Ripples: Sharing Stories, Empowering Communities (November Issue)

November 2020 Issue

NOVEMBER 2020

TRANSCENDENCE Going Beyond HIV written by Edgar Bagasol Jr. LoveYourself, Inc. is set to become the first community center to provide comprehensive health care services for people of trans experience in the Philippines. More crucial than ever, trans people need efficient access to sustainable health care, social protection, and other support services that are tailored fit to their needs.

These needs were underlined in the findings of the trans health study conducted

by SKPA Philippines this year, which were disseminated in a forum with the trans community from November 19-21 in Binangonan, Rizal. Themed “Transcendence: Levelling Up Transgender Community Health Systems in the Philippines,” the activity also aimed to discuss current transgender-specific information and services

and gather feedback and action plans to address the key findings of the study.

“I feel very happy that LoveYourself is now expanding its services for the overall wellness of the trans community,” exclaimed Yanyan Araña, the Program Manager of Transcend—the newly-established trans-focused program of LoveYourself. continue to page 6

#SaferNowPH Summit 2020 rises on World AIDS Day written by Diego Rozul LoveYourself, together with its partners, holds the first-ever #SaferNowPH Summit - an online conference promoting innovations in HIV prevention. This is all in effort to rally with the global community towards flattening the HIV curve.

The Summit will be held for three days from December 2-4 from 1:00pm-3:00pm (PST) streaming live online from Club United in Merville Park Subdivision, Paranaque City. Each day is themed to how at different levels, we can change the conversation around HIV. December 2 discusses how

we can Dare to Change the International Perspective on HIV. On December 3, we tackle the evolving continuum of HIV care through Care for the Local Community.

Everything is then rounded out on December 4 as we talk about concrete ways on how we Share the Advocacy with Our Communities.

The three-day event will be hosted by Miss Trans Global, Mela Habijan. Together with international and regional leaders, the push to continuously improve upon HIV care has not faltered due to the pandemic.

The HIV advocacy lives on through thick and thin. Join us as we show steps on flattening the HIV curve.

Official poster of the #SafeRNowPH Summit 2020.

Layout by JFabra

What’s inside?

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Community in Action: CHAMPION Community Center expands to Silay City

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Community Spotlight: LAKAN and its two years of heroic service Community Spotlight: HASH brings 'CareDivas' online to support children living with HIV LoveYourself and CHAMPION Community Centers open its doors for relief good drop-off

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Community Spotlight: #TransLivesMatter: More than just a hashtag

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Freedom Wall: On Why Being Who You Are Matters Finding One's True Identity Beyond the Advocacy: LGBTQIA+ Representation

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A Punch to the Moon: Dreams, Love, and SOGIE Equality

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Combi Nation fifth episode

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EDITORIAL

November 2020 Issue

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

November has always been a hectic period for our community advocates. Not only because the holiday season is fast approaching, but because advocates around the globe converge every December 1 to commemorate and celebrate World AIDS Day. This remarkable event demonstrates our support for people living with HIV and those who are affected by it. We also remember those we lost due to AIDS-related illnesses and reignited our sense of purpose for this advocacy.

This year we were immensely surprised by COVID-19, but this situation also showed us that, during a pandemic, no one is safe until everyone is safe. We've been battling HIV since the 80s, and it's never an option to leave people behind if we are to win this fight by 2030. Eliminating stigma and discrimination, putting people at the center, and grounding our responses in human rights and gender-responsive approaches are vital to ending the colliding pandemics of HIV and COVID-19. It's this sense of accountability for one another that I adore the most.

Now, with our Champion Community Centers network, voices from around the Philippines are amplified through our unified efforts. Recently, we opened "Kamini," our newest community center located in Silay City, Negros Occidental, serving our underserved communities in the area. Our Lakan community center in Pampanga celebrates their second anniversary of providing extensive HIV care for their province and the nearby regions.

With the #SaferNowPH Summit 2020, we zero in on translating the evolving global HIV landscape into relatable efforts to reach and engage the grassroots.

To further advance inclusivity, we conducted the first-ever "Transcendence."

It's a platform where trans leaders unite to brainstorm how people in their respective communities can access comprehensive healthcare for their specific needs. Frankly, we all need to play our part to make the world a healthier place.

Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Russel Clint Francis So Features Editor TJ Monzon Illustrator (Combi Nation) Contributors Asha Gutierrez Gem Cabrerors Gerard Guanzon Jay Fernando Jesse Castelano Johann de Leon Johann Leonero John Albert Pascual JP Fabra Mikhail Taggueg Queenie Mauhay

Raybert Domingo Adviser

This World AIDS Day, let us demand global solidarity for these shared responsibilities for ourselves, our people, and boldly our nation, and the world.

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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November 2020 Issue

NEWS

CHAMPION Community Centers expands to Silay City written by Gerard Guanzon

KAMINI Community Center finally joined the Champion Community Centers network. It had its soft launch on October 30, 2020 at Sunburst Bay Resort, Silay City in Bacolod. Headed by the community center’s president Mr. Maymay Lacson, the soft opening was enjoined by representatives from LoveYourself and Save the Children. This was all possible with the support of the Silay City Health Office and Hon. Mayor Mark Golez.

Observing COVID precautionary measures, Kamini Community Center officially opened on October 30. Photo by MTaggueg

KAMINI is a Hiligaynon word which means “Kami ito“ (This is Us). It’s a word derived from si Inda, si Toto Kag si nene and indicates helping without bias to gender and giving value to the versatility and potential of the youth.

tion and self-understanding - cultivating a Mayor Mary Ann Dino and City Consultant space where community members can give Manny Buensisiso. emphasis to the value of life and health.

KAMINI looks forward to providing utmost Also present in the ribbon cutting is Brgy. support to individuals who are in need of Captain Hazel Cordero together with Silay help to achieve their dreams in life. The City Councilors, Councilor Lyndon Ber- organization believes that it is important The community center opens its doors for nardo, Councilor Ramon Celebre, VM Tom to give time and importance to every pereverybody that is in need of self-evalua- Ledesma, SK Fed. Pres. Ma. Delmar Mari- son's actions as it affects its total being of posque, Executive Assistant to the City another person.

The Kamini Community Center shall offer free HIV testing and counseling services to the community of Silay City. They will also spearhead awareness campaigns and activities in the province of Negros Occidental. Photo by MTaggueg

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FEATURES

November 2020 Issue

LAKAN and its two years of heroic service written by John Albert Pascual

much in the last two years. From just a community organization back then, it has now become one of the best-performing Primary HIV Care clinic in Pampanga both in terms of reaching clients and implementing campaigns for the community. This made the community center be included in the first group of Champion Community Centers that LoveYourself has been supporting over the last two years.

This was also the time when their community center was established, which was the LAKAN community center.

The organization chose “LAKAN” as its name to stand for what they believe in--to help and to inspire. LAKAN Community Center aims to be a remarkable influence in spreading awareness on HIV & AIDS and to lend a hand for People living with HIV, especially those who are in need.

LAKAN Community Center celebrated their 2nd year of providing heroic service in the field of HIV advocacy on November 5. Held in Magalang, Pampanga, the organization prepared fun-filled activ- Reveling in their groundbreaking achieveities and surprises for their staff ment of becoming a treatment facility, and volunteers. the organization is now able to start a new chapter in catering to the community The LAKAN Community Center was needs. Navigating through predominantfounded to spread awareness on HIV/ ly provincial standards and traditionally AIDS and other sexually transmitted infec- conservative social norms oftentimes the tions (STIs) in the province of Pampanga. advocates are misconstrued, but by being From its humble beginnings as the Juan true to their core values, mission, and viPosi+ive Movement (JPM) in 2016, LA- sion, the staff and volunteers are able to KAN Community Center has grown so put their passion into action. Committed

with undying fealty towards their advocacy is what makes a true LAKAN. LAKAN maintains their mission in conveying and pursuing HIV & AIDS advocacy by engaging every citizen in the fight against the HIV epidemic, STI’s and other related illnesses. By standing firm, striving harder, embracing all the challenges, and by empowering PLHIV community, they remain steadfast. Envisioning an enabled environment where equality and collective efforts in preserving a healthy community is observed.

To stay updated with LAKAN Community Center, follow them on Facebook @ LAKANCommunityCenter. You may also visit them at LAKAN Community Center, 104 B Roxas Street, Mabalacat 2010, Pampanga.

Staff and volunteers of LAKAN Community Center.

Photo grabbed from @LAKANCommunityCenter

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Grabbed from @HASHPilipinas November 2020 Issue

FEATURES

HASH brings 'CareDivas' online to support children living with HIV written by Johann de Leon and Gem Cabreros The history of the performing arts has always been consistent in portraying diverse shows inspired by true to life stories. Through its stage productions, bringing forth social awareness and initiating dialogues has resulted in positive ripples of change. It could be said that art and advocacy has its inclinations for philanthropy especially through trying times.

ognized the vulnerability of the children amid the health crisis. The organization has a network of key populations that they have been supporting and one of these is the needs of more than 30 children living with HIV. With their directory of families with children living with HIV they are able to directly provide assistance.

HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH) is a community organization that has long focused on work on the ground. Mostly known for Community-Based HIV Screening, which involves reaching out in person and providing services to different communities, HASH found itself in a difficult position when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) issued a call for help to continue its mission amid the pandemic, HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH) answered.

To give people hope amidst the global pandemic, PETA and HASH are bringing the award-winning musical CareDivas online.

Proceeds of the show on November 27, The Philippine Educational Theater Asso2020 will be for children living with HIV. ciation (PETA) is a true people’s theater. In order to empower individuals and foster During the lockdown, HASH received calls community-building values, it showcases for assistance from mothers of children Filipino culture and the human experience. living with HIV, and the organization rec- For 50 years, it has stayed true to its mis-

sion of using art as a force for social change and development by weaving marginalized stories into an inclusive tapestry. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic came about, this beautiful tapestry was shelved.

The musical CareDivas revolves around five transgender Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who are caregivers by day and drag queens by night. Most Filipinos know someone who is an OFW, and one might see the faces of their loved ones in Chelsea, Shai, Kayla, Thalia and Jonee.

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Camber Pharmaceuticals, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, KinksNKweens, and The Red Whistle joined in as partners in the project.

Those who would want to contribute can purchase e-Tickets at http://bit.ly/HASHCaredivas. CareDivas shall stream for 24 hours online, starting at 10 a.m. on November 27, 2020.

LoveYourself and CHAMPION Community Centers open its doors for relief good drop-off written by Queenie Mauhay Many of our hearts went out to people heavily affected by recent natural calamities when pictures of the disaster swarm our social media feeds and news reports. Several efforts began to alleviate the burdens of our kababayans who went through this tough November, following several typhoons that hit the country consecutively.

tention to send an in-kind donation to any of LoveYourself Community Centers. Another option is to drop off relief items to the nearest Champion Community Centers in the country, so that they can gather enough rations to distribute especially to those who are in dire need of help among the affected areas.

divide into as many as possible, prolonging their stay in the office after the working hours to help in repacking. Their actions may have been small, but it managed to create a ripple of positive actions as people, who have seen the posts, have heard our pleas and extended their hands out to these people affected.

“We hope that our kababayans can provide and assist us in our efforts to provide This sparked LoveYourself, Inc., led by its relief to fellow Pinoys who are affected by Executive Director Ronivin Pagtakhan, to the typhoon” Pagtakhan noted as he cooropen its doors for donations and support to dinates with other community centers. be given to the victims of this heart-retching disaster in the country. The organi- Donations from different places came zation decided to launch a wide-posting drastically through our extended connecannouncement through social media to tions; thus, no time has been wasted as call the volunteers and other people’s at- our staff immediately acted and gathered the donated goods and boxes of clothes to

Donating is still open for the public as the organization is yet to finalize the collected donations. To call everyone’s kindness, just drop off donations at any LoveYourself Community Center and we will coordinate with our partners and LGU’s for appropriate distribution. LoveYourself prefers to accept goods over cash so that the rations will be given directly to the victims of the typhoons.

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FEATURES

November 2020 Issue

The trans health initiative Continuation: Transcendence...

Trans experiences and needs are real During the four-day forum/planning workshop, Transcend Project Officers Eda Catabas and Jesse Castelano shared the findings of their focus group discussions with 15 trans people in Metro Manila as part of SKPA Philippines’ trans health study.

The report highlights that the lack of comprehensive and affordable trans health services (e.g. gender-affirming hormone therapy [GAHT], transition counseling etc.), coupled with stigma and discrimination, have been detrimental for trans people in accessing health services and affirming their gender identities.

“Burdened by discrimination and costs, they fail to seek and are not able to receive proper medical supervision to ensure that their hormone intake is fitted to their needs. In consequence, they resort to self-medication relying solely on third-party sources for guidance and access to hormone supply,” Castelano emphasized.

These issues also surfaced in SKPA Philippines’ gender study, conducted last year.

The gender study underscored the need for gender-sensitive and demographically-appropriate health care services to improve access and adherence to...medications (e.g. HIV, other STIs) among trans people. The participants provided their feedback on the report and synthesized their recommendations in a collaborative workshop. Among their recommendations were to: 1. Expand trans health access in urban and rural communities; 2. Integrate a psychosocial component in the trans health program to include counseling and peer support; 3. Include coverage for trans health services in the national health insurance program; 4. Create a transgender employment program; and 5. Conduct educational campaigns and capacity-building activities for trans people.

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Twenty four trans leaders across the country joined that Transcendence forum. Photo by EBagasol

Meanwhile, Castelano, who is also an Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) fellow, shared a reporting mechanism for human rights issues faced by trans people. APTN Senior Project Manager Raine Cortes also shared an assessment tool that trans organizations can use to evaluate their capacities.

All of the participants’ feedback and recommendations will inform SKPA Philippines' implementation study on trans health next year. To be led by the Transcend team, the implementation study will feature enhanced GAHT services at Victoria by LoveYourself, engaging trans peers and offering free consultations and diag- What’s next? nostic tests, to 100 trans women clients in Metro Manila.

After the four-day forum/planning workshop, the 24 trans men and women leaders Results of the implementation study will created concrete action plans for the trans hope to inform the creation of nation- health initiative and advocacy. LakanBini al guidelines for trans health. Araña ex- Advocates Pilipinas Inc., a network of trans pressed, “this study will serve as an evi- organizations in the country, under its new dence that trans health is a need, not only leadership, will spearhead the execution of for our health’s sake but also to affirm our the plans with support from LoveYourself gender identities, our place as trans people and other partner organizations. in this society.”

“This (trans health) initiative will not only The importance of the trans health initi- cater to the health needs of our comative was further stressed during the fo- munity, but also increase our visibility rum by Kritima Jemma Samitpol, Tangerine and strengthen our networks,” Araña exClinic Supervisor of Thailand’s Institute of pressed.

HIV Research and Innovation. Samitpol shared their comprehensive package of LakanBini President-elect AR Con exservices for trans people, including their pressed optimism for LoveYourself and recent implementation of a PrEP campaign SKPA’s trans health initiative and hoped to called “PrEP in the City.” The Tangerine address human rights-related issues faced Community Health Centre is Asia’s first by the trans community. clinic to provide a full range of health care and counseling services for transgender “This might be a huge responsibility, but people. we are hopeful that LakanBini will be instrumental in pushing forward our advocaLoveYourself Senior Operations Manager cies, especially in ensuring access to health Danvic Rosadiño followed with a discus- services and protecting our human rights,” sion on PrEP in relation to the HIV situa- Con said. tion among trans people in the Philippines.

Transcend Program Manager Yanyan Araña By working with the LakanBini network, and LoveYourself’s iCOMM Head Raybert LoveYourself, through SKPA Philippines Domingo complemented Rosadiño’s dis- and Transcend, hopes that the modeling cussion by giving an overview of the ser- of trans health services in the country vices and reach of Victoria by LoveYourself, becomes more effective and sustainable. and providing a glimpse of the trans-inclu- LoveYourself will be working hand-in-hand sive “Queens of PrEP” campaign that the with the network to ensure that no trans organization will be launching soon. individual is left behind.

November 2020 Issue

FEATURES

#TransLivesMatter: More than just a hashtag written by Jesse Castelano In 1999, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, initiated the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) after the killing of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in 1998. Since then, it has become an annual commemoration every year, on November 20 to pay tribute to the lives of our fallen brothers and sisters who we have lost in the accounts of hate crimes and transphobic acts.

Worldwide, the rates of violence against transgender people are ever-increasing. At present, the Human Rights Campaign has documented an even greater number of brutal killings among the community since 2013. In the recent report by the Trans Murder Monitoring Project from January to September 2020, 2 trans killings in the Philippines were documented. Wholly, there have been 58 recorded murders since 2008, making the Philippines have the highest rates of violence against transgender people in Southeast Asia.

The terrifying and overwhelming numbers is only the sliver of the full scope of trans issues faced by the community, particularly in the country. Transgender violence is consistent with deprived access to justice, absence of protection and support, and continuous stigma and discrimination. Likewise, the risk and vulnerabilities of the key population to violence are linked to poverty, unemployment, care refusal, and survival sex work. These factors cultivate the culture of violence against transgender and gender diverse people and keeps us deprived of our basic rights.

We wake up every day knowing that our lives are threatened. We experience constant mental and physical stress caused by the pain and fear of knowing that there is no support and protection available to us. Transphobia is a systemic issue and the violence in our community is an epidemic that we have to act on. It’s our collective responsibility to fight for ourselves, and especially to fight for one another.

Photo by EBagasol

Transgender people are beautiful. We should be celebrated and protected for the bravery of living our truths. We are not less than anyone. We deserve the same rights, respect, and dignity as much as everyone else. Today and every day, let’s give honor to our fallen trans siblings by committing to work towards the elimination of violence and murder in our communities.

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LITERARY

November 2020 Issue

On Why Being Who You Are Matters written byJay Fernando

I would never have imagined that lying in bed with my eyes closed and listening to my all time favorite songs could become a source of deep anxiety. It should have been one of the things I love doing, but at that moment fear was slowly creeping in – more and more people were getting sick, as the government scrambles trying to figure out how to abate the rising infection rate, and the economy is shut down.

In what usually is a moment of rest, I felt restless.

When you’re in social isolation, you start asking questions.

Perhaps because you were accustomed to talking to people, you start talking to yourself more. You start with the small easy questions: Like if you’re going to be stuck for a long time at home, will you be able to just subsist on canned sardines? or How am I going to wash my clothes without a laudrymat operating? Inevitably you move on to the harder ones: If you get laid off, are your savings enough til the economy stabilizes and get re-hired? Are the relationships you’re tending dying? Then you move on to more existential questions, to questions about your identity and basically how you’ve lived your life thus far. You ask about what you think you have control over and what you do not. For some LGBT people, that includes your gender identity and presentation.

Like perhaps – is my gender identity of importance when most of our pressing questions are about surviving a pandemic?

I’ve never felt comfortable with how society sees me as I am obviously coded male. And though my gender dysphoria hasn’t made me completely transition to a more female-coded body or presentation, it is enough to make me question if my gender identity is something I do have control over. It has made me ask these questions years ago, and came to the conclusion that I am nonbinary.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much talk or representation for nonbinary people in the country. I myself, after years of identifying as nonbinary have a hard time explaining what it is to my friends and family. I just tell them that I do not associate with being male or female, that I question gender roles in society, and that’s that.

Ive always asked why being nonbinary is not as popular in the Philippines, and I could only surmise an answer. We as a people are not accustomed to asking questions, and more and more nowadays to ask questions against authority is something discouraged, if not completely shot down by the perpetuated culture of fearing authority for your life because of the Duterte regime and its tagging of people pushing back against power. This is more apparent during this time of the pandemic. But the capacity to ask and search for answers are fundamental to freedom. And freedom is crucial to our most human endeavor of making sense of our lives.

Servitude and obedience have been how we are perceived to be as a people, and to actualize is something that is contrary to what our society has prevented to do. A country of slaves, made to put things in tidy small boxes, understandable and not conflicting. In times of economic suffering caused by the pandemic, in a poor country like the Philippines, it seems as if gender identity is a non-essential concern. It will be easier if you just accept things “as is” and not something you question or make a big deal about. Being nonbinary seems to be, at least to most people, is something hard to explain and moreso “be” when questioning the gender binary is an activity we could just not do.

And this is why I think it is perhaps important for me to be who I am, and know myself more than anybody else who could lay claim to that privilege. In times of the pandemic, I realized how deeply important this is – being who you are, truly and without reservations.

Questions like this about gender identity are not questions most people have when faced with the reality of survival. But it is an essential question, if not one of the most important ones about our identity.

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FEATURES

November 2020 Issue

LITERARY

Lying in bed thinking about these things, that I am still capable of knowing and insisting on who I am instill a sense of control over my life. At least it is for me, as I face my own mortality. And to question and confront are in themselves vital not just in our survival but in our evolution.

Graphic from freepik.com

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LITERARY

November 2020 Issue

Finding One’s True Identity

written by Asha Gutierrez

Being a Gender LGBTQ ally and example, “What or who do we truly deHIV advocate studies allow us to sire?” This question should be answered in rethink and reshape our lives. averse to the ‘biased’ perspective of certain constructs. As Blumenfield and RayIt enables one to question and understand mond assert, the existence of terms like “sexuality” and the history that they possess. It creates a sense of openness towards each individual through education. To respect each in- “Sexuality as more than dividual despite the differences they may have; it is where they learn to accept diver- merely a behavior but is sity as the norm of today and help create a rather an aspect of personal future of inclusivity.

Discovering different aspects of ourselves helps us piece together our identity. For

Always realize that you can get better. Your best work has not been done yet. want.

Les Brown

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identity which strongly influences the ways people live their lives and view the world at large. The term 'heterosexual,' 'homosexual,” and 'bisexual' are then, labels which refer not only to sexual behaviors but also to the persons who engage in those behaviors”.

tions. To realize what it can be to tackle or understand one’s own identity and personal gender preference. As Garcia said, “Good or bad this is truthfully — this time truth is a provisional and more persona’s fiction — how gay life in this neocolonized world ought increasingly to be seen” (xv).

Our own identity should never subordinate to the viewpoints of the society in itself. Genders do not merely tackle one’s gender. It reflects one’s own experiences regarding race, ethnicity, class, and globalism. To see ourselves as part of the community and gain feelings of belongingness and motivation.

It is one’s right to be respected and hopefully, accepted by the other. Respect is important given that it teaches us to realize that each gender has its right to exist.

Such as the Filipino gays who are mocked and derided as a lesser being called, ‘bakla.‘ This makes the word into a derogatory lesser meaning. They are even considered as a funny joke or an amusement. Apart from that, gay existence has become an inherent problem to others due to religious beliefs of misconception. Michael Tan expresses this concern, “In society such as the Philippines, we face a double dilemma where religious dogmatism condemns what used to be “normal” (not necessarily normative) behavior as sinful” (209). The Such is the importance of having a strong coming out process of the gay, thus, besense of identity for one’s self. Through comes a challenge due to prejudiced confinding one’s identity, it is easier to posi- structions. tively define and perceive oneself. Michael Tan confirms that the medicalization of This highlights the importance of genhomosexuality is a modern ideal (203). der awareness. Its benefits will pave the Learning this enables us to realize that it way for future generations to be more is a social construction and therefore be open-minded. The Philippines and its tracareful about what it claims to be true. ditions can well be prosperous with both This opens up the eyes of the public to the not only economical but also spiritual misconceptions that society has created while simultaneously accepting gays, lestowards the idea of homosexuality. Also, bians, transgenders, and other genders. discovering this can help homosexuals feel Our country is adamant in its beliefs such if not at home, but at least safe within their as having a head or breadwinner in each own society. Without the perceived notion home, the man, while the woman takes of believing that there is something wrong care of the children and does tasks at with them, they are given a chance to live home. By better educating the youth today a better life. through gender studies, LGBTQ, and HIV awareness, our future can be much more Such awareness give us the opportuni- liberal and non-restricting, a vision of an ty to explore different depths amidst our accepting Filipino community. own familial, cultural, or social expecta-

November 2020 Issue

LITERARY

Beyond the Advocacy: LGBTQIA+ Representation

written by: Russel Clint Francis So

Social commentaries regarding LGTBQIA+ representation is crucial to honing the youth for their fulfilled future. There’s a scene in The Devil Wears Prada where Andy confides to Nigel about her frustrations about the work she puts in and the lack of validation she receives for her tireless efforts.

with strict social norms and traditions that may not necessarily be conducive to a queer child growing up. Although we are breaking the glass ceiling in terms of being acknowledged but it’s a far cry to what we truly and rightfully deserve. For a child navigating the world with what seemed to thrive in binary categories it can be discouraging and even be harmful to an extent.

“This is a shining beacon of hope for… oh, I don’t know… let’s say a young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers pretending to go to soccer practice when he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under the covers at night with a flashlight” Nigel passionately exclaims. To some, it just a way to convey that art in its purest form regardless of medium should be sought after with true intent. But to a little gay boy growing up in the province it translates a little bit differently.

The point of the matter is, if we can present ourselves fearlessly then we can show the LGBTQIA+ youth that it’s okay, we are valid. At this very moment there could a child losing hope in pursuing their fully realized selves. There could be children setting aside their talents just because they are made to believe that their dreams are trivial pursuits.

What I wished growing up is that I wish I could’ve seen more of what I see now. The world of HIV/AIDS advocacy is filled with Seeing a version of someone you want to diverse representation, intelligent, talentbe is particularly lacking in an environment ed, skillful, and kindhearted volunteers

and advocates. Imagine seeing more of the members of the LGTBQIA+ community taking up space. A transgender woman prominent in public service, a transgender man in the armed forces defending our country, a gay man presenting his research study abroad, a lesbian woman flourishing in her chosen profession, an empathic and loving ally, and a non-binary individual breaking gender stereotypes and being a force to be reckon with.

If we can be present and present ourselves as a beacon of hope, not only are we achieving the goals set in advocating for social awareness and education, we’re also instilling hope for the future of the LGBTQIA+ youth. We can lead them to a shift in perspective that they can in fact take up space and follow their dreams. As we use the different medium of platforms to champion for change, let’s not forget about the hopeful youth that is silently following us. Let’s show them that we are here, we are queer, and we’re here to stay.

Save the dates for DECEMBER AIDS Day 2020 01 World Commemoration

Candle lighting and bike parade @KabisdakPride

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KPLUS WAD

Care for the Local Community @SaferNowPH

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SaferNowPH Summit 2020

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HIV Testing Day

Community outreach @LAKANCommunityCenter

SaferNowPH Summit 2020 Dare to Change the International Perspective @SaferNowPH

Online talks on HIV, PrEP and PEP, and World AIDS Day @LAKANCommunityCenter

SaferNowPH Summit 2020

Conversations among Mr. and Miss Kagay-an PLUS Winners @kagayanplus2015

and Regional 02 WAD HIV Testing Month

ToWAD

Share the Advocacy within our Communities @SaferNowPH

The New Normal of HIV Testing @SaferNowPH

World AIDS Day 2020

13 Commemoration

Conversations among Mr. and Miss Kagay-an PLUS Winners @kagayanplus2015

27 Chikkadvocates Conversations among Mr. and Miss Kagay-an PLUS Winners @kagayanplus2015

Help us improve our newsletter!

You may send your suggestions or concerns to ripplespub@loveyourself.ph.

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LITERARY

November 2020 Issue

A Punch to the Moon: Dreams, Love, and SOGIE Equality written by Johann Leonero and Russel Clint Francis So

As a child, growing up it was always been a dream of mine to find true love. As I enter my formative years, I’ve always been eager to have a partner, the one. But I knew too well that it was going to be a punch to the moon considering that I am a transgender woman growing up in an environment with conservative social norms and with the fear of being discriminated and judged for my ability to live my truth isn’t far from life’s truth.

Now, as an adult it became more apparent that finding true love is just a fleeting delusion. I was in my thirties and losing hope more than ever. It wasn’t until I spoke to a colleague of mine wherein, I was reminded to believe in love, to believe that someone is capable of loving all of me, and my truth.

Then I finally met someone, my beau. He saw me as me and loved me truly. In all aspects, he made me feel safe and secured.

He was faithful to me and I was faithful to him. I started believing again, that there are people that’s capable of loving me, a transgender woman. Some people may label our relationship as a sin but if you’re not stepping on other people’s lives and pursuing a purpose driven life then you’re able embody your fate by sharing love and kindness to the world.

After being together for several months he told me that he wanted to introduce me to his family. I was nervous, not because I was hesitant to meet his family but for

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what his family might think of him once they meet me. We flew to Zamboanga and the moment we stepped out of the plane he’d always look at me while holding my hand which made me at ease. As soon as I was introduced, I was welcomed with open arms and treated me like family immediately.

I hope my story inspires the trans community to keep believing. I want to send a message of hope and a love filled future. A future wherein we’ll have legal rights with the person we choose to spend the rest of our lives with, the rights to take care of our partners if they are in medically compromised state, the opportunity to serve the country with the armed forces for the trans community, and the ability to pursue higher education without negotiating one’s gender expression is something to be hopeful about. It is time and it is now.

I’d like to emphasize the importance of SOGIE education and equality. It will initiate dialogues about human rights that’ll ultimately lead to change. Is it about time?

Yes. We need to be acknowledged. We must have the rights we rightfully deserve.

To my trans sisters and brothers, do not be afraid to express yourself, move forward, and one day we’ll achieve true acceptance.

Remember, let’s also be thankful for the efforts of our predecessors who have fought to achieve what we have now. To the LGBTQIA+ youth, cherish your youth, pursue

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your interests fearlessly, and be relentless in finding what suits you. Also, remember to learn restraint and acknowledge your limitations. Nurture and prioritize yourself, that will lead to success.

As long as I live, I will go above and beyond the advocacy to champion for change. Let’s not be silenced by fear. At the end of the day, what keeps us winning is how we live our lives. Regardless of what the general public might say, it is our overall well-being that’s important. They don’t own us or our lives.

Don't go through life. Grow through life.

Eric Butterworth

November 2020 Issue

COMICS

Artwork by TJ Monzon

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November 2020 Issue

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