adopted declarations protecting women and children from violence.

The video is part of a bigger campaign called “We are #ASEANtoo!” which was launched a week before the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on October 9 to 10, in Brunei. The Declarations on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Elimination of Violence Against Children (DEVAW and DEVAC respectively) were set to be adopted at the said summit.

The campaign also included an ASEAN-wide virtual conversation using the micro-blogging site Twitter. Dubbed “#ASEANtoo! Queer Tweets,” the virtual conversation coincided with the ASEAN summit. It drew Twitter users from all over the region and aimed to raise their awareness of issues related to SOGIE. The virtual conversations also aimed to expose the lack of transparency of ASEAN processes.

“The ASEAN Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression Caucus (ASC) started this campaign because of the many challenges we faced in ensuring that the two declarations explicitly mentioned SOGIE. Even with the help of our allies, we felt there was a high possibility that SOGIE would be dropped,” said Ron de Vera, ASC spokesperson. “When we saw that the officially adopted declarations didn’t mention SOGIE, we were very disappointed. We are also deeply concerned that there is an emerging pattern of SOGIE exclusion from human rights declarations in the ASEAN,” added de Vera. This is the second time SOGIE was not mentioned in the language of an ASEAN declaration. The first was in the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration adopted by the ASEAN on November 18, 2012.

The process of drafting the two declarations required national consultations by each country’s women’s caucus. This was meant to ensure participation of civil society organizations (CSOs). However, the drafts were not widely circulated, prompting CSOs to call out the ASEAN for its lack of transparency.

Discrimination, harassment, and violence against individuals of diverse SOGIE continue to be a heightened human rights issue in the region where laws related to SOGIE vary from one state to another. According to Social Action For Equality (SAFE), a Manila-based organization that monitors hate crimes against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people, there have been more than 164 LGBT killings in the Philippines since they started monitoring media reports in 2009. Figures on violence against LGBT people remain underreported due to poor protection mechanisms and legislation in the region.

“Lesbians, bisexual women, and trans women (LBTs) in all ASEAN countries face violence too. Their experience is further aggravated by the hate and stigma that come with their gender and sexuality, and that is why we need SOGIE to be explicitly mentioned in ASEAN declarations. Why exclude them? They are productive members of the ASEAN community too!” said de Vera.

The (ASC) is a network of activists and organizations in ASEAN member states who work to ensure people of diverse SOGIE are not marginalized from ASEAN-level mechanisms and processes.
The video may be viewed by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/aseantoo-video

For further information please contact ASC spokesperson Ron de Vera at rondevera@gmail.com

Follow ASEAN SOGIE Caucus @https://www.facebook.com/aseansogie

Press Release

[From the web] A criminal love by Naomi Fontanos

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

A criminal love.
By Naomi Fontanos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 1, 2013

In Europe, adultery is no longer a crime. In the United States, around 30 states have abolished their adultery laws. In October 2012, the United Nations Working Group on discrimination against women in law and in practice issued a joint statement calling on governments of the world to repeal their adultery laws because they led to discrimination and violence against women. In spite of these, in August 2013, first-time lawmaker Edcel “Grex” Lagman filed House Bill No. 2352 to amend the provision on adultery under the Revised Penal Code. HB 2352 seeks to penalize married spouses who have sexual intercourse with same-sex partners.

My Husband’s Lover bill. HB 2352 is more popularly called My Husband’s Lover bill after the title of a primetime TV show that depicts what the proposed legislation wants to address. “My Husband’s Lover” is about the life of a woman, Lally, who is married to a man, Vincent, with whom she has children. Later, the show reveals that Vincent is still emotionally and physically attracted to an old lover, another man named Eric. The show has become hugely popular, prompting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to call for a morality check on the show. In defense, the show’s creators issued a statement saying that their program depicts “real-life situations.”

To be clear, marriage in the Philippines remains exclusively heterosexual. That is why HB 2352 surprised many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In media interviews, Lagman asks LGBT Filipinos to support HB 2352. After all, he said, the measure pushes for equal rights of LGBT people and is a step toward gender equality. In the bill’s explanatory note, he qualifies this support by saying: “Although I am open and supportive of gender equality, we must not limit its concept [to] the positive side of things. Just like in a marriage, equality should be present ‘for better or for worse.’ Meaning, equality must be upheld both in the rewards and as well as in the sanctions given by the society. If the LGBT group insists on equal rights, they must also be prepared to accept and carry the burden of equal liability and responsibility. That is the essence of democracy.”

In actuality, no national law has ever been enacted to specifically protect or promote the rights of LGBT Filipinos. In fact, since 1999, attempts to pass into law an Anti-Discrimination bill that would penalize discriminatory practices toward members of the LGBT community have been repeatedly thwarted in Congress. Through the years, documented cases have accumulated showing LGBT Filipinos at the receiving end of abusive and discriminatory treatment based on their sexual orientation and gender identity in their own homes and communities, workplaces, schools and in public and private institutions and establishments. Even in places where there are local ordinances meant to protect them, LGBT Filipinos continue to experience discrimination. Not surprisingly, many LGBT rights advocates have rejected HB 2352.

Legal stigmatization of gender and sexuality. HB 2352 comes on the heels of recently passed laws that rights advocates have opposed. To the dismay of many, the Philippine government under President Aquino has enacted several laws that stigmatize gender and sexuality.

In March 2012, Republic Act No. 10158, which seeks to decriminalize vagrancy, was signed into law. Many women’s rights organizations opposed RA 10158 because of its problematic definition of vagrancy. Under RA 10158, vagrants are only prostitutes and prostitutes are only women. In August 2012, the President approved RA 10172 which allows a change in the date of birth and gender in the birth certificate in case of clerical errors. The law explicitly states, however, that change in gender will not cover those who have undergone a “sex change or sex transplant.” Transgender rights advocates protested the inclusion of the phrase sex transplant in the wording of the law because it is a nonexistent medical procedure. Its inclusion violates rules of clarity and nonambiguity, to which legislation is expected to adhere, but to no avail. In September 2012, RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, was signed into law. It has become one of the most unpopular pieces of legislation under the Aquino administration. RA 10175 criminalizes cybersex along with other online activities. The law has been assailed for its intent to curtail Internet freedom and its violation of people’s freedom of speech and expression. At least 15 petitions were filed at the Supreme Court, which has since issued a Temporary Restraining Order against RA 10175, suspending its implementation.

Lagman’s My Husband’s Lover bill, no doubt, has the potential to follow in the footsteps of these laws. It would be grossly ironic, given that the show after which it was named was presumably created to enlighten people about the real-life complexities of gender and sexuality. If passed into law, HB 2352 would be the first law in the Philippines to criminalize same-sex behavior. This would be unfortunate since the winds of change to abolish adultery in law books have already reached nearby countries. In Taiwan, women’s groups in March 2013 asked the government to abolish adultery from the Criminal Code because it is unfavorable to women. According to women’s rights advocates, Taiwan’s adultery law promotes legal discrimination and maintains pervasive gender inequality. HB 2352 would undoubtedly do the same.

This is a wake-up call then for advocates to bolster the fight for greater equality and genuine sexual and gender freedom in the Philippines.

Naomi Fontanos is a Filipino transgender rights advocate and cofounder of Gender and Development Advocates (Ganda) Filipinas, a Manila-based nonprofit committed to promote human rights in the context of development.

Naomi Fontanos

Co-founder

GANDA Filipinas

WEBSITE:www.facebook.com/gandafilipinas

Gender and Development Advocates (GANDA) Filipinas* is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-government organization advocating gender equality for all Filipinos. It is led by transgender women in the Philippines. GANDA Filipinas believes that gender is at the heart and center of issues of development including access to education, economic justice, environmental justice, and sexuality and reproductive health rights—areas where transgender voices are usually left out and neglected. GANDA Filipinas upholds the view that transgender rights are human rights.

*Ganda is the Filipino word for “beauty” or “beautiful.” It is a generic term of endearment Filipinos use to warmly call transgender women. Filipinas is the Hispanicized name of the Philippines used by the organization to call attention to the historical fact that people who could be interpreted as transgender in the modern sense already existed even during pre-colonial times.

From the web

[Event] ‘SAGOT MO BA AKO’ Project on the Respect, Protect and Fulfill principle of Human Rights obligations for the May 2013 Mid-Term Philippine Election

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

‘SAGOT MO BA AKO’ Project on the Respect, Protect and Fulfill principle of Human Rights obligations for the May 2013 Mid-Term Philippine Election

Respect – Marapat lamang na kilalanin at irespeto ng lahat, estado at mamamayan, ang mga batayang mga karapatang pantao sa isang lipunang sibil at may antas ng pagpapahalaga sa kapwa tao.

Ang ‘SMBA Project’ ay nakatuon sa kung anu para sa indibidwal na botante/mamamayan ang mga isyus na nais niyang masagot sa kanyang sarili, at pati na ng mga kandidatong nagnanais bitbitin ang kaniyang mga hinaing. Nakasentro ito sa mga usaping pangkarapatang pantao na dapat nirerespeto, ipinagtatanggol at tinutupad

Protect – Pangunahing responsibilidad ng estado na pangalagaan at ipagtanggol ang mga batayang mga karapatan ng kanyang mamamayan sa anumang posibleng magaganap na paglabag dito.

Walang humpay na kinakampanya ng AIPh ang mga isyung pumapatungkol sa mga karapatang pantao lalo na sa mga nagaganap na mga paglabag dito, halimbawa ay sa mga isyu ng torture, sapilitang pagkawala, diskriminasyon, LGBT at Indigenous Peoples rights.

Fulfill – Magaganap lamang ang puspusang paggampan ng mga obligasyon sa mga karapatang pantao para sa lahat kung ito ay totohanang ipatutupad bilang mga katungkulang sinumpaan ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan.

Ang mga isyus ng mamamayan at mga botante ay mga lehitimong sibil at pulitikal na usapin para sa pagrespeto, pagtatanggol at pagtupad, pati na sa mga posibleng paglabag sa mga karapatang pantao ay dapat lamang maging hamon sa mga kandidato at sa mga lalahok sa darating na eleksyon sa kanilang mga magiging obligasyon hinggil dito.

Tinitingnan ng AIPh na isang magandang pagkakataon ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas para sa pagpapatingkad at pagtalakay ng mga isyung may kinalaman sa karapatang pantao lalo na kapag ito ay naka-ugnay sa mga responsibilidad at obligasyon ng mga tumatakbong kandidato at yung mga mahahalal sa pwesto para sa kanilang pagkilala, pagtatanggol at pagtupad ng mga karapatang ito.

Join Amnesty International – Sa pagkakataong ito, hinihikayat ang lahat ng mga mamamayang may pagkilala sa mga karapatan para sa lahat at pagkilos para sa pagsasabuhay nito na sumali sa Amnesty International para maging kabahagi sa pagtataguyod ng mga prinsipyo para sa karapatang pantao.

http://www.amnesty.org.ph/join.php

[Statement] of the ASEAN SOGI Caucus regarding the recent ACSC/APF event in Brunei where certain sectors were prevented to join the civil society event

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

ASEAN SOGI Caucus: We are ASEAN
Statement of the ASEAN SOGI Caucus regarding the recent ACSC/APF event in Brunei where certain sectors were prevented to join the civil society event.

We, theASEAN SOGI Caucus[i] are deeplyoutraged and concerned by the decision of the National Organizing Committee(NOC) of Brunei Darussalam‘s to restrict discussions and limit civil societyspaces at the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ ASEAN People’s Forum 2013(ASCS/APF) for selective groups of people whose opinions and views are notaligned with the state’s views, namely sexual orientation and gender identityand gender expression (SOGIE), sex work, sexual and reproductive health rights.

We aredisappointed that even in spaces that are meant to foster and uphold democracyand human rights principles by and for civil society organizations, specificsectors of society are being discriminated against and are restricted.

People ofdiverse sexual orientation and gender identity as well as sex workers andadvocates of sexual and reproductive rights are banned and given conditionsfrom organizing educational workshops that promote understanding and addressthe human rights violations that we are subjected to because of our identityand orientation.

Westrongly believe that the invisible hand of the state in policing civil societyspaces is highly unacceptable, and if such policing continues the ASCS/APF willno longer be a relevant space for civil society. We strongly urge the ACSC/APFto immediately address and correct this matter.

We are at the stage in our struggle for equality and respect that wewill not accept discrimination, abuse and violence or state sanction as a partof our existence by the denial of our rights and our humanity.
It is in this spirit of pride and dignity that we are reclaiming ourrightful space in our respective countries and in our region, and we demand ourgovernments to:
1. Immediately repeal laws that directly andindirectly criminalize SOGI, recognizes LGBTIQ rights as human rights,and harmonizes national laws, policies and practices with the YogyakartaPrinciples.

2. Establish national level mechanisms andreview existing regional human rights instruments (e.g.AICHR, ACWC) to include the promotion and protection of the equal rights of allpeople regardless of SOGI with the active engagement of the LGBTIQ community.

3. Depathologize SOGI and promote psychologicalwell being of people of Diverse SOGI in accordance with the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) standards, and ensure equal access to health andsocial services.

We urgethe ACSC/APF 2013 to correct and apologize for the discriminatory andregressive action that grossly disrespected our basic human rights as membersof the ASEAN community. We call on members of society to support our call for aTRULY INCLUSIVE and a REAL ACSC/APF that protects and promotes the human rightsof ASEAN peoples regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity as wellas socio-economic background.
[i] The ASEAN Sexual Orientation andGender Identity Caucus or known as “ASEAN SOGI Caucus” is a network of people who respect and promote the human rights of people regardless of sexualorientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE)

ASEAN SOGI Caucus – aseansogicaucus@gmail.com

Statement

[From the web] Police Officials On Board with LGBT Sensitization Training From United Nations Human Rights recommendation to concrete action in the Philippines -IGLHRC

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Philippines: Police Officials On Board with LGBT Sensitization Training From United Nations Human Rights recommendation to concrete action in the Philippines
February 28, 2013

PNP and LGBT dialogue photo from Ging Cristobal FB copy

Ging Cristobal of IGLHRC, Police Chief Superintendent Nestor Fajura of PNP HRAO, and Raymond Alikpala of LADLAD LGBT Party speaking at the PNP and LGBT Group Dialogue on February 22nd. Photo from Ging Cristobal FB.

“Human rights are for humans and LGBT persons are not to be excluded from the protection of the police when we apply the rule of law. ”
– Police Chief Superintendent Fajura

“This is a major breakthrough.”
– Ging Cristobal, IGLHRC

Manila (28 February 2013)—The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and LADLAD LGBT Party launched a partnership with the Philippines National Police (PNP) Human Rights Affairs Office to convene a national Gender and Sexuality training program to sensitize police officers when engaging with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Ging Cristobal of IGLHRC, Raymond Alikpala of LADLAD LGBT Party and Oscar Atadero, a veteran LGBT activist and a former secretary-general of Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay), planned the engagement in collaboration with Police Chief Superintendent Nestor Fajura, Chief of the Philippines National Police Human Rights Affairs Office.

Police Chief Supt. Fajura stressed that he is concerned with the consistent complaints of police misconduct his office has heard from LGBT groups. Police Chief Supt. Fajura indicated that he wants to address this concern by engaging directly with LGBT people. The training series will include an LGBT community dialogue with the PNP and six three-day gender and sexuality workshops with human rights regional officers, police precinct officers, and women’s and children’s desk officers in major provinces all over the Philippines in the coming months.

“The aim of this engagement with the LGBT sector is to sensitize the police force to bring about attitudinal change that greatly affects how the police enforce the rule of law and to make the necessary recommendations to incorporate inclusion of LGBT issues and rights in the formal training program of instructions (POI) in the policies and standard procedures of the police force,” said Police Chief Supt. Fajura.

Read full article @http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1870/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1269258