What AngLadlad Stands For

SOCIETAL VISION

A society free from gender-based oppression, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping.

ORGANIZATIONAL VISION

Ang Ladlad is an inclusive, sustainable, responsive and competent national LGBTIQ organization that endeavors to consolidate, empower, strengthen and represent the LGBTIQ community.

MISSION

1. To advocate for the protection and promotion of the human rights of LGBTIQ.

2. To raise awareness and sensitize Philippine society about LGBTIQ issues and concerns.

3. To facilitate access to justice for LGBTIQs.

4. To initiate economic and social support projects for LGBTIQs, especially those marginalized.

5. To organize and mobilize Filipino LGBTIQ communities at local, national and international levels.

6. To enable LGBTIQs to participate in policy and program development addressing LGBTIQ concerns and other related issues.

7.To establish and sustain partnerships with relevant stakeholders and community partners for purposes of joint collaborative efforts.

2009 Recap

It might seem strange that I first did a year starter piece before I did my 2009 recap. But it was precisely a review of my 2009 that made me embark on a new year essay immediately. Also Jeni forbid me to do a similar essay as her holiday recap cum cheers and jeers for 2009, so had to devise a way to speak my mind as well.

But the facebook application "my year in fotos" allowed me just that opportunity. And as I said, the collage was a real pick-me-up. I realized my year was totally worth it - I got a lot of things done and I was glad for meeting a lot of new people since there were some departures in my life as well.

Looking at my foto albums, I also realized that I did get around this year even if there were no out-of-the-country trips for me. I got the chance to visit old places I've been to, but saw them with new eyes - particularly because of the people I was seeing them with. So Baguio, Cebu and even Tagaytay still seemed exciting and fun for me.

Workwise, I went around as usual lecturing on the Expanded Senior Citizens Law and even organized a National Training-Workshop to put to rest nagging questions about elderly rights and benefits under Republic Act 9257. Somehow, I also got assigned to do regional consultations-orientations on RA 9523 or the administrative procedure for the declaration of abandonment of children before being legally available for adoption. I only got to do one region, Leyte and Samar area, but I got the the most relevant feedback on implementation issues I think.

Of course, my LGBT advocacy work continued and it brought me outside Manila as well. Rainbow Rights Project finally got the chance to reach out to other LGBT orgs in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Baguio. It was quite an opportune time since AngLadlad was also doing extra groundwork for its second attempt at partylist accreditation w/ the Comelec.

While LGBT rights advocacy somehow flourished during the year, it regained its newfound relevance when several negative events happened. This began with Comelec's denial of AngLadlad's application for partylist accreditation, the presence of religious fundamentalists at the annual Pride March in Malate, and even Rep. Abante's vociferous statements against the Filipino LGBT Community. Using his legislative advantage, Abante proposed a bill criminalizing same-sex cohabitation and launched another attack on the anti-discrimination bill filed by Akbayan representatives for the Filipino LGBTs.

All in all, 2009 was also a time for family and friends. People coming back into my life , some leaving for good, and others staying inspite of all the difficulties. And I cherish each and every moment with them.

Turning A New Leaf

I was speaking w/ my good friend, Astrud this morning and we both agreed that 2009 was a really difficult year. To have survived it at all is a feat in itself and a true cause for celebration.

On Hope
I was depressed around Xmas, but the minute January 1, 2010 crept in, I suddenly had an epiphany. (Ok, so it was actually 5 minutes before midnight, Jen was still in Makati and Hijo Mio was joining in the New Year racket with his barking.) I fell into a prayerful mood, took stock of my life, and still managed to be grateful for all that I had - and that includes acute laryngitis, bills to pay, and carry-over work from last year. But the promise of a new day, second chances and new opportunities made me quite hopeful.

On Staying Positive
The next day, I started two of my new year's resolutions - I went back to hearing mass and walking (for exercise) to our nearby parish. As a baptized Catholic, I always believed it was good practice to start your year right with a long conversation with God. After mass, as Jeni requested, I lit several candles for us. A white one, which for me symbolized faith and hope, a blue candle for inner peace and calm, a yellow one for joy and happiness, a pink candle for love and friendship, and a green one for an abundance of blessings - be it material wealth, loving people in my life or new doors opening for us. The positive feeling stayed with me and upon seeing a DSWD Undersecretary with me in church, I cheerfully greeted her a Happy New Year when I would normally scurry quickly out the door.

On Charity
At Puregold the next day, doing my grocery shopping, I had another resolution - to be more charitable and to give even when it hurts. I figured the poor folk begging in the streets were still worse off than I, who had a job albeit low-paying at that, a roof over my head, and people who cared enough for my welfare. If I was feeling sad about the measly bonuses government employees got, I could only imagine how these homeless and starving people celebrated their holiday season seeing the affluence of others around them.

On Work
Sunday, I asked Jeni for permission to do a little advocacy work w/ fellow LGBTs. We were finishing up with AngLadlad's petition to the Supreme Court and I was meeting up with some friends. Working through the holidays, I learned what true dedication was really about as volunteer lawyers labored over our petition, researched for legal sources to quote, and coordinated through numerous emails and text messages. I was reminded why we were doing this and for whom we were doing it - the Filipino LGBT Community's future fell upon us. We knew our type of advocacy was a thankless job, but its significance can never be emphasized enough. It, too, shall have some meaning and relevance somehow.

On Humility
Looking back at all the work I did throughout 2009, I was reminded of my own worth and significance. I realized how tiring it all was, travelling to and fro, doing back- to back lectures and talks. There were times I became cranky and belligerent, but it was always because of the effort of ensuring people take something away from my speeches. Partly, it was due to stress too and I realized I didnt need to be so tense. I knew the stuff I was talking about like the back of my hand, my materials were like my bible, and everything was already in my head that I shouldn't need to prepare at length...and this went for the stuff I wrote too. I could just relax and enjoy what I was doing. Moreover, I found that bosses comments and inputs did not undermine me at all. Their annotations and commentaries, whether actually helpful or stupid was no reflection on my abilities. So, I've decided to let them be smarter than me and just take the path of least resistance.

On Slowing Down
2009 ended with a bestfriend dying. My dog, Hannahgirl died after a mere 4 days at the vet. I was devasted because the end came too quick. Jeni and I were glad that we visited her everyday, and even took our mini pincher, Hijo Mio once. He got to say goodbye at least to his Ate Hannah. Still, we knew Xmas wouldn't be the same. Hannah already missed the Pride March w/ us. I had to admit, I was too busy in the weeks before to notice Hannah was already sick although Jeni was pointing out Hannah couldn't walk much. I was on trips and out for meetings all the time, even Jeni was complaining already.I should've spent more time with my "family" as Jeni insisted. But with both of us getting sick over the holidays, I managed to spend some quality time with Jeni and Mio. We cooked, ate, watched DVD and read together as we nursed each other back to health. I re-discovered the simple pleasures of being a homebody again. I totally enjoyed myself!

So here's to an easier life in 2010. Happy New Year!

Scrooge-Grinch 2009

There are several reasons why I have no Xmas spirit this year; not that I ever had enough holiday gusto anyway. Firstly, I have been afflicted by a chronic cold and cough since November. I have dragged myself to work and social functions even when I had a recurring fever and sore throat. I finally sought medical intervention yesterday because I was afraid my broncho-pneumonia had returned with a vengeance. I was diagnosed with acute pharyngitis with a complication of my asthma. Our holidays won't be the same either, with the recent loss of our beloved Hannahgirl. We had wanted to bring her to the annual Pride March and had her red costume ready. But she was so unwell then that we decided not to take her after a visit with the vet. Right after the parade, we rushed home to take her for emergency treatment. She was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer and a severe cold. 2 days on IV and her tummy was so distended, the vet conducted another lab test. It was discovered that there was a problem with her female reproductive organs and immediate surgery was required. It cost us a lot, but Jeni wouldn't have it any other way. Hannah survived the surgery but her infection had spread, and she died last December 9th.In the light of the global economic crisis, everyone had problems with finances. Although, my employment was sufficiently protected by the fact that I was in government service, my salary still suffered the impact nevertheless. Holiday blessings also seemed to come on the short end. It didnt help that I missed out on the raffle draw because I had to finish a rush job for the OSEC..(F,,,ck..ng golf and country clubs!) As a result, I left the office party early in disgust and frustration.Jeni refuses to fall into a holiday depression though. She cheerfully trekked to Quiapo to shop for cheap Xmas gifts. With our limited resources, she decided to engage in a little commercial enterprising and sold Xmas brownies and designer chocolates. She managed to coerce me into becoming her marketing arm and I had to squeeze in selling duties in between my office work and social engagements.I am grateful for the Xmas gifts I've received though. My officemates have remained generous despite being similarly cash-strapped as I am. I was surprised that business entities I have dealt with during the year have also remembered me this holiday season. But in my present health condition, I had to skip on the usual XMas parties. I hope I somehow "pick up emotionally" before Xmas...otherwise, I'd surely miss out on all the fun and excitement.

My Hannah

I just lost a very dear friend last week. We were together for 11 years and she helped me through a lot of ups and downs. She came into my life in 1999 just when I was dealing with the loss of another loved one, Spencer. He left in the prime of his youth, quite abruptly, and it was hard to get over. That's when Hannah entered our lives and we immediately fell in love with her. She was the last to be sold; probably the runt of the litter. She had a widow's peak on her rust-brown head and the most soulful eyes. And Angie and I ended up paying more than what she would have actually sold for. When Angie and I broke up, Hannah got to go with me while Flygirl stayed with Anj. That was another heartbreak she had to pull me out of. Living with my family in Kamias again, she slept in the room wherever I was. When I got my own room, she slept by the foot of my bed too. Hannah knew the land of tears very well. She instinctively knew when one was crying. She would rise up on her short hind legs, reach for your face and lick off your tears. Hannah was a quiet dog. A real house-pet who stayed out of your way most of the time. She never pressured you to play with her after a tough day at work, and would patiently wait to be fed. She loved her walks though and her favorite word was "walk". Say it out loud and she would immediately lunge for the door, happily jumping up and down. She was an English-speaking dog too, and responded to such instructions as "stay" and "behave". She can even understand "eat your vegetables" and obediently went back to her potatoes one time to the utter shock and amazement of my sister.Speaking of my sister, one time I asked her to babysit Hannah at her home and her stupid maids left the gates open so Hannah got out. Here's something Hannah and I had in common, we're both poor in navigation. For a hounddog like her, she gets lost and confused very easily and she wouldn't know how to get back home. I cried like hell at the thought of losing her..until tricycle drivers near Claret School took pity on us and pointed to a corner store where a brown dog was last seen. The store-owners were full of bad faith since they initially denied having Hannah, and deliberately tried to confuse our maid. They eventually let Hannah out of the bathroom where they were hiding her, but these people clearly wanted to dognap her. Hannah hated baths, but nevertheless endured the cold water and stood still until the whole dousing was all over for her. Even with her short fur, she stank up quite easily, so baths became a regular torture chamber for her. Another thing she hated were car rides. She gets car-sick you see, even for very short distances. We had to give her Bonamine for the travel from QC to Malate last year for the 2008 Pride March. This is something she and Jeni had in common..motion-sickness. There was another preference she shared with Jeni, her new mama - she absolutely loved chicken and daing na bangus. Hijo mio aka "destructo" and I loved our meat, on the other hand. She didnt care for dogfood much, and had a penchant for tablescraps. She never begged from the dinner table though, and was trained enough to wait for her own share.She was actually housetrained and had a routine - she needed to be let out every morning for her weewee and poopoo. At Tandang Sora, newspapers were readily available to her even with evening walks. At Kamias, she would asked to be let out to the garage. She clearly communicated this requirement to people by looking at you and heading for the door. if you were too stupid, she'd bark at you so you'd get it. But that was the limited barking you'd get from her. She rarely barked or howled but when she did, it was quite a racket. When she moved to Sta. Mesa with me, she hated being left alone the whole day. She scratched the door and spooked the neighbors with her howling. Fortunately, it wasn't long before Hijo Mio came to live with us too. For a while, she didn't mind the 3 floors of stairs to go walking. But I noticed that those regular walks took its toll on both of us, so we eventually stopped. Her exercise became limited to going up and down the stairs in our small apartment and running away from super-frenetic "destructo". So it was to her last days, she would greet us at the door when we get home from work, wait to be fed after we've eaten, quietly lie on her mat in her favorite corner while we watch DVD; even head up to the bedroom with us as soon as it was sleeping time."Be a good girl" translates to goodbyes to Hannah since that is what we always tell her when we leave to go to work everyday. I hope she is being good wherever she is now..

Holy See's Statement in NY

Repost from Sass of STRAP
After our panel discussion on 10 December 2009 , the Holy See read this comment:
Mr. Moderator,
Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon. My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question.
As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.
As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See’s position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator.
ECOSOC Chamber, 10 December 2009, UN Headquarters, New York

After Comelec, Congress vs LGBTs

Solon seeks to criminalize same-sex unionBy GABRIEL S. MABUTASDecember 8, 2009, 6:24pm
A lawmaker called Tuesday for the enactment of a law that would criminalize same-sex union in the country, saying the absence of such measure might just invite same-sex couples to explore the possibility of getting married.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. sought to penalize such marriage through House Bill 6919.
In making his proposal, Abante said such marriage should be discouraged by a criminalizing measure because it is “highly immoral, scandalous and detestable act.”
He said if such a union “becomes a reality in this part of the globe, that would snap the remaining strand of our moral values.”
Abante, chairman of the House committee on public information, said there is no specific provision in the Revised Penal Code penalizing a person for marrying another of the same gender, neither is there a provision penalizing a person for solemnizing the marriage of persons of the same gender.
“While there is no documented same-sex marriage yet in our country, the absence of clear legislation serves as an invitation to same-sex marriage,” Abante said.
Under the bill, violators faces 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of not more than P150,000.
The bill provides that anybody who misdeclares or hides his or her true sex or gender for the purpose of securing a marriage license faces a 12-year jail term and a fine of P100,000.
Likewise, the bill also seeks to punish any person who shall issue a marriage license, or who shall solemnize the marriage of persons of the same sex or gender with imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of not more than P100,000.
Under the bill, if the offender is a public officer, he or she shall be dismissed from employment and be barred from subsequent employment in any government office.
If the offender is authorized to solemnize marriage, his or her license or authority to solemnize marriage shall be revoked without need of further proceedings and shall be perpetually barred from solemnizing marriage.
It shall be the duty of the Local Civil Registrar and the solemnizing officer to first ascertain the true sex or gender of the parties before issuing a marriage license and solemnizing a marriage.
“Any marriage license issued, and any marriage solemnized, in violation of this measure shall be declared null and void,” Abante said.