Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) — The Nayong Pilipino Foundation has collaborated with the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisequal, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) community, and the National Library of the Philippines to gather insights on gender equality.
The move eyes to create safer physical and cultural space inclusive for everyone.
“Umpukan,” described as a forum to discuss gender sensitivity and the complex history of the LGBTQIA community, is set to provide an avenue to discuss matters necessary to acheive an open-minded culture, and to push for a progressive, dynamic community welcoming LGBTQIA members in today’s society.
“Umpukan sa Nayon,” meanwhile, aims to get feedback and consider ideas from stakeholders for the purpose of creating a 9.5-hectare park in Paranaque City.
These ideas embrace gender-sensitive designs like gender-equal comfort rooms, a space showcasing the work of LGBTQIA artists, as well as rules and regulations for the proper treatment of LGBTQIA individuals, among others.
Jovertlee Pudan, Deputy Executive Director II of Nayong Pilipino Foundation, said this is the first time they’re partnering with the National Library and the LGBTQIA community as they initiate gender-equal heritage programs.
He noted that the basic foundation in such undertaking is to nurture an open-minded culture among Nayong Pilipino employees.
“Sa [In] Nayong Pilipino, we have the Cultural Leadership Institute. Currently, may mga programs po kami [we have the programs] … makanayon, makabayan, makabansa. And we can create even on our side another course maybe,” Pudan emphasized. “Doon po muna namin sisimulan sa Nayong Pilipino i-run na employee… Kami muna dapat alam namin bago po namin maibigay sa iba [We will start running it to Nayong Pilipino employees, We should know it first before sharing it with others.].”
Meanwhile, Edgardo Quiros, assistant director of the National Library, said they have started doing research to archive Philippine history and literature with LGBTQIA contexts even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said there is a need to look into the terminologies used in the past because these are different from those currently being used.
“Sa library, gumagawa tayo ng tinatawag na index terms para magamit sa pag-catalog, pag-index ng mga dokumento, libro at maiugnay siya sa search o paghahanap na ginagawa ng mga researchers,” he said, adding that through their efforts on cataloging, it would be easier to find LGBTQIA concepts through local history and literature.
[Translation: In the library, we make what we call index terms for cataloging, indexing of documents, books and connect these to the search that researchers do.]
The forum also highlighted the importance and the role of LGBTQIA in Philippine society.
Dondy Ramos, assistant professor of History from the University of the Philippines, emphasized the need for a solid Gender and Development Committee that will craft the necessary agenda. He also noted the need to keep the conversation going beyond the Pride Month of June.
“One Day, hindi na natin kailangang ipaliwanag na ay trans woman ako… kasi tanggap na tayo [we do not have to explain that I’m a transwoman because we are already accepted] in the same way we were accepted thousands of years ago,” said Amber Quiban, a transgender woman from Cordilleras and a UP Diliman student.
Meanwhile, Alvin Cloyd Dakis, a trainer for gender sensitivity, explained that a culture of acceptance will not be achieved if we don’t ask the involved persons and accommodate how they want to be addressed.
Student Daniele Guevarra also pointed out that the society should not tolerate foul jokes that degrade members of LGBTQIA.
