“An LGBT organization in Zamboanga Del Norte? What for? Do you have cases or statistics of discrimination based on gender preference or sexual orientation? Is LGBT a marginalized sector in your area? Killings perhaps? Eh mukhang wala naman. I even think that your province is an LGBT friendly area.”
These were the exact statements of a friend after I told her that we are in the initial stage of organizing the LGBTs in the province.
Indeed, I haven’t seen or heard any studies documenting LGBT cases of discrimination or violence here. But personal accounts of such struggles in their families and friends abound. Stories on coming out that pretty much includes depression, insecurities and low self-esteem are common. Some are (in my personal view) cases of rape but are recounted by “victims” in a humorous manner that no one would even distinguish it as an act of violence and coercion. The outing process even entails an expensive means to others since they travel just to unfurl their rainbow colored butterfly wings in other places.
A lot of us may have heard statements such as “Ay, bayot diay siya? Sayang.” Or “Imong masaligan bisan ug bayot.” Or “Kining akong amigo, bisag bayot ni pero…” These words woven into sentences may in its initial context imply something that a gay person could be proud of or at least boost his ego. And the comments may serve its purpose during the time it was spoken. But the subtext is worth exploring. More than what was being said it simply means that being “bayot” is something equated to a disability or something lesser to what a regular or “normal” person is. In an 8.5 harshness level, it was like what I overheard in Pasay walking pass a house which I assume a father was yelling at his son saying “Tang ina ka, bakla ka na nga, addict ka pa!”.
Read the full article by Aleksi at Zanortepride.com
February 8th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I think the organization is very, very relevant in Zanorte, and the whole Philippines for that matter. I believe that the general populace’s understanding of LGBT issues is very limited to a superficial level. Ignorance breeds intolerance, bigotry (latent or otherwise), and even violence. And much of the misunderstanding of the gay population is a direct result of such ignorance. By educating the general population, the LGBT organization can help promote tolerance and respect. I truly admire you for this pioneering work!
March 25th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
HI GUYS! SO INSPIRED TO C AMBIBO CONNECTING ZAMBONORTEANS WORLDWIDE. KEEP IT UP GUYS!WOULD LIKE TO ASK WHAT IS THIS LGBT ORGANIZATION? CAN ANYONE TELL ME PLS..?
March 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Hi Thata,
The LGBT ZN is an organization dedicated to persons in Zamboanga del Norte who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trasngendered, those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We do this by:
1. Empowering the LGBTs of the province through direct outreach and support
2. Educating the community on LGBT issues and concerns
3. Ending the isolation that many LGBT persons face by networking them together, and;
4. Helping LGBTs build successful futures in Zamboanga del Norte through resources, livelihood trainings, legal support and educational opportunities.
5. Advocating for institutional policy changes and program development that recognize the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
If you have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through zanortepride1@gmail.com.
You can also join our regular meetings. Kindly text or call 09215670596.
Best Regards,
LGBTZN
March 27th, 2008 at 2:10 am
MANY THANKS FOR THE INFO.I’M A PRO PERSON AND BELIEVE IN THE EQUALITY OF ALL.I COMMEND YOU FOR THIS CRUSADE.INDEED,THERE IS A GROWING CONCERN ON GENDER ISSUE.THEY MUST BE RESPECTED AND MUST LED A HOLISTIC LIFE LIKE ANYBODY ELSE IN THIS PLANET.CONSIDERING THE CULTURAL BACKGROUND OF OUR PROVINCE,MAJORITY OF OUR PEOPLE ARE TIMID AND LIKEWISE RESPONSE NEGATIVE TOWARDS ANYONE WHO IS B.. T. EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY THRU TALKS, MEDIA OUTREACH AND EMPOWERMENT TO THE CONCERN WOULD BE IDEAL.ALMOST EVERY YEAR, I VISIT OUR HOMETOWN, I WOULD LIKE TO BE OF HELP TO YOUR CAUSE.. KEEP IT UP!