Homosexuals dare to be out, calls for equal rights
3 MIN READ
BAGUIO CITY — The lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender (LGBT) community here are out of their closets calling for equal rights and the end of discrimination.
PROUD TO BE A LESBIAN. A member of the Thunderbirds Association of the Cordillera and the Suburbs, Inc. (TACSI) proudly tells the world: gays and lesbians are also important, and productive members of society. TACSI is a member of the Baguio Pride Network (BPN), an alliance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-genders (LGBT) organizations and advocates for equal rights and to end homophobia and discrimination. Photo by Cye Reyes/NORDIS (Click here for more photos)
Under the umbrella organization Baguio Pride Network (BPN), different LGBT organizations and individuals during a press conference here Thursday, are one in calling for respect and acceptance by society.
According to Julie Palaganas of Lesbians for National Democracy (Lesbond), “homophobia or the irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals is a result of institutionalized discrimination perpetuated by the educational system, mass media, the state and the church.”
Palaganas also said homophobia comes in the form of simple mockery and also hate crimes like gay battering or even murders.
“Homophobia is everywhere – in the homes, schools, workplaces, in the streets,” said Palaganas adding that homophobic parents would even go out of their way to beat their gay sons or have their lesbian daughters be raped to make them “real” men and women.
Photo by Cye Reyes/NORDIS
“We are infuriated by this senseless hatred of society in general because of our sexual preference and it is about time that the LGBTs here in Baguio get out of the closets to show the people that we also are human beings and that we are productive members of society,” said Myke Sotero of the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (Pro-gay) Baguio chapter.
As a sign of unity for their calls, the BPN is scheduled to have a pride parade today to be participated by LGBTs from Metro Baguio and other areas like La Union and Manila.
“We will be marching around the central business district to show the people of Baguio that we are proud to be queer, that we are here and that we will never disappear and that the people should respect and accept who we are,” Sotero said.
Members of the BPN include Lesbond, Pro-Gay Baguio, Thunderbirds Association of the Cordillera and the Suburbs, Inc. (TACSI), The Lucky Guys of La Union, Cordillera Women’s Education, Action Research Center (CWEARC), Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP), and gay friendly establishments like City Tavern Bar, Rumours, Studio 59, Ayuyang Bar, Butch #3 Flower Shop, Laguisma Electronics Center Stargazzer Acoustic Place and Resto, Samurai Comedy Bar and Café, Gagamba Bar and Fellah Café.
The parade is part of an international celebration of gay pride, which is usually celebrated on the month of June. It was in June 26, 1969 when a series of violent raids by the police force started in Stonewall Inn in New York City, then a popular hangout of gays and lesbians. Known as the Stonewall Riots, this historic event triggered the birth of the gay movement. International LGBT communities now recognize June as the pride month. # Cye Reyes
