“Next Fall” is a play written by Geoffrey Nauffts. It is about an exploration of faith in a modern gay relationship involving Luke and Adam, a gay couple. Luke is a devout Christian and an inspiring actor while Adam is an atheist.

This play is directed by Audie Gemora. David Bianco plays the role of Luke while Bart Guingona plays the role of Adam. “Next Fall” is currently on-going and it will run until February 5, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30pm at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

For tickets, inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

I just recently started to watch Pinoy Big Brother Season 4 and this butch looking lesbian with tattoos in her arms caught my attention. This is Divine Maitland – Smith, a 20-year old British-Filipino lesbian from Cebu. PBB calls her the “Darling Dude of Cebu”. Sorry ladies, she’s already in a relationship. Now, look who’s stalking? .

Divine looks “astig” but she’s soft spoken. She reminds me of Shane from the L Word.

I do hope that Divine will change how people think of lesbians, not just the stereotypical one. The moment that she comes out of the “house”, she will have a power to change how Filipinos perceive lesbians.

View her profile here.

Ok, enough. Shh. I have to hide my hidden crush from her. *kilig*

*got the photo above from http://fuckyeahdivinesmith.tumblr.com/ not sure where the original photo came from.

BUT, we have to accept the reality that labelling is needed to understand the world. In socialization of a child, for example, the parent has to define the difference between a man and a woman.

That is why some organizations / associations , especially known in the social science field, has to create statements to lessen the stigma hoping these will be “normalized” in society. The Psychological Association of the Philippines, reiterates that homosexuality is not a disease or an illness. The American Psychiatric Association and the others have already removed homosexuality in the list of their mental illnesses since the 1970′s.

Social Sciences arose because we want to understand our own behavior and the world we live in. Some say that in every generation, there is an accepted paradigm which becomes the “normal” belief. Like during the time of Michaelangelo, his works and philosophies were probably laughed at because he is not thinking within the current paradigm he was in. I guess that in every paradigm, there is someone leading or maneuvering how people think. This could be institutions in society that holds great power, i.e. media, religion, etc.

Anyway, enough with thinking too deep… I appreciate the support that PAP gave to the Philippine LGBT community. I believe that this will help us send the message to people who bullies and teases young kids who were perceived to be homosexuals. For the parents of our generation, I hope that this will help in socializing children in Philippine society.

Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines on Non-Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos continue to experience stigma, prejudice and discrimination in Philippine society. This stigma is manifested in actions such as: bullying, teasing and harassment of LGBT children and adolescents in families, schools and communities; media portrayal of LGBTs as frivolous, untrustworthy and even dangerous or predatory; denying transgender Filipinos entry into commercial establishments; pigeonholing LGBT Filipinos into particularly limited roles and occupations; or curtailing their rights to participate in the political sphere.

LGBT Filipinos often confront social pressures to hide, suppress or even attempt to change their identities and expressions as conditions for their social acceptance and enjoyment of rights. Although many LGBTs learn to cope with this social stigma, these experiences can cause serious psychological distress, including immediate consequences such as fear, sadness, alienation, anger and internalized stigma (Hatzenbuehler, 2009; Meyer, 2003). This anti-LGBT prejudice and discrimination tend to be based on a rhetoric of moral condemnation and are fueled by ignorance or unfounded beliefs associating these gender expressions and sexual orientations with psychopathology or maladjustment.

However, decades of scientific research have led mental health professional organizations worldwide to conclude that lesbian, gay and bisexual orientations are normal variants of human sexuality.  These include: the American Psychiatric Association in 1973, the American Psychological Association in 1975, British Psychological Society, the Colombian Society of Psychology, Psychological Society of South Africa, the Australian Psychological Society, and the International Network on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns and Transgender Issues in Psychology, among others.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) aligns itself with the global initiatives to remove the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with diverse sexualities and to promote the wellbeing of LGBT people. Moreover, the PAP Code of Ethics (2010) is clear in its stance against discrimination. Filipino psychologists are called upon to recognize the unique worth and inherent dignity of all human beings; and to respect the diversity among persons and peoples (Principle I, a and b).  This means that Filipino psychologists should not discriminate against or demean persons based on actual or perceived differences in characteristics including gender identity and sexual orientation (Ethical Standard III-A and C; V-B.8).

In order to eliminate stigma, prejudice, discrimination and violence against LGBT, the PAP resolves to support efforts to:

•    oppose  all public and private discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression;

•     repeal discriminatory laws and policies, and support the passage of legislation at the local and national levels that protect the rights and promote the welfare of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions;

•     eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination against LGBTs in teaching, research, psychological interventions, assessment and other psychological programs;

•    encourage psychological research that addresses the needs and concerns of LGBT Filipinos and their families and communities;

•     disseminate and apply accurate and evidence-based information about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to design interventions that foster mental health and wellbeing of LGBT Filipinos.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (1973). Position statement on homosexuality and civil rights. American Journal of Psychiatry, 131; 497.

Anton, B.S. (2009). Proceedings of the American Psychological Association for the legislative year 2008: Minutes of the annual meeting of the Council of Representatives, February 22-24, 2008, Washington, DC, and August 13 and 17, 2008, Boston, MA, and minutes of the February, June, August, and December 2008 meetings of the Board of Directors. American Psychologist, 64; 372-453.

Conger, J.J. (1975). Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, Incorporated, for the year 1974: Minutes of the annual meeting of the Council of Representatives. American Psychologist, 30; 620-651.

Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2009). How does sexual minority stigma “get under the skin”? A psychological mediation framework. Psychological Bulletin, 135; 707-730.

International Network for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns and Transgender Issues in Psychology (2001). Sexual orientation and mental health: Toward global perspectives on practice and policy. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/international-meeting.pdf

Meyer, I. H. (2003).Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129; 674-697.

Psychological Association of the Philippines Scientific and Professional Ethics Committee. (2010). Code of Ethics for Philippine Psychologists. Philippine Journal of Psychology, 43; 195-217.

from the website of Psychological Association of the Philippines http://www.pap.org.ph/

My Zombadings Button Pin I Got During the Premiere

I have seen Zombadings’ teasers since last year and have been waiting to see the entirety of it in the big screen. Finally, the long wait is over and was able to watch its premiere at the recent Cinemalaya Festival (July 2011). I wasn’t disappointed at all. The whole audience laughed almost every 10 minutes, there was never a dull moment. It was the perfect film-ender for the entire festival.

The film is independently produced but can also appeal to the mainstream. It’s basically a suspense-comedy film and the good thing about it is the effortless comedic punchlines. No slapstick comedy is needed to make the audience laugh, the situation already provides the comedy.

Although the film is expected to make audiences laugh, serious issues of hate crimes against LGBTs and homophobia were explicitly shown. I guess everyone who have watched this definitely got the message.

Showing this film in mainstream cinemas will definitely open up the public’s minds on homophobia and the struggle of LGBTs to combat this for years. If this film will only be accessed in festivals, which are only attended by the “educated” and independent film enthusiasts, it will be difficult to send the message to the general public.

Zombadings1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington will be shown to cinemas starting August 31, 2011.

This is why I love Google because they always innovate. Try searching for a gay related keyword in Google and you will find a rainbow beside the search button. It’s Pride Month and Google is celebrating this with us. Have you tried it?  

Some say that some searches related to gays don’t appear, well I tried searching Filipino LGBT terms for a male homosexual such as “bayot”, “bading”, “bakla” but the rainbow did not appear. This is also the same for the terms “tomboy” and “tibo”. I’ve also tried to add the keywords lesbian and gay so that it will only show results related to the gender terms but na-ah. It seems that it’s only for English terms but I tried searching for Harvey Milk (the first openly gay man to be elected in public office) and there’s no rainbow still.

I wish it’s there forever whenever someone searches an LGBT related keyword.

Aside from the speech delivered by the Ambassador, we were made to watch the speeches of President Barrack Obama and US State Sec. Hillary Clinton (of course, they couldn’t grace the event ) showing their support for the It Gets Better Project for LGBT Youth (and perceived as gay or lesbian). Even though we live in a different nation, I believe that we have common struggles and one of which is bullying. This suddenly made me think of my adolescent years.

We’ve heard of stories on young gay boys or are perceived to be gay being bullied in all-male schools. We’ve even heard some schools (usually Catholic all-male schools) giving “pink slips” to students who are perceived to be gay – a “sanction” given to those who do not behave like masculine boys. I studied in a Catholic school for girls and during my stay there, I didn’t hear any type of slip pertaining to sanctioning girls behaving like boys. My hypothesis, and I think others as well, is the traditional machismo culture still prevails in some all-male schools.

Quoting President Obama’s speech:

You are not alone.  You didn’t do anything wrong.  You didn’t do anything to deserve being bullied.  And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are. And so, if you ever feel like because of bullying, because of what people are saying, that you’re getting down on yourself, you’ve got to make sure to reach out to people you trust. Whether it’s your parents, teachers, folks that you know care about you just the way you are. You’ve got to reach out to them,  don’t feel like you’re in this by yourself.

(You can view the entire transcript here)

The keywords are YOU ARE NOT ALONE and REACH OUT.

The family should be the first people who the youth should reach out. What if parents are not open about homosexuality, which is very common in Philippine society? Now this is where problem starts. No need to worry LGBT youth, there are support groups in the Philippines where you can find PLUs (People Like Us). We can’t get absolute acceptance from everybody but at least let someone help you make it better. Remember kids, appreciate simple things. It will help you feel better.

Atty. Christine Sun

In another news, I am glad that the Philippine US Embassy is shedding some light on what the US does in terms of LGBT issues. Weeks before the reception, they brought in Atty. Christine Sun, a gay rights lawyer from ACLU. She had a separate round-table discussions with the media and LGBT groups here in Manila and in other parts of the Philippines. It was enlightening to speak with Christine on the present and past cases she worked on and at the same time we gave her a picture on the situation of the LGBTs here in the Philippines and of course the Anti-Discrimination Bill, Reproductive Health Bill and many others.

Lastly, some photo ops during the LGBT reception

With Boy Abunda

With US Ambassador Harry Thomas

LGBT friends and Supporters, there will be a an LGBT themed night market series in CCP. This doesn’t happen very often so it would be nice to drop by. See details below:

This event is part of the CCP Night Market series, and will feature a fabulous show and night bazaar. Watch performances by various LGBT and LGBT-friendly artists like excerpts from Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah Ze Musikal”, Teatro Tomasino’s “Final Mark” and the Amazing Theater Group, indie music, and performance poetry from Venus in Orbit and Bigkas Pilipinas, among others.

The program will be hosted by Carlos Celdran (renowned tour guide, artist and reproductive health advocate) and Perci Cendana (Commissioner, National Youth Commission).

Shop at the bazaar for LGBT – themed merchandise and other great finds:

• Artworks and Books

• Clothes and Accessories – designer, vintage, new and avant-garde

• Food and Wine

• Beauty and Fragrances

• Health and Wellness Products

• Spa

• Travel and Tours

• Dream Photo Booth

• Wet and Wild Booth

• Amazing Shows

• Fabulous Performances

The event will be held on March 4, 2011 (Friday), at the CCP Eskinita, and will go on from 6:00 pm till 12:00 midnight.

Entrance is absolutely FREE.

Experience true colors.

Different tastes.

Varied lifestyles.

Celebrate Diversity!

Be part of the Rainbow Connection!

December 4th was a really busy day for me: working meeting with friends and fellow bloggers and then had to rush to Eastwood for a friend’s album launch. Good thing that Juned allowed us to have our working lunch meeting at Kozui, at least I can get to see the parade pass by. I wanted to join this year, hopefully next year!

The Pride March is the opportunity for me to see old LGBT friends from college. I’m glad to have seen some of them. According to the the organizers, this has the biggest number of attendees. Well actually, I prefer to have the Pride March in Tomas Morato. Not just because it’s near my place but because the Tomas Morato is more spacious. Although I wish that establishments around the area would join the celebration by having Pride Day promos or something like that.

Other photos of the Pride March here.

It’s Pride time once again in Manila on December 4, 2010. Be out and proud of being part of the Philippine LGBT community. I am excited to attend this event because I’ve been attending the Pride March in Malate, Manila. For this year, it will be held in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. See you all there!

A new “for members only” gay hangout place will be opening on Oct 27 called The Playroom. This is located at 35 West Avenue, between Mr. Kebab and Mang Inasal. Visit their blog for more details.