GABAY

2010 Pride March Philippines

2010-11-22T20:15:00.001-08:00

The 2010 LGBT Pride March will be observed in the light of HIV AIDS World Awareness Day. The theme "One Love: Stop AIDS, Promote LGBT Human Rights, Keep the Promise" acknowledges the LGBT Community's proactive role in advocating HIV AIDS awareness.

The Manila Pride March gathers LGBT groups and individuals once a year to promote solidarity within and outside the community. It creates a safe space where LGBTs and their supporters can raise pressing issues. By tradition, Manila Pride March coincides with Human Rights week, to affirm the specific rights claims of the LGBT community.

This year’s theme, “One Love”, pushes for unity. The diversity of the LGBT community is apparent, but this diversity comes at the price of political differences as well. However, this year’s March encourages everyone to view those differences as celebratory instead of damaging; that those differences are merely proof of the community’s dynamism. “One Love” also looks at how it is still possible to see points of convergence and collaboration despite differences.

If you are interested in participating you can register in this link:http://taskforcepride.blogspot.com/2010/11/registration-forms.html

For Organizations who have registered on-line:

• Send us a rough estimate of the number of members who will join the march on or before November 27, 2010.

• Send us a digital copy of your organization’s logo (in jpeg format and in high resolution) on or before November 27, 2010.

• Let us know whether your group will have a float and also the size of your float on or before November 27, 2010. You may use cars, pick-up trucks or jeepneys. But due to parking constraints, the use of vehicles bigger than a 6-wheeler truck is not allowed.

• Send a representative of your organization to the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.

• Bring a banner to identify your organization.

• Prepare a chant to make our march fun and festive, but please remember to respect other groups' beliefs, identities and expressions.

• Prepare parade paraphernalia such as rainbow flags, pom-poms, placards and others to make our parade colourful and alive. The use of recyclable materials is highly encouraged. The use of confetti is strongly discouraged by the Quezon City Government to keep the streets clean.

• Use of firecrackers or fireworks is not allowed.

• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.

• If there are children below the age of 18 years old joining your group, make sure that there are adults who are available and capable to ensure their safety and security.

• Please arrive early and approach the registration booth. Assembly time is 2:00 p.m. (1400 hrs) at Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano (near BPI and Starbucks). The stage will be located at front of Zirkoh and Alba Restaurant.

For Individuals who have registered on-line:

• Please attend the the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.

• Bring your fanciest costume, or a mask in case you are not yet out.

• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.

• You will march together with the wonderful Task Force Pride Philippines team.

Details of Pre-Pride March General Assembly:

Venue: Carlos Albert Session Hall, 3rd Floor Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall (use the center entrance)

Time: 1:00 p.m (1300 hrs)

Attendees: QC Agencies, ASP, representatives from participating organizations, TFP

Parade Route:

1. Start Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)

2. Tomas Morato Avenue

3. Left at Eugenio Loped Drive

4. Right at Scout Albano street

5. Left at Panay Avenue

6. Left at Timog Avenue

7. Right at Tomas Morato Avenue

8. End Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)

Directions Going to the Parade and Program Venue:

The assembly area and the program will take place along Tomas Morato Avenue near corner of Scout Lozano. Those who will be using public transportation, the following are the recommended directions:

From EDSA MRT Kamuning Station – a) Take a taxi or b) Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan, and walk from that point to Scout Lozano.

From EDSA MRT Quezon Avenue Station – Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Timog, i.e. near the Boy Scouts Rotunda and Imperial Palace Hotel.

From EDSA corner Kamias Road – Ride a jeepney going to Pantranco/Welcome Rotonda and alight at McDonalds near corner Roces Avenue.

From Timog Avenue corner Quezon Avenue – Ride a jeepney going to Project 2 and 3, and alight at Tomas Morato.

(click to enlarge image)

Contact Information:

If you have further queries or to send the necessary information such as list of participants, organization’s logo and information the float, feel free to contact Ryan Silverio, Co-coordinator for Membership and Participation (ryansilverio@gmail.com / taskforcepride@gmail.com / 0927-4783918) or visit http://www.taskforcepride.blogspot.com

See you at the parade!

Yours truly,

Task Force Pride Philippines

Summer Team Building Activities

2009-04-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Summer Time na kaya We are inviting you guys to join in the upcoming Summer Team Building Activities of GABAY.

VENUE: VILLA EXELLANCE RESORT (CAVITE)

PHP 200/HEAD INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPO & ENTRANCE

ALL GABAY & BL-NEO / EX BL ARE INVITED

Concerns.

All GABAY Core shall be responsible for the safety and security of the members.

No Alcoholic beverages are allowed during the team buildingc.

GABAY is not responsible for the members' belongings, the members should watch for their own stuffsd.

Members/Officers can bring their friends as long as those people will join the activitye.

The beach is the venue for the team building, after the activities, that's the time when they can proceed with the night swimming.

The room will be for the storage of baggages and not a sleeping quarter.

Join Us and Enjoy the Summer Activites.

FOR MORE INFO

PLS CONTACT

RAFFY:0923-3671964

JC: 0923-9473395

ButterFly!

2009-02-23T00:43:00.000-08:00

Next Week....

Magkakaroon tayo ng pagtitipon sa Sm Sta. Mesa sa ganap na ikaw 4 ng hapon. Ito ay paghahanda at pagbibigay pugay na rin sa darating na kaarawan ng ating kaibigan sa Core na si Landz. Well Dapat kasi supresa ito. pero tutal pag sinabing Butterfly wla nang iba pa. Si lands na ito. Kaya ito sinasabi na namin.

Well Hayaan na ninyo magkwento ako ng isang lumang kwento. Pinangungunahan ko na hindi po ako si lola basyang. gusto ko lang i share sa inyo yung kwento. okey!

"minsan may panget na uod sa isang napakagandang hardin. xempre kung maganda ang hardin madaming magandang bulaklak. anu pa nga ba ang papel ng isang chakang uod sa isang bongang hardin xempre wla db. kaya ayun! ang pobreng uod ay tampulan ng chika at pangaapi ng beking bulaklak. Pero wag kau magalala kasi nagmamaganda ang bida nating uod. dahil di man siya kagandahan ay pinatunayan niya na may silbi at bubuga siya sa bongang bongang hardin. di tulad ng mga beking bulaklak na posing lang ang alam sa hardin ang mahaderang uod ay nagbigay ng galak at kasiyahan sa ibang part ng hardin na tumangap sa kanya. Kahit madrama ng lolang uod ninyo ay nagagawa nya pa rin ang magbigay aliw. Minsan talaga parang pwede na sabihin ng uod na ito na pasan ko ang daigdig. or sobra lang akong eksahirada. well to make the short story short. minsang nagkakamali ng dahong kinakain ang uod kaya minsan ay nauumay siya. di pa rin siya natatakot tumikim ng ibang putahe. san ka pa ang uod at choosy! pero dahil nde pa tapos ang kwento ng mahaderang uod ay magbigay sana kau ng comment. upang ma share nyo naman sa bida natin ang mga points of view ninyo upang lalong sumaya ang buhay niya.

Teka lang nagtataka siguro kau. ang uod po na tinutukoy ako ang nde yung nagiging langaw ah. Kita naman sa title db! Hope meron magbigay ng magandang advice sa ating munting uod. Upang sa madaling panahon ay masilayan natin ang kanyang tinatagong tunay na ganda.

sabi nga nila

"Ibon Man Maylayang Lumipad!

ButterFly Din!"

http://www.rainbowbloggers.com

2009-02-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I am from The Rainbow Bloggers Philippines and we are inviting you to visit our website http://www.rainbowbloggers.com

This is a collective effort of several Filipino bloggers located both here in the Philippines and abroad. We feature articles such as news, events, and literary genres.

Please patronize our very own LGBT Filipino Blog. Comment on the post and feel free to express your thoughts and opinions.

If you happened to be a blogger and you want to join our writers circle, please visit this link and register:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?key=pu0pmixChOwrUQ6-Ezy8nFg

the registration form is also found in our website: http://www.rainbowbloggers.com

You can also add our friendster account: rainbowbloggersphils@ymail.com

Make it a habit to visit www.rainbowbloggers.com

Thank you and have a nice day!

Yours Truly,
RBP Marketing and Membership Team

Last G.A of the Month

2009-01-27T03:16:00.000-08:00

Xenxa na wla ganu maisip na design.. but we are inviting everyone specially the members of this group to join us at SM Marikina food court for a get together.

where thankful na madami ang dumating sa picnic.. sana madami ang dumating sa darating na gathering. and this event will be fun.

Where expecting members near the venue to arrive early and guide others.

Stay Active and Stay Updated

January Picnic Assembly

2009-01-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ito ang Unang Pagpupulong ngayong taon kaya lahat ay inaanyayahan na dumalo sa darating na ika-17 ng Enero sa ganap na ika-6 ng gabi hangang ika-10. Ang naturang pagtititipon ay papasinayaan sa loob ng Japanese Garden sa Rizal Park. Ang parke ay may entrance na 5 piso kya ang lahat ay maghanda at pwede rin magdala ng konting pagkain na maaaring pagsaluhan ng lahat. Ito ang simula ng lalong pagkakalapit ng mga dati at bagong miyembro kaya inaasahan namin ang inyong pagdalo. Asahan ang malugod na pagtangap sa lahat.

About Us

2008-12-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

GABAY
(Gays, Transgenders, and Bisexual Advocates for Youth)

Mula sa salitang GABAY, ang organisasyon na ito ay naglalayong maging tanglaw ng mga kabataang miyembro ng komunidad ng LGBT ( lesbians, gays, bisexuals, at transgenders) tungo sa wastong pagyakap sa kanilang sekswalidad, pamumuhay ng may dignidad at ipinaglalaban ang kanilang karapatan, at pagiging malaya subali’t responsableng mamamayan sa pamayanan at bansang kinabibilangan.

Kasaysayan
Noong ika-25 ng Setyembre, taong 2005, itinatag ang Boys Legion, isang grupo ng mga gays at bisexuals na nagsimula bilang isang texting community. Sa unang taon ng nasabing komunidad ay nagtuon ito ng atensiyon sa pagbibigay ng mga gawaing tumutugon sa mga bagay na ikauunlad ng pagkatao. Ito ay ang mga masasaya subali’t makabuluhang aktibidades at pagkakaroon ng isang komunidad na nagpaparamdam sa kanila na mayroon silang pamilyang kinabibilangan na ipinaparamdam ang pagmamahal at pagtanggap. Kasabay nito ay ang pagpapalawig ng nasabing grupo mula sa Kamaynilaan patungo sa Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, at iba pang lalawigan mula sa Hilaga patungong Timog Luzon. Hindi naglaon ay nagsimulang magkaroon ng mga bagay na ipinaglalaban ang BL, kagaya ng pagsulong ng karapatang pantao ng mga LGBT at sumama sa mga organisasyon na may katulad na adhikain. Upang mas masusi pang maipakita ang sinseridad at makapagbigay pansin sa mga ipinaglalaban ng mga miyembro ng nasabing grupo ay itinatag ang GABAY...

Mga Depinisyon
Ginamit ang salitang Gay o Bakla sapagka’t ang depinisyon ng salitang ito ay isang indibidwal na may atraksyong romantiko, emosyonal, at sikolohikal sa mga miyembro ng katulad na bayolohikal na kasarian. Samakatwid, sakop nito, hindi lamang ang mga gays, kundi pati na rin ang mga lesbians. Kagaya ng salitang Gay, ang Bisexual ay tumutukoy rin sa mga tao, babae man o lalaki, na may emosyonal, sikolohikal at romantikong atraksyon tungo sa magkaparehas na kasarian. Sa kabilang dako, ang mga transgenders ay mga lalaking iniisip at ramdam na sila ay babae, o mga babaeng naniniwalang sila’y lalaki. Kapag nagkaroon na sila ng pisikal na pagbabago dahil sa operasyon upang makamtan ang parte ng katawan na wala sa bayolohikal na katawan, sila na ay maituturing nang mga Transexuals. Sa modernong konsepto, ang mga transgenders ay maituturing na ring mga straight.

PRICE :
Mga Programa ng GABAY

Psychological and Emotional Supports:
(Group Sharings, Peer Counseling, etc. )
Recreational Events and Activities:
(Sports Fest, House Parties, etc. )
Interactive Online and SMS Communities:
(Boys Legion texting community, yahoogroups, etc. )
Character and Identity Formation:
(Character Modules, Team Buildings, etc. )
Education and Information Dissemination:
(LGBT Forums, Seminars, etc. )

Want To Join?

2008-12-25T23:00:00.001-08:00

LGBT 101

2008-12-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Biological Sex
This can be considered one’s “packaging’ and is determined by chromosomes (XX for females; XY for males); hormones (estrogen/progesterone for females, testosterone for males); and internal and external genitalia (vulva, clitoris, vagina for females, penis and testicles for males). About one percent of the population can be defined as intersex—people whose bodies do not conform to standard definitions of male or female. So, in actuality, there are more than two sexes.

Bisexual
Describes the sexual orientation and identity of someone who is emotionally, sexually, and romantically attracted to people of more than one sex. While some people who identify as bisexual may be confused about their sexuality or not ready to accept being gay or lesbian, most bisexual people are clear and comfortable with their identity. Most bisexual people aren’t interested in dating men and women at the same time, and are just as likely as anyone else to form monogamous relationships. Many bisexual people describe themselves as falling in love with people rather than genders, and find their attractions fluid rather than fixed in one place along the sexuality continuum.

Coming Out (of the Closet)
To be “in the closet” means to hide one’s identity. Many LGBT people are “out” in some situations and “closeted” in others. To “come out” is to publicly declare one’s identity, sometimes to one person in conversation, sometimes to a group or in a public setting. Coming Out is a life-long process—in each new situation a person must decide whether or not to come out. Coming out can be difficult for some because reaction vary from complete acceptance and support to disapproval, rejection and violence.

Gay
Describes the sexual orientation and identity of someone who is emotionally, sexually, and romantically attracted to other people of the same sex. Gay can be used to refer to people of all sexes and genders; through it is used most commonly to refer to males. Some females choose not to identity as gay.

Gender
A socially constructed system of classification that ascribes qualities of masculinity and femininity to people. Gender characteristics can change over time and are different between cultures. Gender is often conflated with sex, but this is inaccurate because sex refers to physical/biological characteristics and gender refers to social and emotional attributes.

Gender Expression
Refers to the ways in which people externally communicate their gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, and emphasizing, de-emphasizing, or changing their bodies’ characteristics. Typically, transgender people seek to make their gender expression match their gender identity, rather than their birth-assigned sex. Gender expression is not necessarily an indication of sexual orientation.

Gender Identity
One’s innermost concept of self as “male” or “female”—how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Individuals are conscious of this between the ages 18 months and 3 years. Most people develop a gender identity that matches their biological sex. For some, however, their gender identity is different from their biological sex. These people are sometimes called transsexuals, some of whom hormonally and/or surgically change their sex to more fully match their gender identity.

Gender Role
This is the set of roles and behaviors assigned to females and males by society. Our culture recognizes two basic gender roles: Masculine (having the qualities attributed to males) and feminine (having the qualities attributed to females). People who step out of their socially assigned gender roles are sometimes referred to as transgender.

Heterosexism
The societal assumption that heterosexuality is universal and/or superior. Heterosexism does not imply the same fear and hatred as homophobia. It can describe seemingly innocent statements, such as “She’d drive any man wild” based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm.

Homophobia
Refers to an individual’s fear or hatred of homosexuality, especially in others, but also in oneself (internalized homophobia). While heterosexism is best thought of at a societal or institutional level (and can therefore be changed through social action), homophobia describes an individual’s psychological fear or hatred of homosexuals.

Intersex
About 1% of children are born with chromosomes, hormones, genitalia and/or other sex characteristics that are not exclusively male or female as defined by the medical establishment in our society. In most cases, these children are at no medical risk, but most are assigned a sex (male or female) by their doctors and/or families and may undergo cosmetic surgery on their sex organs so that they fit society’s idea of “normal.” These procedures sometimes damage the child’s reproductive organs and can emotionally scar them by forcing on them a gender and/or sex role that may not feel natural.

Lesbian
Describes the sexual orientation and identity of a female who is emotionally, sexually, and romantically attracted to other females.

Queer
Historically a negative term used against people perceived to be LGBT, “queer” has more recently been reclaimed by some people as a positive term describing all those who do not conform to rigid notions of gender and sexuality. Queer is often used in apolitical context and in academic settings to challenge traditional ideas about identity (“queer theory”).

Questioning
Refers to people who are uncertain as to their sexual orientation or gender identity. They are often seeking information and support during this stage of their identity development.

Sexual Identity
Sexual identity labels include “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” “bi,” “queer,” “questioning,” “heterosexual,” “straight,” and others. Sexual identity evolves through a development process that varies depending on the individual. Sexual behavior and identity (self-definition) can be chosen. Though some people claim their sexual orientation is also a choice, for other this does not seem to be the case.

Sexual Orientation
This is determined by one’s sexual and emotional attractions. Categories of sexual orientation include homosexuals—gay, lesbian—attracted to some members of the same sex; bisexuals, attracted to some members of more than one sex, and heterosexuals, attracted to some members of another sex. Orientation is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and hormones, as well as unknown environmental factors. Though the origins of sexuality are not completely understood, it is generally believed to be established before the age of five.

Straight Ally
Any non-LGBT person who supports and stands up for the rights of LGBT people.

Transgender
Refers to those whose gender expression or identity transgresses socially assigned gender roles or expectation, or who do not identify as either of the two sexes as currently defined. Transgender is a broad term that includes transsexuals, cross-dressers, drag queens/kings, transgender butch, and a variety of other identities. When referring to transgender people, use they pronoun the have designated as appropriate, or the one that is consistent with their presentation of themselves. If an individual’s gender expression is ambiguous, try to use gender-neutral language or ask that person how she or he prefers to be addressed.

Transsexuals
Individuals who do not identify with their birth-assigned genders and sometimes alter their bodies surgically and/or hormonally. The transition (formerly called “sex change”) is a complicated, multi-step process that may take years and may include, but is not limited to, sex reassignment surgery.

Transphobia
Fear or hatred of transgender people; transphobia is manifested in a number of ways, including violence, harassment, and discrimination.

Reference: http://www.jewishmosaic.org

Safety Tips for Gays and Bisexuals

2008-12-16T23:09:00.000-08:00

SAFETY TIPS FOR GAYS AND BISEXUALS
(from: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gabay-org/message/86)

Weekend cruise or gimmick nights.

If you're going out on a gimmick, it's best to go out with friends and make sure you look out for each other. Of course in a bar you will drink, but don't get drunk. Always protect your valuables.Don't bring lots of cash, or leave your wallet or cell phone insight.

Some reports LAGABLAB received show that the victims' drinks were spilled with drugs. Thus disoriented, the victims lost control and were either robbed or assaulted. How to avoid spiked drinks? If someone you met offers to buy you a drink, go to the bar with him.Don't leave your drink unattended. If you're drinking bottle water,leave the cap on. Don't sip from others people's drinks. If you suddenly feel tired or dizzy, tell your friends about it, or inform the bars' security.

In case you met someone new at the bar or club, ask questions-name,who he's with, where does he stay or work, among others. Introduce him to your friends, make sure your friends get a good look at him,so when the need arises he can be easily identified. When a potential bad boys knows his mug can be identified later, he will have second thoughts about striking.If you're going somewhere else, make sure your friends know.

If you're going to his place, get his address and give it to your friends. Don't bring a stranger into your house, especially if you live alone. But if you decide to do so, tell a friend that you're bringing a guest home. It doesn't hurt to bluff: let your guest know(or think) that someone else is staying with you-a flat mate or a housemaid.

If one of your friends is bombed out and wants to leave the bar,tell him to stay first. Ply him with fruit juice or bottled water until he has sobered up. But if he still insists of leaving, put him in a cab and list the cab's name and plate number. Or if he's feeling unwell, drive him home or ask a friend to do so.

Cyber-crules--chatting and eyeballs.

If you're meeting someone you met in a chart room, meet him in a public place like a café or a restaurant. Text or call a friend and tell him where you're going. If you go with him, get his address and tell your friend. Don't bring him home if you live alone. But if you still do so, please check the precautions listed up. As an addendum,based on my very limited experience with eyeballing (one, who turnedup to be a cute school mate), meet him for afternoon snack. In that way, if you don't get along swimmingly, you can just say good bye after a few minutes of chitchat. That's the better lunch or dinner that went to waste because he was no-brainer who looked like a crushed ginger.

All-night—gay cruising areas.

Recently, the police have also raided several public places frequented by gay men. The police swoop down in the guise of arresting call boys, who are allegedly behind the assault and murders. As a result, several gay men have also been arrested. Bear in mind the following.

Cruising is dangerous to one's physical health. But if you decide to do so, remember that hanging out in a place, even if it's a cruising area, is not illegal. In short, cruise at your own risk.However, when the police come (sometimes with the tabloid media in tow) and catch you having sex, you cab be arrested for "public scandal". Or they may book you for one another form of unlawful behavior, i.e., breaking public property such as street lamps, the doors of rest rooms, or some such. The police might also file charges against you, i.e., for vagrancy, loitering, littering,braking the curfew (if you're a minor and you live in a city with this ordinance). Therefore, always bring a valid ID card, especiallywhen they charge you with vagrancy or breaking the curfew.

Cruise control; street safety.

It's possible that you'll be harassed on the street, especially at night. To reduce risks, trust your instincts: if something doesn't feel right, go away. Always stay alert and act confident. Walk with a group, and walk in well-lit-areas. Bring a whistle or a personal alarm, which may be useful in case of an attack. My friend-a straight one, by the way, who does aikido-brings a pepper mace with him, just in case.

Avoid walking through groups of rowdy young men. If you meet them,casually cross the road and avoid eye contact. Many a life has been lost in these benighted islands because of eye contact-or singing the wrong Sinatra song. Keep your car key or house key ready, so it will be easier to go to safe space when necessary. Know your city like the palm of your hand, especially its trouble spots-and avoid them.

Verbal abuse.

Verbal abuse and name-calling often prelude an attack. No matter how provocative these terms are, or how witty you are, your safety should be your main concern. Keep calm when being provoked. Most often, hecklers are encouraged when they see that you're being affected. If you're alone and there are many hecklers, just ignore them. If you want them to have a taste of your wit, make sure you're in a position to escape when assaulted. But if the heckler is drunk,there is no sense in getting angry or arguing back. If the provocation comes with threats of an assault, walk away as quickly as possible. That hurt ego will heal quickly than a battered body.Report verbal abuse, when it comes with physical threats, to authorities such as barangay council or the police.

Physical assault.

An assault can sometimes happen even when it's not provoked, or despite attempts to thwart it. If you're being attacked, get away and seek help. Stay calm and concentrate, but try to make as muchnoise to attract other people's attention. Check if the attacker has a back-up group. If he has, find a way to escape as soon as possible. If you intend to attack back, hit in areas that can cause dizziness or pain, such as between the eyes, the throat, and the crotch-then run. Remember as many details as possible-the face of the attacker, his physical features. Get immediate medical attention and have a medico-legal examination. Report the incident to the authorities-the barangay council or the police.

Anti-Discrimination Bill

2008-12-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

GABAY supports the Anti-Discrimination Bill and we've been joining various movements to push this law. Pero ano ba talaga ang ipinaglalaban natin na ito?

Fight for equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) by pushing for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill (HB 956) authored by AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel. Here’s what the bill is all about:

Equal rights, not special rights. The bill does not grant additional or special rights to LGBTs. What it does is criminalize violations to the human rights and freedoms on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill affirms and promotes human rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the Constitution.

Equality in schools. The bill prohibits discrimination against LGBT students, which usually takes place through unfair admission policies, unjust expulsion, and unreasonable disciplinary actions.

Equal opportunities in employment. By criminalizing unfair labor practices and policies on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the bill promotes decent jobs for LGBT workers.

Removing stigma in healthcare. The bill bans hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel like doctors and nurses from discriminating against or abusing LGBT patients.

Fighting police abuse. Stiffer penalties are imposed on law enforcers who abuse the law – from bagansya to the anti-trafficking law - to harass, torture, or extort money from LGBTs.

Organizing for LGBT pride. The bill affirms the freedom of assembly and association by disallowing discrimination in the establishment of LGBT groups in schools, workplace, communities and in politics.

Equal access to establishments. The bill ensures that establishments that are open to the public like malls, restaurants, and bars, among others, are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gays and lesbians in the police and military. The police and military are barred from screening out competent LGBTs who want to join the force. Under the bill, they are also not allowed to remove LGBT policeman or woman and soldiers due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Penalizing discrimination. Under the bill, a person found guilty of discriminating against LGBTs can be fined up to P500,000 and/or imprisoned for a maximum of six years. S/he may also be required to undergo human rights education.

About non-discrimination, not same-sex marriage. Homophobic groups wrongfully claim that the bill is about same-sex marriage. Here’s the truth: 1.) the legal recognition of same-sex marriage requires a separate bill, and; 2.) there is absolutely nothing wrong about consensual same-sex relationships.

Sheets of Oppression (Direct Quotation)

2008-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Reference: EVA AURORA D. CALLUENGMA Philosophy of Education, UP Diliman College of EducationThesis: Philosophy of the Basic Education Curriculum: Implication forGender Sensitive EducationType: Direct Quotation, pp 33-36

”A homosexual person is being discriminated against on the first sheet because of his or her being a homosexual wherein the dominant sexual orientation is heterosexuality. In a patriarchal society, for instance, male gay who is effeminate is being discriminated of assuming and playing the role of the opposite sex which is considered of second class following the dominant view of patriarchy. The next layer would be based on physical features and attributes. One is being discriminated based on the aesthetic standards of the majority and the current norms. As an example, a beautiful male gay or transgendered people are more likely approved, if not tolerated by the society. We would always hear the claim “Sayang ka, naging bakla ka pa. Ang guwapo mo pa naman” or “It’s a lost that you are a gay because you are pretty”. The observations that are made here are based on the experiences of the researcher when she is with gay and transgender friends. More often than not, the beautiful gays experience lesser gay bashing statements from the community in general compared to those who were not able to meet the aesthetic standards. The third sheet is oppression based on the financial capacity. A financially challenged, and not so beautiful homosexual experiences the three sheets of oppression which she or he has to battle as he or she wishes to be of equal footing with the other identities. Type of work, on the other hand, can be considered as another sheet to destroy. For example, a homosexual construction worker or farmer who is both financially and aesthetically challenged has a lot to do in order to be removed all the possible sheets that cause his or her oppression in the society. The next three sheets are comprised of ethnicity and race. While we recognize the importance and implications of being a Filipino citizen and in a third world country which belongs to the Asia Pacific Region, it is equally important to know the sheets that are adapted inherently by a person who is not only economically and aesthetically challenged but also challenged because of being a homosexual in a patriarchal and heterosexist community. The sheets of oppression differ from one case to another. It may overlap or skip one or more sheets depending on the external factors which may be altered like that of physical attributes or educating oneself to attain, at least in idea, better work compensation. “

Safe Sex Advisory

2008-12-01T00:14:00.000-08:00

Signs of HIV & AIDS

From http://www.about.com/

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review BoardFiled In:

Diseases Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDSEarly Signs and Symptoms of HIV AIDSSome people experience signs and symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as soon as they become infected, others do not. Signs and symptoms are often mistaken for flu or a mild viral infection. The person appears to recover, usually between a week to month later. Signs and symptoms include;

# Fever

# Headache

# Tiredness

#Nausea

# Diarrhea

# Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpits and groin).

As you can see, the signs and symptoms are similar to many different viral infections and diseases. The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. Many people infected with HIV do not have any signs and symptoms for many years.Later Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDSThe Center for Disease Control (CDC), gives the following signs and symptoms that may be warning signs of infection with HIV. They are:

# rapid weight loss

# dry cough

# recurring fever or profuse night sweats

# profound and unexplained fatigue

# swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck

# diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

# white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat

# pneumonia

# red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

# memory loss, depression, and other neurological disordersHIV destroys white blood cells that are required to fight infection.

As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS, Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.As with HIV, you cannot rely on these signs and symptoms to establish that a person has AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses and diseases. AIDS, is a medical diagnosis made by a medical doctor based on specific criteria established by the CDC.