ISEAN seeks TGF Round 10 funding

[Received from Laurindo Garcia, HIV programs manager of Fridae.com, 2010-08-21]

Dear Expert Reviewers, Supporters, Advisors and Partners of the ISEAN-Hivos Multi-Country Proposal Initiative for MSM, TG and HIV in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Timor Leste,

You will be pleased to hear that our Round 10 proposal was submitted on-time to the GFATM Secretariat in Geneva after our Core Proposal Writing Team spent the past week making final preparations together in Jakarta.

While we wait for the decision to come from the GF TRP this December, we firmly believe that the proposal writing process was a significant and valuable experience that galvanised our member community organisations and representatives while solidifying linkages with stakeholders region-wide. 

Some of the significant milestones include:

• Three Regional Consultations for the Proposal Working Group (2 in Jakarta, 1 in Kuala Lumpur) that began in February 2010
• Needs Assessments, national consultations and focus group discussions for MSM, TG and HIV in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Timor Leste
• A team of consultants and expert reviewers from around the world contributing their time and energy to develop a multi-country Global Fund proposal in less than 6 months
• Solid support from the world's largest NGO supporter of LGBT issues, Hivos (from their International and Southeast Asia Regional Offices), as well Asia's largest LGBT media and ICT social enterprise, Fridae
• Committed partnerships with the UNDP's Regional Centre
• Technical assistance and support from The Alliance, APCOM, CSAT/Seven Sisters, TSF SEAP and UNAIDS
• Confirmed endorsement from CCMs in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Timor Leste on an innovative community-led initiative
• Community organisations and groups among the four countries more engaged at a regional level, with a clear understanding of how cooperation and collaboration can support mobilisation at the national level

We have witnessed a remarkable effort, especially in view of the fact that the first ever Regional Consultation for MSM and TG in Insular Southeast Asia took place in August last year prior to ICAAP IX in Bali - thanks to our friends at GAYa NUSANTARA and APCOM with support from UNDP and UNFPA, and coordination by UNESCO. This is a stellar effort for a network that is only 12 months and 2 weeks old!

PDFs of the Final Proposal, Sections 1-5 and the Performance Framework, can be downloaded HERE.

We wish to thank everyone for the goodwill they have shared with our member organisations, this has benefited the network as a whole - without your assistance and friendship, none of this would have been possible.

In particular we wish to thank our lead proposal writers Paul Adams, Nicholas Bates and Agus Sudaryanto, as well as Saba Moussavi, for their professionalism, tireless commitment, good humour and sleepless nights. Special appreciation goes to Kwasi Boahene, Ben Witjes and Shita Laksmi who are exemplary examples of Hivos' commitment to our community in pursuit of human rights for all.

 In the short-term, there's a more lot in-store:

• We will have a steering committee deliver a report on Governance issues for the network by October.
• In addition we will see the first consultation for young MSM, TG and HIV in Asia and the Pacific this September, where representatives from our next generation of leaders from Insular Southeast Asia will share their ideas for the future with their colleagues from the broader region.
• ISEAN aims to have another consultation of the full network before the end of the year, with the view of formalisation by ICAAP X in 2011.

Regardless of the Global Fund outcome this coming December, ISEAN and its members have a clear vision of what it can achieve.

We are confident that we will see better health and human rights outcomes for waria, mak nyah, pondans, ah kua, badings, baklas, gay men, bisexuals, other MSM and transgender people in our region in the near future.

Expect more news from us soon.

Cheers!

Laurindo

ISEAN Coordinator

Lessons from the front lines

MSM Groups Confront Hostility and HIV with Resolve and Creativity

New report from amfAR and MSMGF showcases lifesaving efforts of community-based groups to reach men who have sex with men (MSM) and demonstrates the impact that small programs are having on the global HIV epidemic among MSM.

With recent data showing rapidly escalating HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) in many countries around the world, community-based organizations are filling the gap in HIV prevention, education, and treatment services that governments and other large donors have been unable or unwilling to address, according to a new report from amfAR and the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF).

The report, “Lessons from the Front Lines: Effective Community-Led Responses to HIV and AIDS Among MSM and Transgender Populations,” will be released at the pre-conference event, Be Heard!, organized by the MSMGF in Vienna on Saturday, July 17, in advance of the 18th International AIDS Conference.

“The ways to address HIV among MSM are not a mystery,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We have hundreds of examples of small organizations that effectively and efficiently deliver prevention and treatment services.”

Read the complete article HERE.

Download the PDF of the report HERE.

[Posted by Paul Causey, MSM-Asia mailing list, 2010-07-18]

HIV and the RH bill debate in the Philippines

[Posted by Frits van Griensven, msm-asia, 22 November 2008.]

Rise in New HIV Cases in Philippines Stirs Debate on Reproductive Health Bill
[Nov 21, 2008]

In the face of increasing HIV cases in the Philippines, lawmakers are debating a reproductive health bill that could have a significant impact on reversing the upward trend in new cases through HIV prevention, care and support services, IRIN/PlusNews reports (IRIN/PlusNews, 11/19). The bill would increase HIV services in the country, as well as require government hospitals to include contraceptives in the supplies they purchase and make reproductive health education mandatory in schools (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 11/14).

According to a recent report from the Department of Health's National Epidemiology Center, 57 new HIV cases were recorded in September -- a 128% increase in the number of reported cases compared with the same period last year. Gerard Belimac, program manager of the National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program, said, "While the Philippines is still considered a low-incidence country, the epidemic level could come in three years," adding, "More and more people are resorting to risky behavior." Belimac said that although HIV has not reached epidemic levels in the country, UNAIDS has estimated that about 8,300 people are HIV-positive. He added that new HIV cases are primarily found in high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men. Ferchito Avelino, national coordinator of the Philippine National AIDS Council, said that although Filipinos may be aware of the risk of HIV/AIDS, such knowledge is not translating into behavior change. In addition, he said that misconceptions about the virus have created a false sense of security, adding that although the country has a relatively low number of HIV cases compared with other nations, "there is no room for complacency." Avelino also called for an aggressive HIV prevention campaign, noting that the median age bracket in which Filipinos first engage in sexual activity is becoming younger.

According to Belimac, it is crucial that the government approves the bill because HIV programs are achieving 30% coverage overall and only sex workers are fully covered by the programs. Belimac said, "In order to reverse the trend, we must have 80% coverage," adding that a "lack of political will" is the main obstacle to preventing HIV transmission. For example, he said most local governments do not have budgets for HIV intervention programs, which indicates lack of commitment. "HIV prevention takes a back seat and, with their limited funds for health services, the local government units are not entirely to blame; HIV prevention competes with other health services," Belimac said (IRIN/PlusNews, 11/19).

Catholic Bishops Introduce Version of Bill

In related news, Catholic bishops in the country are drafting their own version of the reproductive health bill because of the fact that it promotes the use of contraceptives and condoms, Reuters reports. The Rev. Melvin Castro of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life said that the bishops have been working with lawmakers to draft an alternative to the measure, given that they consider it unconstitutional and an infringement on the religious beliefs of Filipinos. About 85% of the nearly 90 million people in the Philippines are Catholic. Castro said, "We would not allow a legislation that would allocate money from a majority of the taxpayers who are Catholics to be allocated to a program which is against their beliefs." According to Reuters, some bishops have threatened to refuse Holy Communion and other sacraments to politicians who support the bill (Reuters, 11/20).

Announcement: Project Equality

Dear friends,

Warm greetings!

For the last ten years, several initiatives have been launched to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights (LGBTs), among them a bill in Congress that seeks to penalize discrimination against Filipino LGBTs. Several campaigns have also been launched to mainstream issues surrounding the LGBT community and to mobilize popular support for LGBT rights.

Certain gains have been achieved through these initiatives, especially in the areas of media advocacy, public awareness, and short-term campaigns. However, the institutionalization of LGBT rights in public policy remains elusive: the Anti-Discrimination Bill is still languishing in Congress, and governmental institutions mandated to protect the human rights of all Filipinos continue to ignore cases of abuse and discrimination against Filipino LGBTs. While different LGBT and human rights organizations have made efforts to mainstream LGBT issues, the climate of stigma and hatred against LGBTs still persists.

A new momentum for LGBT rights is therefore needed, and fresh strategies must be employed to attain deeper gains for the LGBT community. This is the motivation behind Project Equality, an initiative of different LGBT activists and organizations to re-launch the campaign for LGBT rights and to broaden support for LGBT rights.

Project Equality hopes to re-energize the effort to pass the Anti-Discrimination Bill, and at the same time open up opportunities at the local level to introduce ordinances that protect equal rights for all Filipinos. It believes that achieving equality requires more than just one legislation, and shall therefore support other bills and policy proposals that seek to eliminate stigma, remove gender biases, and affirm human rights for all.

Project Equality recognizes that LGBT rights is also a question of political participation, and thus it seeks to mainstream LGBT rights and issues among political parties and voters, in the process helping transform elections and other political processes as platforms for the voiceless. It likewise aims to use legal instruments to achieve short-term remedies to cases of human rights violations against LGBTs and to obtain jurisprudence on major LGBT-related issues.

We hope you and your organization could take part in this new initiative. We wish to invite you to an interest meeting for Project Equality on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at 1 PM at the Conference Room of the Phaltra Building, 139 Matahimik St., U.P. Village, Diliman, Quezon City. We recognize that the struggle for equality would require the support of organizations inside and outside the LGBT community, therefore Project Equality is open to LGBT and non-LGBT individuals and organizations alike. Your participation would be tremendously important and welcome.

For inquiries on Project Equality and for confirmation, please don't hesitate to contact the undersigned (mobile: +639209059727, telefax: +6329316575, and email: jonasbagas@gmail.com) or Benjie Zabala (mobile: +639178960104, tel: +6324336933, or email: benjie.zabala@gmail.com).

Thank you very much!

On behalf of the secretariat

Jonas Bagas

Announcement: Documenting experiences workshop

[Sent to personal inbox, Madeleen Wegelin, 04 November 2008]

The Alliance Technical Support Hub (Manila) is pleased to invite someone of your organization to a workshop on writing skills for documentation of NGO experiences in HIV and AIDS in The Philippines.

Where and when

The workshop will be conducted in SEAMO INNOTECH convention centre located at Commonwealth Ave., Diliman Quezon City, Philippines. This centre is well equipped for workshops, it has guest rooms that are simple and comfortable. All participants will be staying overnight during the workshop in order to reduce travel time and to increase mutual learning and networking.

Dates are December 9-12.

Why do we have this workshop

In The Philippines, the HIV epidemic may be labeled as low prevalence, but is now categorized as hidden and growing. There are epidemics growing among the "most-at-risk-populations". The recent report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia recommends a focus of prevention programs on interventions that have been shown to work and that can reduce the maximum numbers of new infections. The Philippines as many countries in Asia face difficult public policy and legislative problems with regard to sex work, sexuality (including MSM, transgender, youth), and drug use. In addition, widespread poverty, and a general lack of access to effective health and welfare services by the poor and disadvantaged in both rural and urban areas, means that the challenges of developing targeted intervention programs, and ensuring coverage of vulnerable groups, are particularly acute. This also applies to HIV positive people, who need support not only to access care and treatment, but also for impact mitigation. There are community based organizations and NGOs in the country that have been able to carry out effective interventions, but these are rarely documented. If such interventions need to scale up, this documentation is necessary.

During the profiling visits to NGOs conducted by Alliance Technical Support Hub (Manila) staff in The Philippines and Indonesia, was indicated that lack of writing skills is a major obstacle for NGOs. They are not able to document the experiences in order to share and scale-up and it also reduces their ability to write proposals. Therefore for these NGOs writing skills is one of the Technical Support requirements that are their priority.

In holding this workshop, we will be able to start building up an inventory of good practices in The Philippines (and the University of the Philippines may be interested in doing a small publication on this).

For who is the workshop

The workshop is primarily aimed at staff of NGOs and CBOs, although staff of governmental or private organizations that serve the most at risk populations may also be participating if they have a successful program. Pre-condition is that the NGO/CBO has a project/program that is firmly established and has a positive outcome.

From such organization we select a staff on the basis of the following criteria:

• The participant has to be fully aware of all ins and outs of the project/program
• Ability to document the experiences in English (even if basic)
• Participant is likely to be involved in project and proposal writing in future

What are the objectives of the workshop:

• To enable the participants to write down and analyze their experience in a structured manner
• To have a draft document at the end of the workshop
• To exchange and learn from each others experience
• To use the documents for their own advocacy and proposal writing
• To use the documents to present an abstract in the ICAAP 2009

How are we going to conduct the workshop

The workshop will be facilitated by Leny Felix and Madeleen Wegelin of the Alliance Technical Support Hub (Manila). Both have a long term experience in conducting workshops and writeshops and have been working with NGOs on writing down their experiences and interventions before.

Each section (aim of the project, justification, context, planning process, implementation, resource requirements, monitoring, impact, challenges, lessons learnt) will be introduced by a facilitator and during a brainstorm we will make sure that every participant has a full understanding of why a section is necessary to be included and what items should be covered in the section. This is followed by breaking up in 5 groups of 4 participants in which each participant first has to tell the others what has happened in the project for the topic of this section. The others can ask for clarifications – this enables the writer to understand what has to be put on paper so outsiders understand. Then, each participant writes down the particular section in the workshop session, supported by the facilitators. For those that do not have a computer, these will be provided.

Participation fee

For all organizations belonging to or primarily working with the HIV positive community, a 100% grant is given by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance – this means the workshop is free for them. A number of other scholarships from the same source will be (partly) available for other organizations, depending on the financial capacity of their organization – this means that the workshop is free or partly free. We would advise interested NGOs to seek sponsorship for their attendance, especially those who need to travel from outside NCR. We will also endeavor to seek sponsorship for other sources.

The official fee for participation in the workshop is Php 15,710 per person and this covers training fee, accommodation, food, training kit, logistics etc. In addition, for participants coming from outside Manila, travel costs have to be added (this is not covered in this fee) and possibly two nights accommodation.

What to do next

If there is anyone in your organization that responds to the criteria and is interested to participate, please let me know and indicate if you have access to a sponsor. It would be good if you tell us what practice the person will be bringing to write down.

Announcement: Manila Pride 2008

[Posted by Bruce, lgbtactivist, 27 October 2008]

Dear Friends,

Rainbow Greetings!

Task Force Pride (TFP) would like to invite you and/or your group to participate in the 2008 Manila Pride March, which will happen in Malate on 6 December 2008, Saturday, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. On-site registration and assembly is from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Remedios Circle or you can pre-register your participation online.

Theme. This year's Pride March pays tribute to: our rights, our lives, our loves, our selves. Thus, we envision the 2008 Manila Pride March to be the most visually spectacular to date. We encourage you to put on your best fairytale and fantasy costume, design your float accordingly and help transform the streets of Malate into a bursting display of rainbow colors and pride. The March is open to all human rights- and equal rights-believing individuals regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Route. The route of this year's march is: Remedios Circle-Remedios Street-MH Del Pilar-Pedro Gil-Maria Orosa Street.

The march will be followed by the coronation of Miss Queen Philippines, the official Pride Queen of the 2008 Manila Pride March with a brief cultural program showcasing both LGBT and non-LGBT talents and culminate in a street party along Maria Orosa Street by the Orosa-Nakpil Courtyard.

Significance. The Pride March is known for its overwhelming attendance. It attracts thousands of participants and generates extensive local and international media attention.

This year's Pride March is particularly significant as it marks TFP's 10th year, coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR60) and the launch in Manila of the Yogyakarta Principles, an international declaration which affirms sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as fundamental human rights.

Please confirm your participation by contacting Bruce Amoroto, head of our Participation Committee at +63.916.282.6781 or via email. Sections in the March will be designated for unorganized LGBT in the Philippines, parents-families-friends of LGBTs, and international delegates. For interested international participants to the March, you may sign on HERE and at International Delegates 2008 Manila Pride March Facebook Group.

We hope that you will choose to make this year's Pride celebration a more festive, colorful and meaningful event with your participation.

Thank you.

Warmly,

Bruce

Announcement: GALANG screenings

[Posted by GALANG, tfpmanila, 23 October 2008]

GALANG Screenings at Mag:net's Cinekatipunan

As part of GALANG's (Gay and Lesbian Activist Network for Gender Equality Inc.) fundraising efforts for our community organizing and capacity-building activities, we are proud to be a part of Mag:net's Cinekatipunan on all Saturdays of November (except November 1). On November 8, 15, 22, and 29, GALANG will hold FREE SCREENINGS of foreign LGBT films, the specifics of which are to be determined by this online poll. While admission to the screenings is ABSOLUTELY FREE, we encourage our friends and supporters to give a minimum donation of P50 to support GALANG's work among grassroots LGBTs.

The list of movie choices is outlined below. Voting ends on October 30, 2008. The winning films will be announced on the site as well. The scheduling of the winning films will be at the organizers' discretion, but comments and requests will be taken into account.

Which movie would you like to watch on a GALANG @ Cinekatipunan screening?

Click here to take our Online Survey

---

CHOICE OF FILMS

D.E.B.S. (2004 film)

"Recruited by the U.S. government for their unique ability to lie, cheat and fight, Amy, Max, Janet and Dominique join an underground academy of secret agents known only as D.E.B.S. These crime fighting hotties set out to save the world and keep their lipstick perfectly applied while doing so. Now the girls must combine their skills for their most important mission- to capture vexing vixen Lucy Diamond, the deadliest criminal the world has ever known. When D.E.B.S. star player, Amy, falls for Lucy, chaos erupts and the D.E.B.S. loyalty is put to the test."

Winner of Berlin International Film Festival Reader Jury of the "Siegessäule" and Nominated for Black Movie Award in the Black Movie Awards.

Director: Angela Robinson
Writer (WGA): Angela Robinson
Release Date: 25 March 2005 (USA) more
Genre: Action | Comedy | Romance
Runtime: 91 min

Saving Face

"Saving Face starts like you might expect a Chinese-American lesbian romantic comedy to start: Young surgeon Wilhelmina (Michelle Krusiec, in her first starring role) has kept her sexual orientation secret from the conservative Chinese community of Flushing, NY--but when her mother (Joan Chen, The Last Emperor) becomes pregnant and is kicked out by her own parents, Wil suddenly has to juggle her mother's secrets with her own...which include her sparky new romance with Vivian (Lynn Chen), a ballet dancer and the daughter of Wil's boss. This bundle of intrigue and lust could motivate a wacky farce, but writer/director Alice Wu takes things a step further, delving into the characters' psyches and the complex social rules of their world while still crafting a strong plot and plenty of sly humor. Wu captures excellent performances from her entire cast, particularly Joan Chen, who gives perhaps her most multifaceted performance. A rich, rewarding, and delightful movie."

Director: Alice Wu
Writer (WGA): Alice Wu
Release Date: 9 September 2005 (Turkey)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Runtime: 91 min

Kissing Jessica Stein

Blessed by casual charm and sophisticated wit, Kissing Jessica Stein does for same-sex romance what Annie Hall did for straight neurotics. The influence of Woody Allen is keenly felt on this resourceful New York comedy (expanded from an off-Broadway play), especially when cowriter and costar Jennifer Westfeldt channels Diane Keaton's "la-di-da" nervousness as Jessica Stein, a romantically frustrated heterosexual copyeditor who impulsively answers a personal ad from a bisexual woman. Helen (cowriter Heather Juergensen) is as relaxed about lesbian love as Jessica is anxious, but they click as lovers, and so does the movie's delightful exploration of their budding relationship, which is further complicated by Jessica's yenta-like mother (Tovah Feldshuh) and a former boyfriend (Scott Cohen) who's now Jessica's boss. While acknowledging the serious repercussions of Jessica's bisexual flirtation, Kissing Jessica Stein takes its characters on a smart, compassionate journey of self-discovery that's as truthfully observant as it is gently entertaining. --Jeff Shannon

Director: Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
Writer (WGA): Heather Juergensen & Jennifer Westfeldt (written by)
Release Date: 21 June 2002 (UK)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Runtime: 97 min

The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love

This warm romantic comedy by newcomer Maria Maggenti is a gay coming-of-age story framed by Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Randy (Laurel Hillman) is a stoner, lesbian teenager who happens to be failing math and dating a married woman. One day, fellow student Evie (Nicole Parker) drives up to Randy's gas station in a Range Rover and flips her world upside down. Evie is privileged and popular. Randy is poor, impulsive, and according to the other students, a freak. Opposites attract when the two girls kick off their friendship in detention. The flirtation blossoms after Evie introduces tomboyish Randy to the joys of Whitman and opera. Randy returns the favor by acquainting the sheltered Evie with the problems and delights of mature, taboo love. There is a beautiful scene where the two consummate their courtship on Evie's birthday while Mom is out of town. The true test of their relationship occurs during the hilarious climax when angry families and friends chase the troubled girls into hiding. --Margaret Griffis

Director: Maria Maggenti
Writer (WGA): Maria Maggenti
Release Date: 16 June 1995 (USA)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Runtime: 94 min

Tipping the Velvet

"It's Pride and Prejudice with dirty bits." That's how screenwriter Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones' Diary), in an interview contained on this disc, describes his adaptation of Sarah Waters's acclaimed novel of lesbian love, betrayal, and redemption in Victorian England. This three-part BBC production chronicles with relish the story of Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling, the ravishing image of her mother, Diana Rigg), barely 18, and certain that life holds more for her than her oyster girl's existence. "You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to jelly," her sister promises. That someone surprisingly turns out to be "gay and bold" Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a music-hall entertainer, with whom Nan falls instantly, and swooningly, in love. Nan follows her to London, where, as a double act, they become the toast of London, until Kitty's "marriage of convenience" breaks up the act and Nan's heart. The outcast Nan, decked out in Victor/Victoria duds, becomes a streetwalker, and then "tart" to the aptly named Diana Leatherby (Anna Chancellor). This affair, too, comes to "a bad end" as a destitute Nan is deposited back on the streets, where she insinuates herself into the lives of Florence (Jodhi May), a social worker, and her socialist brother. Is Nan "too spoiled and stained for love?" Will she risk her blossoming relationship with Florence when Kitty inevitably returns to rekindle their affair? There is enough "backbiting and bitching" to fuel several seasons of The O.C. Nan's couplings, while tastefully done, do carry what Waters, in the co-interview with Davies, calls "a queer erotic charge." They are graphic by Cinemax standards, let alone the BBC. But the sterling writing and performances will captivate even the most sensitive viewers, making this groundbreaking miniseries, to quote one character, "a delightful evening... a rare treat." --Donald Liebenson

Director: Geoffrey Sax
Writer (WGA): Andrew Davies (screenplay), Sarah Waters (novel)
Release Date: 9 October 2002 (UK)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 177 min

AMNESIA - THE JAMES BRIGHTON ENIGMA

An American is found naked and amnesiac in a vacant parking lot in Montreal in 1998. He says his name is James Brighton, but the only thing he's sure of is that he's gay. What happened to this young American in search of freedom ? That's what Sylvie, a criminology student, tries to find out.

Director: Denis Langlois
Writer (WGA): Bertrand Lachance (writer) & Denis Langlois (writer)
Release Date: 2005
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 90 min

SECOND SKIN

Diego (Javier Bardem) is a doctor who has fallen in love with a married man with a son. Against the advice of his boss and best friend (Cecilia Roth), he continues his affair with Alberto (Jordi Molla). The consequences of this affair profoundly alter not only the two men's lives, but also that of Alberto's wife

Director: Darrell Roodt
Writer (WGA): John Lau (written by)
Release Date: 2000
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 95 min

A YEAR WITHOUT LOVE

Un Año Sin Amor is a densely layered, eloquent portrayal of Pablo, a lonely young writer and poet in Bueno Aires. He passes his time teaching French and is struggling to come to terms with his HIV-positive status. Desperate for affection, Pablo sets off on a quest for human interaction as he cruises the gay bars of Buenos Aires, places personal ads —"Take me as slave or master"—and haunts porn cinemas looking for that one last chance for "true love". And after each encounter, he religiously documents his search (for one year...). Pablo is perhaps looking in all the wrong places. Or is he? …. Pablo's life is transformed when he falls in with a group of men into leather and bondage. He falls in with a tough S&M crowd (the bondage scenes may be fairly graphic for the uninitiated). While tenderness may be lacking, he at least finds pleasure, proof that he's still alive. Relief from this highly unconventional and unexpected corner helps Pablo embrace a yet new way to deal with his disease. An extremely thoughtful, poignant yet challenging look at one gay man's approach to loneliness and HIV.

Director: Anahí Berneri
Writer (WGA): Anahí Berneri (writer) & Pablo Pérez (writer)
Release Date: 24 March 2005 (Argentina)
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 95 min

Come Undone

Come Undone is a beautifully observed portrait of the experiences of a young French homosexual. Eschewing both stereotypes and preaching, it's a wonderfully naturalistic film, superbly acted, shot with a feel for the seaside town where the action takes place, never melodramatic but often painfully real. If anything it's almost too realistic, as there's little in the way of conventional plot, just scenes from a life. But the absence of conventional dramatic tension counts for less than it might in a world so subtly drawn. 'Presque Rien' might not be the most exciting film ever made; but its simple humanism serves it well compared with the pre-conceived celebratory or bigoted viewpoints that often mar treatments of this theme. Worth a watch.

Director: Sébastien Lifshitz
Writer (WGA): Stéphane Bouquet (writer) & Sébastien Lifshitz (writer)
Release Date: 7 June 2000 (France)
Genre: Drama | Romance
Runtime: 100 min

Click here to vote for your Favorite Film!

Research agenda on HIV and AIDS

[Posted by Noemi Bayoneta-Leis, pinoyrh, 17 October 2008.]

Research Agenda 2005-2010
Priorities for Research on the AIDS Situation and Response in the Philippines

The development of the 4th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005-2010 (AMTP IV), as well as other significant gains in the area of monitoring and evaluation vis-à-vis the global and national response to AIDS, calls for an updated Research Agenda which is responsive to the changing information needs of the country. Hence, the Research Agenda 2005-2010: Priorities for Research on the AIDS Situation and Response in the Philippines was developed. It is intended to serve as a guide for policy makers, researchers, program planners and implementers, and other stakeholders in the National Response to AIDS.

The Research Agenda can also help to inform decision-makers with regard to the allocation of resources for research. Program planning and implementation which is informed by relevant research will ultimately benefit persons infected and affected by HIV, most-at-risk populations and vulnerable populations, as well as the general public. The Research Agenda is thus envisioned as a contribution toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, specifically Goal 6 which sets the following target: “To halt and reverse the spread of HIV by 2015.”

The Research Agenda 2005-2010 features a list of priority topics which intends to serve as a guide in the selection of research studies to be conducted. The research topics are grouped into four clusters, namely:

• The burden of illness
• The determinants of the spread of HIV
• The responses to HIV and AIDS
• Enhancing management systems

In addition to the list of priority topics, the Research Agenda 2005-2010 also includes a comprehensive compilation of research studies on HIV and AIDS undertaken from 2000 - 2007.

The topics included in the Research Agenda correspond to vital information needs of the country. Accurate and timely information on various aspects of the HIV situation and the response to AIDS need to be generated so that the country can move toward its goal of preventing the further spread of HIV infection and reducing the impact of the disease by 2010. Furthermore, there is a need to generate information so that the Philippines can prepare the necessary reports which are part of its commitments as a signatory to international agreements, such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS. These reports, which are to be submitted at designated intervals, measure the country’s progress in implementing an effective and appropriate response to AIDS.

E-copy of the Research Agenda may be requested from HAIN or may be downloaded HERE.

[PDF version of document can also be downloaded HERE.]

AIDS confab in the Philippines

[From personal e-mail, Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, 17 October 2008.]

NEWS RELEASE

On October 23 and 24 2008, the AIDS Society of the Philippines, Inc. (ASP) in partnership with DOH NASPCP, Global Funds Round 6 and PNAC, invite you to attend the 9th Philippine National Convention on AIDS at SEAMEO INNOTECH, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City. It is a biennial convention that gathers public health specialists, social scientists, clinicians, community health workers, academicians, government and non government agencies to discuss the various issues related to AIDS.

The objectives of the national convention are:

1. To provide updated and evidence-based information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of HIV
2. To present information about HIV prevention good practices from the different groups and target population
3. To provide a venue for the presentation, discussion and sharing of lessons learned about programs, activities and policies related to AIDS work
4. To improve understanding of factors contributing to the success or failure of programs/interventions, and
5. To provide information relevant to approaches that would overcome barriers to implementing, sustaining and scaling up effective responses and that would develop and strengthen effective strategies for local action.

This year’s theme “Take the Lead on HIV and AIDS” has been chosen to further scale up and sustain the gains of various HIV responses in our country. This is also an opportunity to draw up commitments from new key players of Philippine society to take action in their own respective localities.

A wide range of topics has been chosen by the conference organizers ranging from socio-behavioral, biomedical and HIV prevention, treatment care and support programs. It is expected that the Conference will serve as a venue for “learning exchange”. Knowledge, insights and skills obtained from the meeting are expected to be useful in the formulation and implementation of effective and sustainable local and community programs that will prevent the rise in HIV infection and caution the impact among those already affected by AIDS.

For more information about the convention, contact our project staff Mr Bong Yap and Boying Velasco at 376 2541 or 376 2542. Registration fees PHP 800.00

Manila LGBT pride rolls off

[Posted by Lunduyan ng Sining on ap-rainbow Yahoo! Group, 09 October 2008]

Do you remember your first pride march?

I do. I'm sure we all do. And if you haven't had the opportunity to participate in one yet, this year's the perfect time to do so.

This year's Pride March is a tribute to our rights, our lives, our loves and our selves. It's also the celebration of the 10 years of Filipino rainbow pride. It's a perfect 10 for the success of the past pride marches, and the anticipated one of this year's. Hence, the theme is A decade of dignity: our rights, our lives, our loves, our selves.

The Pride March is known for its overwhelming attendance. It attracts thousands of participants and generates extensive local and international media attention. This year's Pride March is also more particularly significant as it coincides with the celebration of the 60th year of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the launch in Manila of the Yogyakarta Principles (www.yogyakartaprinciples.org), an international declaration which affirms that sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as fundamental human rights.

But we can't do it without your help. Community member or supporter, we could all contribute to make this year's pride march a milestone for our country's history.

How you can help

There are a lot of ways to help. Right now, the Task Force Pride in the process of organizing and mobilizing the actual march. Tentatively slated for December 5 or 6, the actual march will be surrounded by a lot of activities and programs.

I, together with my friends from Lunduyan ng Sining am officially in charge of the program committee and so my first call is to find people who will:

• Perform – we are in need of program performers. Any act or talent you want to share is welcome! These will be for the pre-pride party (tentatively slated Nov. 29, 2008) and for the post-pride program (right after the pride march of December 5 or 6, 2008). If you feel you can bring it, contact Peach at 0917-5392742.

However, there are a lot of other ways you can help too:

• Volunteer – we are in need of volunteer committee members. If you think you can help in any which way possible, please drop us a line at tfpmanila@yahoo.com or tfpmanila@gmail.com.
• Help us gather funds – Task Force Pride has always been operating through the funds of generous donors and sponsors, as well as contributions of the participants. If you have contacts of rainbow-friendly individuals, companies, donors, sponsors, bars, etc., please let Dee know at divamanila@yahoo.com or 0918-2507470.
• Contribute – if you can contribute yourself, in terms of finances or even venue for us to hold our programs and briefings, let us know! Contact Dee at divamanila@yahoo.com or 0918-2507470.
• Participate in the march – If you need more information on how you, your organization, your friends or your family can participate in the march, contact Bruce at bruce.amoroto@gmail.com.
  
• Repost this call! Help us spread the love. Feel free to repost this entry onto your own blogs, or send it to your friends, officemates, etc.

How you can keep updated

While we are in the process of finalizing our website, you can keep yourself updated on what's going on by logging on to pridemanila.wordpress.com.

Thanks and we hope to see you at the march!

Supreme court allows change of name and gender

[Posted by Malu Marin on ap-rainbow Yahoo! Group, 20 September 2008]

27-year-old 'woman' convinces SC that she is 'male'

MANILA, Philippines - For proving that her body is manifesting natural occurring male characteristics, a 27-year-old woman was allowed by the Supreme Court to change her name and gender entries in her birth certificate.

The high court ruled that Jennifer Cagandahan has congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare condition that could cause early or "inappropriate" appearance of male characteristics and produces too much androgen, a male hormone, and involves intersex anatomy.

"Ultimately, we are of the view that where the person is biologically or naturally intersex, the determining factor in his gender classification would be what the individual, like respondent, having reached the age of majority, with good reason thinks of his/her sex," the Court said in its 13-page decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Leonardo Quisumbing.

"Respondent here thinks of himself as a male and considering that his body produces high levels of male hormones (androgen) there is preponderant biological support for considering him as being male," the Court added.

Concurring in the ruling were Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, Dante Tinga, Presbiterio Velasco Jr. and Arturo Brion.

Court records showed that on December 11, 2003, Cagandahan filed a petition for correction of entries in birth certificate before the RTC, as to her name from "Jennifer" to "Jeff," and gender from female to male.

In her petition, she alleged that she was born on January 13, 1981 and was registered as a female in her certificate of birth, but while growing up, she developed secondary male characteristics and was diagnosed to have CAH, a condition where persons afflicted possess both male and female characteristics.

The SC ruling also denied the petition for review filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, representing the Republic of the Philippines, questioning the January 12, 2005 decision of a regional trial court of Siniloan, Laguna that allowed Cagandahan to correct the name and gender entries in her birth certificate.

The trial court likewise ordered that Cagandahan's school records, voter's registry, baptismal certificate and other pertinent records amended to conform with the corrected data after acknowledging that she has CAH.

The SC, in its decision, pointed out that in the 20th century, medicine adopted the term "intersexuality" to apply to human beings who cannot be classified as either male or female, or a state of a gonochoristic species whose sex chromosomes, genitalia and secondary sex characteristics are determined to be neither exclusively male or female.

"In deciding this case, we consider the compassionate calls for recognition of various degrees of intersex as variations which should not be subject to outright denial," the Court ruled.

The high court further said that while the current state of Philippine statutes apparently compels that a person be classified either as a male or as a female, it is not controlled by mere appearances "when nature itself fundamentally negates such rigid classification." - GMANews.TV

Low prevalence Philippines has increasing cases

[Posted by Chitoism on nakakalibog Yahoo! Group, 26 August 2008]

DOH Acts To Prevent Full Blown AIDS Epidemic

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Health (DoH) is undertaking measures to prevent what Secretary Francisco Duque III said might be a "full-blown epidemic" of HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome), as he acknowledged an increase in cases despite the Philippines' being a "low prevalence" country.

"Although the Philippines remains to be a low prevalence country, it should not be a reason to be complacent as statistics and trends show that the number of those infected are on the rise," Duque said at the opening Tuesday of the three-day Regional Consultative Meeting on Universal Access to HIV Prevention and AIDS Treatment, Care and Support in Low Prevalence Countries, which the country is hosting at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

The second conference of its kind, the event gathers delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Timor Leste.

UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) describes "low prevalence countries" as those with less than one percent of the general population infected with the HIV virus.

Duque said the average rate of recording HIV-positive patients shot up to 29 cases monthly in 2007 from the 20 cases a month recorded in previous years.

Some 3,305 HIV cases have been reported in the country since 1984, 793 of which are full-blown AIDS cases.

Of the 793 afflicted with AIDS, 310 have died, the DoH said.

Sexual intercourse remains to be the leading mode of transmission in the country, it added.

The DoH reported that transmission of the virus through heterosexual contact dropped from 193 cases in 2006 to 139 cases in 2007. Transmission through homosexual (81 cases in 2006 to 107 cases in 2007) and bisexual (26 cases in 2006 to 74 in 2007) contact, on the other hand, has increased.

The age groups with the most number of cases are 25- to 29-years-old (21 percent), 30- to 34-years-ld (21 percent), and the 35- to 39-years-old (17 percent).

The statistics have prompted the DoH to launch campaigns that focus on the "governance, prevention, treatment, care and support" aspects of the HIV/AIDS issue said Duque.

Local health systems in the country are being "strengthened" by training health service workers and procuring basic equipment for social hygiene clinics all over the country, Duque said.

Thirty-nine local government units have set up HIV/AIDS responses in their communities with 100% condom use campaigns, established of 32 public voluntary counseling centers, and are coordinating with religious organizations.

The DoH has also established 11 treatment centers all over the country where some 336 HIV/AIDS patients are receiving free anti-retroviral treatments.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) has approved health benefits for HIV/AIDS patients.

Community-based training in care, support and treatment for both patients and their families has also been established in some communities, the DoH said.

All these projects are in accordance with recommendation in the AIDS Commission Report that even low prevalence countries should focus their attention on prevention and making affordable treatment available to HIV/AIDS patients.

Second Baguio LGBT Pride Parade

http://profiles.friendster.com/baguiopridenetwork

The Second BAGUIO LGBT PRIDE PARADE:

• Lesbians for National Democracy (LESBOND)
• Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (PROGAY- Baguio)
• BIND
• Cordillera Womens Education, Action & Research Center (CWEARC)
• Gabriela Women's Party
• Thunderbirds Association in the Cordillera & Suburbs, Inc. (TACSI)
• Gagamba Bar
• Baden Powell Inn
• Rumours
• Stargazer
• Samurai Male Entertainment Bar
• Samurai Comedy Bar
• D' 4th Comedy Bar
• PhilHair
• SonyT Productions

The Baguio Pride Network is Baguio City's broadest network of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People and advocates.

Hosting this year's LGBT Pride Parade on July 20, 2008 at 8:30am.

Assembly point is at the Baguio Post Office.

For inquiries email at: baguiopride2008@yahoo.com

Fight for L.I.F.E.

USC Gender Committee UP Diliman’s statement on 40th anniversary of Humanae Vitae

The call from Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus Dosado to deny communion to "anti-life legislators" has been hitting the newspapers lately. This position is consistent with the "Stop D.E.A.T.H. (divorce, euthanasia, abortion, total reproductive health, and homosexuality) Campaign" of the Catholic Church for the 40th anniversary of the Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life) on July 25.

We are aghast at how some bishops and other religious leaders are using an antiquated 40 year-old encyclical (Humanae Vitae) in spreading disinformation on the reproductive health bills and the anti-discrimination bill filed in Congress. The bishops choose to demonize these bills and look for bogeymen that are not at all present: abortion in the Reproductive Health Bills and same-sex marriage in the Anti-Discrimination Bill.

In the Catholic community, bishops are supposed to be the symbol of truth and morality, yet they propagate blatant lies and have yet again threatened the policymakers as well as the general public with "excommunication" if they do not agree with their stand. This makes us wonder: What are the real reasons for the Church's antagonism towards these bills?

We do not see the logic in the Catholic Church's opposition to reproductive health, particularly to its ten elements: 1. Family Planning, 2. Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition, 3. Prevention and Management of Abortion Complications, 4. Prevention and Treatment of Reproductive Tract Infections/ Sexually Transmitted Infections/ HIV/AIDS, 5. Education and Counseling on Sexuality and Sexual Health, 6. Breast and Reproductive Tract Cancers and Other Gynecological Conditions, 7. Men's Reproductive Health, 8. Adolescent Reproductive Health, 9. Ending Violence Against Women, and 10. Prevention and Treatment of Infertility and Sexual Disorder. These are geared for the betterment of the people and country.

We expect our national government to prioritize the needs of the Filipino people. The country's bleak situation is made even worse by the government's refusal to promote the provision of reproductive health care services to the people. The Philippines has committed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 in eradicating extreme poverty, which includes promoting gender equality, reduction of child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV & AIDS—a commitment reiterated by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) during the 2005 World Summit in New York. This is nothing but mere hypocritical grandstanding done at the expense of the lives of our women and children. The stance GMA has taken on the issue of family planning or birth control—that of a devout Catholic—turns out to be politically motivated. She is siding with the bishops because there is no political advantage to be gained in doing otherwise.

The arrogance of some Catholic Church leaders and GMA herself has made them blind to the plight of the masses whose suffering is further aggravated by the current food and economic crises. This plight has been brought about by a confluence of factors, including a lack of access to reproductive health care services. The bishops' attempts to block the bills' passage through political blackmail—dangling the Holy Eucharist in the faces of supportive legislators—hit only the poor women, children, and families who are at the losing end of the deal. This makes us think: What now is the greater sin?

We do not believe in the viability of the "Stop D.E.A.T.H." campaign of the Catholic Church, because it is neither scientific nor mass-oriented. To this, we answer: "Fight for L.I.F.E. (good Leadership, Inclusiveness, Freedom of choice, and Equality for all)."

Aside from curtailing people's access to reproductive health information and services, we believe that the "Stop D.E.A.T.H" campaign of the Catholic Church will only open the floodgates to hate crimes against the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) community, reproductive health advocates, and ordinary citizens who believe that choosing what is good for them is a basic right.

We therefore beseech the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to stop their political blackmail and for the national government to do their avowed task of creating policies that respond to the real needs of the people. We cannot afford to merely oppose measures and not offer real, practical, humane, and responsive solutions, not when millions of lives are at stake.

We have lost confidence in GMA long before this issue, with her dirty record of political maneuvering. Time and again, she has shown that the interest of the ordinary Filipinos does not matter to her.

No to "Stop D.E.A.T.H."!
Fight for L.I.F.E.!
No to hypocrisy!
Oust Gloria!