Ripples: Sharing Stories, Empowering Communities (May 2021 Issue)

May 2021 Issue

MAY 2021

Instead of candles, Bagani Community Center staff and volunteers lit up torches to commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 16. Photo from Bagani Community Center

Champion Community Centers intensify HIV prevention and testing efforts in IACM 2021 written by Edgar Bagasol Jr.

The Champion Community Centers commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2021 by intensifying efforts on HIV awareness, prevention, testing and treatment, especially amid the persisting COVID-19 pandemic.

The IACM is held every third Sunday of May to remember lives lost to AIDS-related complications and share messages of hope for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

On this day of the year, people around the globe gather, light candles adorned by red ribbons, and pray together in commemoration and solidarity. However with the persisting pandemic, most IACM activities this year have to be held online again.

What’s inside?

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Bisdak Pride Inc. in the height of PAG-INAM 2021 written by Ren Lausa

the festival was open to the public.

Bisdak Pride Inc. participates in PAG-INAM 2021 on May 14-16.

In partnership with Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), a resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bisdak celebrated the linkages created by TP through performances during the three-day festival.

On the first day, speakers from different theater organizations around the country were highlighted in “Talks with Regional Speakers” including BPI Theater Actor, John Carl Borbon. Each speaker shared inspiring and educational talks to more than 60 participants from different universities, high schools and theater organizations in the country.

PAG-INAM 2021 created a mixing pot of knowledge among the regional groups, by means of sharing their own regional identities to the entire Filipino theater community. Themed Theater Arts, Moving Forward,

Borbon as an LGBTQIA+ member and theater actor of Bisdak from Cebu shared how he and his colleagues succeeded in engaging in community performances as their coping mechanism during the...

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Community in Action LoveYourself transforms community pantries into Safe Spaces

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Community in Action: Bagani joins Resbakuna

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Freedom Wall: Letting go of the barrier

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An Ironic IDAHOTB 2021

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Community Spotlight: A Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A wider perspective

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Combi nation: Episode 11 (Art needs to head back)

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EDITORIAL

May 2021 Issue

EDITORIAL BOARD A message from LoveYourself’s Executive Director, Dr. Ronivin Pagtakhan

Let me start by saying, "You matter no matter how much you contribute to society and whatever journey you have."

This May, we all matter as we celebrate our causes together with various communities around the country. Once again, we staged an online concert for the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) with the theme: U Matter U Light the Way. We also look beyond HIV by being involved in the observance of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB).

As a matter of importance in this pandemic, we offer COVID-19 vaccines to HIV frontliners, people living with HIV, and those with comorbidities. We also turned community pantries into safe spaces by providing free condoms and lube. Through our platforms we were able to feature stories of trials and triumphs of people living with HIV, highlighting their strengths to live on and be more significant than their obstacles.

I cannot be prouder for the efforts of the volunteers and staff to continue our community activities and events amidst the pandemic, which runs for more than a year now. As we empower ourselves, we also enable every part of our community to battle all forms of stigma and discrimination affecting our communities. By reaffirming that we all matter, we don't leave anyone aside - we fight alongside them. By being with them, they'd be able to realize their worth and create an enabling environment for them to flourish.

I am also extra grateful for our partners and sponsors who continue to support our activities. To name a few, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., USAID, the Global Fund, the Mandaluyong City government, PhilHealth, and many more.

It's with great pleasure that I take pride in our May as we approach Pride Month this coming June. But before you take pride, never forget that you matter.

Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News and Features Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Literary Editor Queenie Mauhay TJ Monzon Illustrator for Combi Nation Contributors Adrian Nanagad Asha Gutierrez Rayd Espeja Ren Lacsa Ryan de Torres

Raybert Domingo Adviser

SHARE YOUR STORY! Create more Ripples by sharing stories of your own communities. This may include your events, activities, research, innovations, or any human interest stories that you think could inspire others in forwarding our cause.

To contribute, you may contact us at ripplespub@loveyourself.ph

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May 2021 Issue

NEWS

LoveYourself transforms community pantries into Safe Spaces

written by Edgar Bagasol & Adrian Nanagad

This strategy is part of LoveYourself’s expansion of the Safe Spaces program. With this initiative, the organization hopes to transform more community pantries as Safe Spaces in the next months and consequently, reach more KPs, especially youth in urban poor communities where access to condoms and lubes is very limited.

LoveYourself is also currently mobilizing partner community-based organizations like DIOSSA in Paranaque City in distributing condoms and lubes via community pantries.

A young man accesses condoms at the Tulong Obrero Community Center in Quezon City. Photo by Adrian Nanagad

Following its Love Pantry in Cebu, LoveYourself, through its Safe Spaces program, is now distributing condoms and lubes in several community pantries in Metro Manila. This is one of the organization’s current strategies to address the barrier to people’s access to HIV/STI prevention strategies amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent survey conducted by SKPA Philippines, a significant 16 percent of key populations had difficulties accessing condoms and lubes mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions. Other reasons include financial limitations and issues on availability.

Riding on the momentum of community pantries in the country—where people can access basic food commodities for free or at a minimal cost—LoveYourself saw the opportunity to make these venues as well for condom distribution.

The organization has been continuously supplying 11 community pantries in Metro Manila with condoms and lube since May 2021. These community pantries include: Concepcion Community Pantry (Pasig City) Tulong Obrero Community Pantry (Quezon City) Samson Road Community Pantry (Caloocan City)

Batang Sampaloc Community Pantry & Balut Tondo Community Pantry (Manila City) Nueve De Pebrero Community Pantry (Mandaluyong City) Almanza Dos Community Pantry (Parañaque City) Golden Acres Talon V Barter & Community Pantry (Las Piñas City) Ilang Ilang Community Pantry (Pasay City) 4P’S Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pantawid Pamilya Community Pantry (Muntinlupa City) Apart from distributing condoms and lubes, people are also directed to the Safe Spaces chatbot (m.me/safespacesph) where they can inquire about other HIV/ AIDS information and locate other Safe Spaces locations.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still at large, LoveYourself maximizes opportunities to deliver its services to the people.

By making condoms and lubes available in community pantries, this proved to be an effective strategy in promoting HIV and STI prevention not only among KPs, but to the population at large. Interestingly, apart from KPs, there is also high demand for these commodities among mothers and middle-aged adults as observed by pantry organizers.

LoveYourself is one of the leading community-based organizations in the country that provides free HIV/AIDS services.

In 2018, the Safe Spaces program was launched to promote use of condoms and lubes by setting up receptacles in nonhealth establishments such as cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, fitness gyms, universities and workplaces.

JUNE 3 4 5

UMatter: Inspiring a Client-Centered HIV Response in the Philippines and Southeast Asia (Symposium organized by LoveYourself and International AIDS Society) U Matter: Pride Starts with U (An online Pride concert

by Kamini Community Center)

Pride Celebration (HIV 15 YCAP awareness and CBS organized

by YCAP Community Center)

Blood, One Color, One 26 One Cause (HIV awareness and testing activity)

Lollipop 2 (Online Fashion Show by LoveYourself Cebu) Pride Fest and Safe Spaces and PrEP Launching (A Hybrid activity organized by Bagani Community Center)

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NEWS

May 2021 Issue

Community Center in Palawan for instance initiated an “Online Talakayan,” which tackled basic HIV information and updates on the PLHIV situation during the pandemic as they addressed inquiries and concerns of their audiences. Meanwhile, FPOP Baguio-Benguet took their IACM commemoration as an opportunity to educate more youth about sexual and reproductive health. They held a series of “Teen Talks,” engaging various youth sectors to lead the discussion on HIV prevention and testing.

From page 1: Champion Community Centers...

On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 3 spearheaded a countdown awareness campaign for IACM. From May 1 to 16, the region released 15 online posters containing trivia about the IACM and HIV/AIDS. They also released a series of tribute videos for the PLHIV and HIV frontliners, including case managers, HIV counselors, doctors, and program implementers.

FPOP Baguio-Benguet facilitates Teen Talks to discuss youth insights on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Photo by FPOP Baguio-Benguet

Living beyond HIV through undetectability

advocate groups and individuals, health service providers ambassadors, and allies gathered online to do the annual candle This year, the IACM was themed “We Re- lighting ceremony and deliver cultural permember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond formances, as well as, motivational mesHIV.” In line with this, the CCC through sages.

LoveYourself Inc. as its convenor led a nationwide online campaign called “U Mat- Bringing the campaign to local ter” which was done throughout May. communities Besides encouraging self-worth and compassion for others especially during this time, the U Matter campaign aimed to promote the importance of an undetectable status. When a PLHIV stays adherent to treatment, HIV can become undetectable in the body and the virus can no longer be transmitted sexually. This concept is popularly known as “U=U” or undetectable equals untransmittable.

Through a series of articles and video testimonials, the campaign featured stories of PLHIV and their journey to undetectability. It also gave a spotlight to community-based organizations (CBOs) that have been at the forefront in helping PLHIV achieve undetectable status through their treatment and support programs/services.

An online photo essay contest was also held to highlight stories of other community members.

In support of U Matter, the CCCs and some partner local government units (LGUs) and organizations conducted their IACM activities to deliver the campaign messages to provinces and cities across the country.

Among those who led candle lighting activities streamed online via their social media pages are LAKAN Community Center (Pampanga), Oro Pia Community Center (Cagayan de Oro City), Rajah Community Center (Iloilo City), and Mujer-LGBT Community Center (Zamboanga City).

Meanwhile, volunteers and staff of Bagani Community Center in Bacolod City burned torches for the commemoration in place of candles. Their ceremonies were filled with messages of remembrance and prayers for their lost community members. They also discussed the purpose of IACM and encouraged their online viewers to support and treat PLHIV without stigma or judgment.

All of these activities were collectively featured during the “U Matter: U Light The To encourage discussions about HIV, some Way” online concert held on May 16. HIV also incorporated awareness segments in their online commemoration. Amos Tara

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TLF Share, another partner, also launched their Community Access to Redress and Empowerment (CARE) program. The CARE program aims to assist PLHIV in seeking justice and redress mechanisms when they experience stigmatization, discrimination, or any human rights violation because of their status. TLF Share currently mobilizes 15 CARE officers to provide legal advice, mediation and conciliation, documentation, and online legal care for PLHIV victims.

May 2021 Issue

All of these localized activities that were conducted by CBOs, LGUs, and other partners were further promoted under PROTECTS, the Global Fund HIV national grant, through its “#AwraSafely” campaign managed by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. In support of U Matter, the #AwraSafely campaign also released various online awareness materials on HIV prevention and testing.

From online to the streets

napkins in their booths. Aside from these, youth volunteers assist in providing free family planning services, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, and HIV testing and counseling.

Lastly, DIOSSA’s Lily Community Center distributed condoms and lubricants in five cities in Metro Manila, along with women’s hygiene commodities on May 28. Supported by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), this activity was done to also celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Beyond these online activities, several CBOs also took the campaign to the Initiative, creativity, and collaboration streets, following COVID-19 safety protocols, as they conducted HIV awareness With the pandemic posing a significant barrier to access, these community efforts and screening activities. are significant in bringing HIV prevention, In the lead are the volunteers and staff of testing, and treatment more accessible to LAKAN Community Center in Pampanga people. Maximizing social media as a platCity. This month, the community center form for HIV/AIDS awareness, including started conducting HIV seminars and com- the promotion of U=U, has also been efmunity-based screening operations in pri- fective in reaching more key populations vate establishments, including salons and and educating the general public. wellness centers. They also campaigned for HIV combination prevention and dis- JM Maynes, LoveYourself’s PROTECTS tributed condoms and lubricants to their Program Manager, expressed, “We commend all CBOs and partners who particiattendees. pated in the [U Matter] campaign. We can Meanwhile, youth volunteers of FPOP Ba- only do so much in the national program guio-Benguet set up the so-called “Safety but with their initiative and creativity, we Pantry” in the Baguio City public market. are sure that we are reaching KPs in local Adopting the concept of the now popu- communities.” lar community pantries, people can freely access vitamins, condoms, lubricants, con- Maynes also believes that the collaboratraceptive pills, alcohol wipes, and sanitary tion between and among CBOs, LGUs, and other advocacy groups is now more becoming apparent as compared to previous years. “Our collaboration, especially now, is key in efficiently delivering our programs and services to the people. If we continue to harmonize, we can better ensure the sustainability of our programs, and in the long run, fast-track the achievement of our targets; that is, to eradicate HIV in the country,” he added.

In April this year, the Department of Health reported 1,120 newly diagnosed PLHIV, averaging 33 cases per day. Men who have sex with men still account for the majority of the cases and sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission.

Volunteers and staff of YCAP Community Center by FPOP Pampanga held a community awareness and screening drive among women and youth in San Fernando City, Pampanga in celebration of the Inetrnational AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Photo from YCAP Community Center

FEATURES

From page 1: Bisdak Pride Inc. in the...

...pandemic. He also shared the humanitarian response for the past years of BPI as a humanitarian organization.

Workshop-all-you-can was the second day activity of PAG-INAM 2021.

This activity has trained the participants on different theater related performing workshops such as acting workshop, indigenous dances, indigenous cordillera instruments and music improvisations, playwriting and script adaptation.

Karl Alexis Jingco, Sining Kambayoka, Handiong Kapuno, Marco Viaña, Sari Saysay and Dennis Marasigan, were among the prestigious facilitators for the Workshop-all-you-can sessions.

On the last day of the festival, various theater groups submitted a total of twenty two short films to Tanghalang Pilipino for the Regional Performances Activity. Each film showed different stories that amazed the audience and participants of PAG-INAM. Bisdak Pride's short film entry entitled “PANBEKYA” was directed by Jolaica Amiana. The film explores the life story of John Carl Borbon on how he survived the pandemic despite of the adversities he encountered during that time. John Carl played the main role and Jolaica Amiana as the mother. The other casts were Rickson Demape, Vanroe Laurente and Gilbert Pantonial.

Although COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to every aspect of our lives that led us to follow the new normal, where face to face is not allowed yet, it didn’t stop Tanghalang Pilipino to continue their advocacy in strengthening the country’s culture and theater arts through online platform.

PAG-INAM participants were equipped with enough knowledge after the 3-day festival, the fact that smiles were pasted on their faces and wisdom was mirrored from their eyes made PAG-INAM 2021 an event brimming with success.

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NEWS

May 2021 Issue

LETTING GO OF THE BARRIERS A memory from three years ago

written by Asha Gutierrez

Bagani joins ResBakuna written by Rayd Espeja

Volunteers and staff of Bagani Community Center strike a pose after getting their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination from the Department of Health. Photo from Bagani Community Center.

Bagani by Love Yourself joins the ResBakuna of the Department of Health at SM Bacolod COVID-19 vaccination site last May 18. Bagani was one of the community-based organizations in Bacolod City to be invited and prioritized on the vaccination list of the city. The goal of this vaccination is to equip its volunteers against the COVID-19 virus which heavily affects and limits the mobility not just of commerce but also most of volunteer efforts in the country.

“Earlier today, our team answered the call for vaccination! Let's all do our part in containing the COVID-19 virus, and fight in ending the pandemic by registering and showing up when it's time to get vaccinated,” said Butch Lavaro, the President of Bagani Community Center.

Twenty volunteers from Bagani by Love Yourself participated in the vaccination last May 18 and received their first dose of the vaccine AstraZeneca. Initially the volunteers were asked to fill in the online form provided by the City to ensure each one of them are all in the database of the City. It was indeed an opportunity worth taking especially because most of the activities and programs of Bagani involve physical engagement with its clients and target demographics. Joining the vaccination is Bagani’s way to empower its volunteers by providing them extra security and protection in fighting the COVID-19 virus as well as enable its volunteer to persevere in reaching its goal to spread awareness abouts its advocacy.

Keeping on Track The COVID-19 pandemic has been around for more than a year and limits the mobility of practically everything around the world. As a community-based organization, the challenge of reaching communities especially within our target demographic is something that we really need to address. And the opportunity to receive the vaccine against the COVID-19 virus is something we need to celebrate because it will keep us back on track.

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I had to get in the car, Worried that I won’t be in time, “Kuya let us hurry, I do not want to be late.”

I kindly requested.

The driver was quite jolly, Enthusiastic even-giving light vibes; His conversations, his work, Until someone crossed in front of us.

HE was wearing a skirt with high heels, With a handbag slung over his shoulder.

Quite in a hurry, he mentioned an apology.

The driver cussed under his breath.

I was expecting that he was worried About the sudden crossing, But I could hear him murmuring, About how it just was not right-That the guy wore women’s clothes.

It became awkward after that, As he tried to continue our conversation To which I did not reply to anymore, Eyes looking out of the window, I still did not want to partake in his selected kindness.

Sitting in awkward silence, he stopped talking Since he realised the lack of participation On my part, as he tries to figure out what went wrong.

Letting go of the barriers, I look back, wondering If it would have changed if I pointed out his discriminatory deeds.

May 2021 Issue

LITERARY FEATURES

An Ironic IDAHOTB 2021 written by Jesse Castelano Content warning: This article contains details of a murder and alleged rape.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), celebrated annually on May 17th aims to foreground the issues of discrimination and gender-based violence experienced by the members of the LBGTI+ community. The idea of commemorating IDAHOTB on the 17th of May is in fulfillment with the World Health Organization’s resolve in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Created in 2005, IDAHOTB has been consistent with its tagline of “A global celebration of sexual and gender diversities." This year’s global theme is, “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing." In the wake of the global health crisis, the existing stigma, hate, violence, and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse people have been augmented and magnified. Undeterred by the ongoing global pandemic, community members have stepped forward and have come together globally to resist, support, and heal one another.

In Quezon City, however, a few days after the celebration of IDAHOTB, has documented yet another gruesome hate crime targeted against a transgender man. Ebeng Mayor, who was reportedly missing for three days "was discovered showing evidence of rape and genital mutilation," according to Transman Equality and Awareness Movement - Philippines. Transgender folks in the Philippines continue to be killed at an alarming rate. The Trans Murder Monitoring Project affirmed that the Philippines have the highest rates of violence against transgender people in Southeast Asia.

International celebrations like that of the IDAHOTB are only a fragment of the initiatives that help eradicate violence in the community. Advocates and human rights defenders, particularly in the Philippines, have been pushing for protective laws just like the SOGIESC Equality Bill for over two decades now. The absence of this law only perpetuates the culture of hatred and prejudice that is rooted in the patriarchal, hetero-cis–normative social climate that persists in the country.

How many more LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse folks have to die before you get involved? Stand up, speak out, and use your privilege to be the voice for the voiceless.

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FEATURE

May 2021 Issue

Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Wider Perspective written by Ryan de Torres

Despite having a fast-paced and ever-changing technological world, some aspects of society are left behind. Conservative views, beliefs, and practices still persist that can be barriers for people to become more open, progressive, and critical on their way of life and living.

We can associate this with the discourse of having comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in every educational institution.

sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive tract infections are prevalent health concerns. Some individuals suffer from emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual challenges because of confusion, misunderstanding, and rejection of their own sexuality. This situation occurs because of fear and experience of rejection, stigma, and discrimination.

CSE focuses not only on discussing what sex is all about. More than that, it comprises multifaceted topics, issues, and concerns on sexual health. The World Health Organization recognizes that sexual health is an essential aspect of individuals’ health There are ongoing debates and resistance that has implications for communities and to implementing CSE as others perceive societies’ socio-economic development. this to promote early sexual engagements, especially among the youth. Other people An affirmative environment that recognizand groups question its importance despite es and accepts individuals regardless of its positive impacts on individuals’ health their sexual orientation, gender identity, and wellness as a whole. There are notions and sexual expression can create positive about the preparation and readiness of ed- growth and development in every individucators considering their social, cultural, ual, community, and society. CSE is instruand religious backgrounds that challenge mental in awakening and broadening the their acceptance to implement it. Looking perspective of individuals that sexuality into the situations of societies, premarital is not only about having sex and doing it sex, teenage pregnancy, gender stigma, responsibly. It helps individuals to learn discrimination, and violence, and increas- and witness the diversity of sexuality and ing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), eventually promotes inclusivity. It creates

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an empowering environment where individuals can freely express their sexuality safely and experience the true meaning of equality, freedom, and pride. It destroys communities that are restrictive, punitive, and destructive to human potential and development.

If we want individuals and communities to see, embrace, and respect different colors, we need to work together to integrate and implement CSE in our educational system successfully. Nurturing individuals at the early stage helps them to defy social and sexual constructs that inhibit them from reaching limitless possibilities. Moreover, CSE is crucial to eliminating social inequities, injustices, and inequalities from a broader perspective. Thus, different members of communities and societies must understand and advocate CSE.

A group of high school students classify sexual characteristics and puberty manifestations among male compared to females.

Photo from United Nations in Philippines.

May 2021 Issue

NEWS

COMICS

Artwork by TJ Monzon

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May 2021 Issue

Permission to Reproduce The information in this publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from the network, provided that due diligence is exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the information reproduced; that the institution is identified as the source of the information; and that the reproduction is not presented as an official version of the information reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Ripples Community Publication.

Sharing STORIES Empowering Communities 10 10

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