UP Babaylan

UP Babaylan On Air

2010-02-24T03:56:00.002+08:00

[From L to R: Nica (Co-host), Hender (Punong Babaylan), Athena (Executive Producer) and Harry (Co-Host)]

Last February 8 (Monday) 3PM, our current president Hender Gercio was featured as the guest speaker in the live radio program "Sabi Ko, Sabi Niya" that aired on DZUP 1602.

The theme of the show was about LGBT 101 and relating it to the Philippine scenario. Hender tackled LGBT terminology, media portrayal of LGBT people in the Philippines, and the continued struggle for equal rights of LGBT Filipinos.

DZUP is a radio station owned and operated by the University of the Philippines, Diliman. It broadcasts from the Media Center of the College of Mass Communication, UP Campus, in Quezon City. It is being used as a laboratory for the Broadcast Communication students of the university.

We hope that many (students and people from outside UP) were able to learn from the episode. Thank you DZUP for giving Pinoy LGBT youth the opportunity to reach out to a wider audience. Here's to the next media guesting!

Babaylan at Kapihan

2010-01-22T01:43:00.005+08:00

by Mae Emmanuel Hernandez

Indeed, LGBT rights are human rights. UP Babaylan, the premier LGBT student support organization, was invited to participate in Kapihan on Human Rights at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Rockwell Center, Makati City last January 12. The event was organized by the Philippine Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. It is a two-part forum series that focuses on human rights issues that affect each sector of the society. The Kapihan was the first of the forum series.

The objective of the event was to convene all sectors of the society and discuss every sector’s issues and concerns. These were integrated and documented as a civil society input to be presented at the second part of the forum series. The second forum will invite the presidential hopefuls and the participants of the Kapihan to further discuss the issues.

As one of the participants, I was able to share some ideas and concerns that I seemed necessary and needed urgent attention. I was also given the opportunity to present it to the entire forum. Below is the summary of the pertinent issues that we came up for the LGBT sector:

General Issues
- Discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation;

- Violence (hate crimes)

- Homophobic and Transphobic society

- Non-recognition of rights (marginalized groups)

- Education and awareness

Prioritized Issues
- the passage of Anti-Discrimination Bill

- adoption of the Yogyakarta Principles

Present Situation
- COMELEC rejected Ang Ladlad as party-list rep.

- pending bills that are anti-LGBT

- masculinity/femininity test in schools

- court cases on transgender issues

Recommendations
- LGBT sensitivity training for all LGUs/gov’t. agencies

- inclusion of LGBT topics in existing modules/mechanism

- more legal actions/legislative measures

- passage of ADB

- mainstreaming of Yogyakarta principles

- employment opportunities for LGBT people in media

The Kapihan forum opens doors for all the marginalized sectors of the society to air their views and needs and to recognize their rights as citizens. Being the LGBT community, it is our duty to fight for what is for us and to fight for the life we truly deserve. Thus, it is the government’s responsibility that all rights of human beings, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, are ensured and protected.

RED is the color of RAGE - LANTERN PARADE 2009

2009-12-21T04:50:00.004+08:00

RED is the color of RAGE

We, the UP Babaylan, now parade in RED.

Pula na kulay ng dugong nananalaytay sa ugat ng bawat tao. Ito rin ang kulay ng dugong naghihimagsik sa galit dahil sa panghuhusga ng COMELEC sa aming mga bakla, lesbyana, bisexual at transgender.

Red is love that knows no color, no sex, no creed. Ours is a brave kind of love. No amount of persecution can stop our hearts from loving. Our love is not different. It is the same love that binds us and makes us understand.

Red is the spirit of Christmas. The spirit that celebrates the noblest of love.

Wear Red and be Red. We will never be silenced.

Rage against the homophobia and total disrespect to human rights.

Pride March 2009 - We DARE, We CARE!

2009-12-08T04:09:00.000+08:00

The theme of this year’s Pride Parade is “We Dare. We Care” to signify the LGBT community’s proactive stance in addressing the human rights problems affecting their sector.

Hender, the current Punong Babaylan, speaking on behalf of the organization during the post-parade ceremony

Forget Us Not: TDOR Week in UP

2009-12-06T00:30:00.004+08:00

by Mae Emmanuel Hernandez

As part of the worldwide commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) and UP Babaylan organized the TDOR week in UP Diliman. Several activities were lined-up for the whole week to remember and memorialize transgender people whose lives were lost due to anti-transgender hate or prejudice, otherwise known as transphobia.

On November 24, an exhibit of the dead at Palma Hall lobby was opened to the public to spread awareness about TDOR. The event was attended by members of both organizations, STRAP and UP Babaylan, and other invited guests. The exhibit displayed reported cases of transgender people that were killed over the past year. These cases are posted on the transgenderdor.org website.

On its last day, November 27, a forum entitled “TRANSCEND: Stories and struggles of Transpeople in the Philippines” was held at the UP Diliman Gender Office It was attended by all the members, students, faculty and LGBT leaders of different groups and organizations. Hender Gercio, President of UP Babaylan and Gia Alessandra Nolasco, Membership Coordinator of STRAP served as speakers for the forum. It discussed the sensitive topics about transgenderism and also the prevailing issues that transgender people are facing nowadays.

After the forum, a candle-lighting ceremony was done at the Palma Hall steps to honor and commemorate those transgender people who were killed due to transphobia. Each member and guest read a story of the departed and afterwards lighted a candle to signify the life of the transgender person killed due to anti-transgender hate. To cap off the activity, a moment of silence was offered to the victims.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us that we, as human beings, must value life regardless of whatever background, beliefs, origin that we may have. It also tells us that giving respect to life is the very core of being human. And it is by giving respect that makes the world a better place to live in.

UP Babaylan’s Statement on Ang Ladlad’s petition to COMELEC

2009-11-23T00:00:00.001+08:00

DENIED OF RIGHT NOT ONCE… BUT TWICE!
UP Babaylan’s Statement on Ang Ladlad’s petition to COMELEC

The dismissal of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Ang Ladlad’s petition for party–list representation for the upcoming 2010 elections has proved once again that discrimination and bigotry are still prevalent in our society. Citing the group as “it tolerates immorality” and “a threat to the youth” are indications that COMELEC has a sense of homophobia among its ranks.

It is depressing to see that an institution mandated by the Constitution to recognize marginalized groups in the society is not doing its job. Much worse, its discretion and judgment are influenced by personal beliefs which, in the first place, violate the very core of our rights to have equal recognition under the law.

As the foremost LGBT students’ support group in the State University and its campuses, UP Babaylan believes that such motions to denounce the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people in the policy–making process must not be tolerated. Equality should reign in our society and to achieve it, we must take a stand and fight for the rights and welfare of the LGBT community.

UP Babaylan joins the whole LGBT community in condemning this upfront narrow–mindedness and prejudice against all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. We appeal to students, faculty, school officials, and especially to the authority to give LGBT Filipinos the right and protection we deserve.

Let’s be empowered! Fight for your right! Fight for democracy!

* Ang Ladlad is a national organization of LGBT Filipinos. Danton Remoto is the present chair of Ang Ladlad.

11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR Week at UP)

2009-11-18T04:30:00.004+08:00

UP Babaylan & the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) invite you to commemorate the lives of transgender individuals worldwide whose untimely deaths were caused by hate.

November 24 - 27, 2009, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City

Nov. 24 (Tue.)
10:00 AM, TDOR Exhibit Opening | Palma Hall Lobby (Exhibit runs... until the 27th)

Nov. 27 (Fri.)
2:30 - 5:00 PM, TRANSCEND: Stories and Struggles of Transpeople in the Philippines (Forum) | UP Diliman Gender Office, Benton Hall

6:00 PM, Candle-lighting Ceremony | Palma Hall Lobby

To participate or for inquiries, contact STRAP Secretary Ms. Mae Emmanuel Hernandez at mobile (0905.352.0943) and email (mushy.mae@gmail.com).

Recruitment for 2nd Sem, AY 2009-2010

2009-11-16T00:00:00.002+08:00

Join UP BABAYLAN,
the leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organization
and students' support group in UP Diliman!

RECRUITMENT IS ONGOING.

For more information, visit our booth at the AS WALK,
from NOVEMBER 23 to 27,
or contact Hender (09285023505) or Maxi (09058297385).

the same, but different

2009-09-15T00:00:00.000+08:00

A free film screening sponsored by UP Babaylan

Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Time: 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Place: Seminar Room, Diliman Gender Office
2/F Benton Hall UP Diliman

"the same, but different," a documentary by Lisa Marie Evans, explains the various life roles of four transgender individuals in the Midwest United States, including: a fundamentalist christian anarchist; a catholic republican; your average single guy; a comedienne and parent of two. Claven, Andrea, Jaron and Nicole open their realities, allowing us to see the realities we share.

A brief discussion follows the film. Bring friends and an open mind.

090209: March in Pink

2009-09-03T00:00:00.000+08:00

UP Babaylan commemorates its 17th anniversary by holding a march, to demonstrate LGBT pride and to advocate for UP Diliman as a safe space for LGBT people.

11 people, 2.2 kilometers of pink-and-white fabulosity.

More pictures here.

082009: Out Is In

2009-08-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

OUT IS IN: Walang Sikretong Hindi Mabubunyag
An Alternative Classroom Learning Experience on "Coming Out"
August 20, 2009, 1-4 PM, PH 410

Speakers:
Eric Manalastas, Professor, Department of Psychology, UP Diliman
Humphrey Gorriceta, Manager, Manila Contemporary Gallery
Naomi Fontanos, Member, Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
Drei Castillo, Member, UP Babaylan
Dr. Benny Lascano, Office of Counseling and Guidance, UP Diliman

SPEAKERS
(L-R) Drei Castillo, Humphrey Gorriceta, Naomi Fontanos, Eric Manalastas, Dr. Benny Lascano

SPEAKERS with the UP BABAYLAN MEMBERS
(First Row, L-R) Dove Subingsubing, Jamie Doble, Mico Chopitea, Drei Castillo, Ces Jimenez,
Dr. Benny Lascano, Hender Gercio, Dan Lachica, Jr., Humphrey Gorriceta
(Second Row, L-R) Michael Singson, AJ Tamayo, Naomi Fontanos, Eric Manalastas

More pictures here.

Our Members

2009-08-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
AY 2009-2010

Hender Gercio
PUNONG BABAYLAN (President)

Mae Hernandez
PANGALAWANG PUNONG BABAYLAN (Vice President)

Jamie Doble
KALIHIM (Secretary)

Trixie Ugaddan
INGAT-YAMAN (Treasurer)

Mico Chopitea
HEAD, EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Heart Diño
HEAD, FINANCE AND SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Angel Alfonso
HEAD, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

~*~

RESIDENT MEMBERS
1ST SEMESTER, AY 2009-2010

Beverly
Broda
Cynthia
Gardan
Hender
Isay
Jego
Karla Kreme
Maxi
Moody
Rosa
Rosal
Squinee
Tiffany
Trixie
Wally
Xeni

072409-072509: A Step Forward: UP Babaylan at the 1st MSM/TG and HIV Conference

2009-07-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

BY MAE HERNANDEZ

In its advocacy to eradicate discrimination and ignorance on LGBT issues, UP Babaylan participated in the very first National Conference on Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)/Transgender (TG) and HIV held at Greenhills Elan Modern Hotel, San Juan City on July 23-24, organized by the Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF SHARE Collective.

Mae Hernandez, Pangalawang Punong Babaylan, represented UP Babaylan at the conference. It was participated by different community–based gay and MSM organizations and support groups across the country. The highlights of the event included several talks from experts and guest speakers and workshops that the participants actively took part in.

The two–day conference aims to bring together groups working on HIV prevention among MSM and transgender individuals in the Philippines for a collective analysis of the health and sexual rights situation among MSM and transgender persons and to learn from their experiences. The conference is the first step towards initiating the approved United Nations Development Project on MSM and TG populations which will be implemented in collaboration with HAIN and TLF SHARE Collective in the next three years.

TLF SHARE Collective is an affiliate of UP Babaylan.

More pictures here.

071109: Babaylan @ Bigkas Pilipinas

2009-07-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

BY MAE HERNANDEZ

(L-R) Kooky Tuazon, Mara Chua, Mae Hernandez

UP Babaylan has once again proved it’s not only known within the campus but outside as well. The organization was invited as a guest at Bigkas Pilipinas hosted by Kooky Tuazon on Jam 88.3, last July 11, 2009.

Mara Chua and Mae Hernandez were the members who graced Kooky Tuazon’s show. The members were able to read poems from the UP Babaylan 15th Anniversary Literary Folio on air and interacted with the host and the listeners. "It was a night full of excitement, laughter and ladies’ talk," Mae said.

Bigkas Pilipinas with Kooky Tuazon is aired over Jam 88.3, every Saturday, 9-10 PM.

Kooky Tuazon

Mae Hernandez

Mara Chua

More pictures here.

About The Organization

2009-01-01T00:00:00.009+08:00

FROM UPBABAYLAN.BRAVEHOST.COM

TRACING OUR ROOTS

Founded in August 1992, UP Babaylan is sui generis - in a class of its own - in the history of the University. Its membership is composed of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students. The diversity of its membership is accounted for by the fact that its members come from almost every college in the UP System's flagship campus. Chapters were also established in UP Manila and UP Los Baños.

UP Babaylan is officially recognized by university authorities. It has been awarded a tambayan in the West Wing of Palma Hall. The organization maintains a high profile in the campus scene. As a matter of fact, a former president of the organization was elected University Student Council chairperson in 1997, running avowedly as gay under the aegis of the organization.

The organization is also a member of the Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB), an umbrella organization of gay and lesbian groups, which pursues lobbying efforts for relevant laws concerning the community.

UP Babaylan has established its niche among the students of the University if the number of invitations to speak in symposia, conferences, and classroom discussions is any indication. This is not confined to UP alone. Other schools in Metropolitan Manila have invited the organization's members to speak before students. They are also invited as panelists and resource persons in television and radio programs as well as featured in various publications.

SETTING OUR GOALS

The University of the Philippines Babaylan is the leading gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students' support group in all the campuses of the State University, at the same time maintaining national and international linkages and presence.

The organization's views are heard on major issues confronting the nation, particularly as they affect the lives of Filipino lesbians and gays. It helps empower the latter by educating them on their rights as members of society, concomitantly teaching them how to effectively assert the exercise of these rights.

CLOSING OUR RANKS

UP Babaylan was established to consolidate the LGBT community in the University of the Philippines for the effective advocacy of our rights both in the University and in the national sphere.

Towards this end, the organization aims to forge unity among LGBT students and faculty. We believe that unity within the community is crucial if we are to be heard on issues affecting us. Having been marginalized for so long, we recognize the need to consolidate ourselves into a vocal and potent force for the protection and advancement of LGBT rights.

OUR BEACON

We believe in the inherent equality of all persons regardless of status or condition. For the organization, this inherent equality implies that human beings should not be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

MAKING THE DECISIONS

The General Assembly, composed of all resident members of the organization, is the highest policy-making body of the organization. In between meetings of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, composed of all officers and heads of committees, handles the day-to-day activities of the organization.

UP Babaylan is headed by a Punong Babaylan (President). There is a Pangalawang Punong Babaylan (Vice-President), a Kalihim (Secretary), and an Ingat-Yaman (Treasurer). Its various activities are handled by several standing committees.

List of officers and members here.

IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS

In pursuit of its goals as a support and advocacy groups, UP Babaylan undertakes a number of activities, to wit:

Support services for lesbian and gay students;
Conferences, symposia, and group discussions on lesbian and gay issues;
Lesbian and gay rights advocacy and lobbying;
Gender sensitivity workshops (GSW's); and
Networking with national and international LGBT organizations.

Affiliations and Networks

2009-01-01T00:00:00.008+08:00

The Library Foundation – A Filipino gay men’s community-based non-government organization that promotes human rights of gay men and provides HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention services to men who have sex with men (MSM). TLF Believes that the empowerment of Filipino gay men, and the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-genders (LGBT) community in general, is central to the prevention of HIV transmission among Filipino MSM. The organization seeks to promote the acceptance of gay men, respect for their lives, and the aware ness of their continuing contributions to Philippine history and society.

Task Force Pride (TFP) Philippines – A coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender organizations and their supporters that initiate and organize events that will create opportunities for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders to work together in an atmosphere of friendly cooperation. It organizes the annual Pride Month held every June The yearly Pride March seeks to raise public awareness on the issues and concerns faced by LGBTs such as religious persecution, discrimination in the work place, family rejection and negative media stereotyping, among others. It also provides LGBT's the space and opportunity to celebrate their existence and to continue building community solidarity.

Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (Lagablab) Philippines – It envisions a society free from discrimination particularly those based on gender and sexual orientation. It is dedicated to lobby for laws that promote and protect the rights of gays and lesbians and raise public awareness on the said issues.

Asia-Pacific Rainbow – An international organization that provides lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgenders, intersexuals, queers, and questioning people (LGBTIQ) a forum for exchanging ideas, discussion, and announcements on relevant items in the Asia-Pacific region and diasporas.

Campaigns and Advocacies

2009-01-01T00:00:00.007+08:00

The Organization is engaged in advocacies that protect the rights of the LGBT communities inside and out of the University of the Philippines.

Currently, the Organization is involved in the following campaigns:

Manila Pride March
Philippine Anti-Discrimination Bill
World AIDS Campaign
International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO)
LGBT Legal Aid Office
University Gender Sensitivity Initiative
University Gay Games
UP Diliman Gender Office LGBT Studies
Philippine LGBT Literature Research and Development
UP Main Library LGBT Literature Section
LGBT Literary Folio