UP Babaylan: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Ateneo Dollhouse and Dlsu Queer Archers' Alliance support Heart for USC Chairperson

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

UP is the HEART of CHANGE

UP Math Majors Circle (UP MMC) officers have spoken! HEART DIÑO is our USC Chairperson!

"Heart and I are not close but I have worked under her leadership. With this experience with her, I can say with no doubt that she really is an effective and responsible leader. Even in certain USC activities that she worked on, I can see her dedication. So, I'm entrusting next year's good governance to her. Hands down to Heart Diño!

Doon ako sa may pusong maglingkod. Dahil naniniwala ako na kapag puso ang iyong ginamit sa lahat ng ginagawa mo, malaki ang magagawa mo. Kaya si Heart Diño ang susuportahan kong USC Chairperson. Witness ako sa kanyang pamumunong may puso."

Geldof Resuello

Membership Officer, UP Mathematics Majors' Circle 2011-2012

"In the USC, we need a leader who not only can speak well, but DELIVER his/her statements and promises. HEART DIÑO has what it takes to lead the student body in the upcoming academic year. I have worked closely with Heart in UPMMC and CSSC in many instances, and I have full confidence that my vote is going the right way-- the HEART way.

She is a gifted leader with a knack for excellence. As proof of this, she has balanced her monumental tasks as CSSC Councilor and UP MMC Secretary on top of maintaining a magna cum laude standing. In doing so, her results were always above par. Moreover, she never fails to empower her teammates to achieving higher standards.

So I urge everyone who gets to read this, vote for Heart. Her actions speak louder than words. Check her credentials. QED."

Terrence Teh

President, UP Mathematics Majors' Circle (UP MMC) 2010-2011

Conductor, College of Science Chorale 2009-present

"I've worked with Heart under her committee in UP Mathematics Majors' Circle for two semesters, and for those two same semesters, she was head of the Public Relations Committee of the College of Science Student Council. Her heavy extra-curriculars did not take a toll on her academics, as she graduated that year Magna Cum Laude under the BS Math degree program. For all this, there is no other student in our institute whom I look up to as much as I look up to Heart.

Having personally worked with her for more than a year, I can say that her work ethic, her drive, her passion, and of course, her exemplary leadership are exactly what we need in our USC Chairperson. Her strongest influence on me was pushing me not just to be active in the organization, but also to serve in the College of Science Student Council. Again, qualities of a true leader. She encourages people to strive to be better, and at the same time give back to society.

So why Heart Diño? Not only because she is competent - some could argue that all the other candidates are as well; but because this past year in the USC, Heart has produced concrete results.

Heart's actions, her successes and achievements, are testaments to her unwavering passion for serving and for pushing for change in the university.

These are testaments that cannot lie.

We are so easily swayed by spoken words, by big personalities and by excellent public speakers. But what use are mere words to us if they cannot be put into action?

A vote for Heart is a vote for ACTUAL change, ACTUAL solutions, ACTUAL advancements. She has proven, more than anyone, I believe, that her actions speak louder than words."

Patricia Tamase

Institute of Mathematics Representative, College of Science Student Council 2011-2012

3rd Year Level Representative, UP Mathematics Majors' Circle 2011-2012

*** Heart Diño graduated Magna Cum Laude from the UP Institute of Mathematics in 2011, and is currently taking up MS Applied Mathematics, Major in Finance.

UP LAW students and alumni support HEART DIÑO for USC Chairperson!

The heart of the legal profession lies not in the mechanical application of law but the embodiment of advocacy. We are trained in the legal profession not to become technicians skilled in stretching the interpretation of the law, but to become advocates who push for substantive justice. As prospective advocates of the law, we see beyond personal ties and side with good causes.

It is for this reason that we come together to endorse HEART DIÑO as our USC CHAIRPERSON.

We believe that HEART embodies the spirit of advocacy: taking on a cause bigger than her own, and defending it with reason, dignity and passion. As a tireless crusader for gender issues in the University and national stage, she has shown us the possibilities of a more accepting society. In a country where being who you are can still be frowned upon, HEART shows us the face of acceptance.

We believe that UP student institutions sets the pace for our country to follow. If we show everyone that we can elect a leader regardless of her gender – considering only competence and character – then we are sending a signal to our country too strong to ignore. Let us lead the way in advocating for a fairer society by voting for a real advocate of equality and acceptance. Let us make history by electing HEART DIÑO as our USC CHAIRPERSON.

SIGNED,

Diega Villanueva

Batch 2014

Political Affairs Officer, House of Representatives

President, UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates (UP OHRA)

Toff Lamug

Batch 2013

Incumbent Vice President, UP Law Student Government (LSG)

Vice Chairperson, CSSP Student Council (2006-2007)

Richard Beltran

Batch 2013

Incumbent Third Year Batch Representative, UP LSG

Louie Camino

Batch 2014

Incumbent Second Year Batch Representative, UP LSG

Councilor, CSSP Student Council (2009-2010)

Chingkay Martirez

Batch 2011

Junior Associate, Leynes Lozada-Marquez Law Offices

Law Representative, University Student Council (2010-2011)

Simoun Salinas

Batch 2011

Communications and Media Relations Officer, Office of Rep. Miro Quimbo

Councilor, University Student Council (2010-2011)

Marian Cloma

Batch 2011

Technical Working Group, Committee on Transportation, House of Representatives

Pau Duman

Batch 2011

Media and Legal Officer, House of Representatives

Evening Representative, UP LSG (2010-2011)

Vice Chairperson, CSSP Student Council (2003-2004)

Tina Reyes

Batch 2013

President, C2013

President, WINLAW

Viktor Fontanilla

Batch 2012

Vice Chairperson, University Student Council (2007-2008)

CSSP Representative, University Student Council (2006-2007)

Luis Geronimo

Batch 2011

Councilor, University Student Council (2009-2010)

Katz Manzano

Batch 2013

External Vice President, WINLAW

Councilor, University Student Council (2009-2010)

Pats Alcantara

Batch 2015

Erasmus Mundus Scholar

Councilor, University Student Council (2004-2005)

Oyie Javelosa

Batch 2016

Chairperson, CSSP Stuident Council (2010-2011)

Carlo Marcaida

Batch 2013

President, Block D2013

Councilor, CSSP Student Council (2007-2008)

Kring Bongcaron

Batch 2011

Tonton Mina

Batch 2013

Edward Dayog

Batch 2016

Gino Paulo Uy

Batch 2011

Ladlad Party List supports Ms. Heart Diño as USC Chairperson!

Ladlad Party List supports Ms. Heart Diño as USC Chairperson!

Heart is the epitome of factual change that society needs specifically in our campuses in order to dismantle the stereotypical boxes, excruciating stigma, bias and prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos. She will always be an inspiration of hope, freedom and equality. Mabuhay ka Ms. Heart Diño at sa lahat ng makikiisa sa kanyang laban sa March 01, 2012!

Ms. Bemz D. Benedito
Chairperson

Monday, February 27, 2012

UP Babaylan is now officially a member.of ILGA.

UP Babaylan is the first and only Philippine LGBT student organization member of the International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

ILGA’s aim is to work for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and their liberation from all forms of discrimination. We seek to achieve this aim through the world-wide cooperation and mutual support of our members.

We focus public and government attention on cases of discrimination against LGBTI people by supporting programs and protest actions, asserting diplomatic pressure, providing information and working with international organisations and the international media.
ILGA’s success lies in the achievements and progress of our more than 800 member groups from 110 countries, working together. Any organisation, business or individual interested in working for equal rights for LGBTI persons may apply to become a member of ILGA. Every one or two years, members of ILGA gather in a world conference to give guidance to its work. ILGA's work is determined by the rules set forth in its Constitution and Standing Orders.

www.ILGA.org

WE ♥ CHANGE!

Naaalala mo pa ba?

Sunday, February 26, 2012

UP Babaylan candidates for USC and CSC positions

Saturday, February 25, 2012

UP Babaylan candidates for USC and CSC positions

The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) endorses Heart Diño for USC Chairperson!

Last year, Heart Diño made history in student politics for having been the first number one transgender Councilor in the UP Diliman University Student Council, actively campaigning for gender equality and rights. Not stopping there, alongside the strides and successes forged in the local and national LGBT movements, she involved herself in other advocacies and campaigns including students’ rights and welfare, reproductive health, and poverty alleviation, with her recently being appointed as the Youth and Student’s Representative to the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

Her accomplishments in championing various causes are enduring testaments of her commitment to responsible and principled leadership and her skill in organizing student activities and engendering mass participation. Through her active involvement in causes ranging from gender awareness and equality to student empowerment, her fervor and zeal to effect meaningful change through service are plainly incontrovertible. Indeed she has delivered, and shall continue to deliver.

With these premises, we in the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) proudly express our support for the candidacy of Heart Diño as Chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council. Her brilliance, creativity and excellent work ethic, coupled with a heart for those she seeks to represent, make her a formidable leader worthy of trust. We stand firm in the belief that she is in the best position to lead the USC in delivering the campaigns, activities and services the scholars of the people deserve.

Truly, running under a platform grounded on maximizing involvement and realizing the potential of an organized studentry for social progress, she and the other candidates from UP ALYANSA represent the real shot at rebuilding confidence and reinvigorating involvement in a historical student political institution and in effecting progressive change in the university and the nation.

Friday, February 24, 2012

A Vote for Hope, Freedom and Equality

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A vote for Pat is a vote for hope, freedom and equality.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

TAYO ANG USC! (University Student Council 2012-2013) ♥

Monday, February 20, 2012

Para sa Unibersidad ng Pagbabago, Heart Diño.

https://www.facebook.com/HeartforChair

Para sa Unibersidad ng Pagbabago.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Vote Heart Dino for USC Chairperson!

https://www.facebook.com/HeartforChair

Vote Pat Bringas for USC Councilor!

https://www.facebook.com/PatforCouncilor

Thursday, February 16, 2012

♥ Kasama TAYO sa USC ♥

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

UP Babaylan x Purple Hearts Day

Sunday, February 12, 2012

UP Babaylan x MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012

Congratulations to our alumni MARA and RENAN for making it to the Final 6 of MEGA YDC! UP Babaylan is very proud of you two. 2012 is definitely the Year of Babaylan! :)

Friday, February 10, 2012

UP Babaylan x SineBahaghari

Sine Bahaghari--cinematic expressions of the Philippine LGBT experience!

Admission is open & free.

11 February 2012 | Saturday

Opening Night
Chef's Bistro, Tomas Morato

5PM
Next Attraction (2008)
Raya Martin

7PM
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011)
Alvin B. Yapan & Alem Ang

18 February 2012 | Saturday

"Brocka & the Bakla"
UPFI Film Center Videotheque

2PM & 5PM
How has the bakla—the Filipino male homosexual identity—evolved in Philippine society? In two films, we discover how National Artist for Film Lino Brocka explores and exposes the bakla, touching on class, effeminacy & the closet.

24 February 2012 | Friday

Cinema is Incomplete, Anonas

7PM
Señorita (2011)
Vincent Sandoval

9PM
Muli (2010)
Adolfo Alix Jr.

25 February 2012 | Saturday

Kanto, The Collective, Makati

4:00 PM
Little (2009)
Sigrid Bernardo

4:30PM
Babae (2005)
Sigrid Bernardo

5:30PM
Señorita (2011)
Vincent Sandoval

GENDER IDENTITY IS A HUMAN RIGHT

The official position of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) on House Bill No. 4530 and Senate Bill No. 3113 also known as "An act further authorizing the city of municipal civil registrar or the consul general to correct clerical or typographical errors in the date of birth or sex or a person appearing in the civil register without need of a judicial order amending for this purpose the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 9048"

As the day of hearts fast approaches, we, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)*, are heartbroken that members of Congress (REPRESENTATIVES GUNIGUNDO, ROMUALDO, MIRAFLORES, ALVAREZ (M.), ESPINA, ARNAIZ, RODRIGUEZ (R.), RODRIGUEZ (M.), TUPAS, CASIÑO AND RELAMPAGOS) and the Senate (SENATORS TRILLANES AND ESCUDERO) are seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) 9048 or the Clerical Error Law of 2001 that would effectively illegalize the lives and identities of transgender/transsexual Filipinos including those who are intersex.

Section 5 of HB 4530 and SB 3113 reads "NO PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY CONCERNING THE DATE OF BIRTH OR THE SEX OF A PERSON SHALL BE ENTERTAINED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY EARLIEST SCHOOL RECORD OR EARLIEST CIVIL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MEDICAL RECORDS, BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES; NOR SHALL ANY ENTRY INVOLVING CHANGE OF GENDER CORRECTED EXCEPT IF THE PETITION IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATION ISSUED BY AN ACCREDITED GOVERNMENT PHYSICIAN ATTESTING TO THE FACT THAT THE PETITIONER HAS NOT UNDERGONE SEX CHANGE OR SEX TRANSPLANT.(emphasis ours)"

While we note that our lawmakers recognize the reality of surgical sex change, or more correctly sex reassignment surgery (SRS), we are dismayed that they seem to be in denial of the very idea behind this medical procedure that has been available since the 1920's:

a) that sex does and can be changed ;

b) that there exist people in society who prefer a gender or have a gender identity/expression other than the one recorded in their birth certificates, now known under the modern terms transgender/transsexual (trans for short) or intersex;

c) and that recognizing trans and intersex people under the law means respecting and affirming the gender they choose or prefer.

In fact, many nations across the globe have taken steps to recognize their trans and intersex citizens' right to a chosen gender identity such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Nepal, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, South Africa, some jurisdictions in the United States and other countries based on evidence that not having documents that reflect their gender identity/expression make them vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, in a statement in September 2011, has herself underscored the importance of protecting the right to legal sex change and called on all states of the world "to review their own laws, policies and practices to ensure that discrimination against transgender and intersex individuals is addressed in a systematic and effective way."

Clearly, the above-mentioned legislative initiatives from both chambers of the Philippine House of Representatives are a step in the wrong direction. Moreover, HB 4530 and SB 3113 perpetuate anti-transgender or transphobic attitudes and justify the marginalization of trans and intersex people in Philippine society. Their subscription to a medical view of transsexualism/intersexuality also contributes to the continued pathologization of a minority who, in their daily lives, have to confront violence, abuse, torture, and cruel and inhumane treatment based on their gender identity or gender expression.

We, the members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), therefore urge members of Congress and the Senate to recognize and accept the reality of sex and gender diversity and recall HB 4530 and SB 3113. Instead, we ask them to amend RA 9048 in a way that would lead to a better quality of life for trans and intersex Filipinos by allowing us to change our first name and sex in the birth certificate in simple and easy steps. As well, we urge Congress and the Senate, to immediately pass legislation recognizing trans and intersex Filipino citizens in our chosen gender with no requirement for surgical modification of the body.

In closing, we note with irony that SB 3113 was filed in the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will be best served if the government heeds the call to end violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations based on gender identity or expression in the Philippines. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only truly begin by recognizing us as people under the law as the gender we say we are. Justice for and the protection of the human rights of trans and intersex Filipinos will only prevail if the government accepts that its right to identify its citizens by gender stops at the right of those citizens to determine their own gender identity. Our gender identity is our human right. Help us protect it.

___________________________

* The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) is the pioneer support group and human rights advocacy organization of transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas). We seek to improve the public understanding of transsexualism, campaign for the right to define one's gender identity and expression and work towards building a supportive community amongst transgender/transsexual Filipina girls and women and a society free from transphobia and discrimination.