Whats to expect on Dec5, Manila Pride March Day

Whats to expect on Dec5, Manila Pride March Day:

Hello all! Just sending you some notes on the 2009 Manila Pride March from Task Force Pride (TFP) Philippines.

PRIDE MARCH

1. What is a Pride March?
Pride Marches worldwide celebrate the courage, solidarity, resilience and contribution of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer people. The Pride March is a collective action of the LGBT community to express its concern over human rights issues affecting the community, including homophobia and discrimination.

2. What is going to happen?
On December 5:
3pm - Registration/Walk-in (Remedios Circle)
5pm - Parade/March (Down Remedios St., Right Roxas Blvd., Right Pedro Gil Ave., Right Taft Ave., Right Nakpil St., Orosa – End)
7 pm- Candle lighting ceremony / Program / Pageant / Party

3. What if it rains?
We will march rain or shine. Be a girl/boy scout. Just be prepared and bring a colorful umbrella.

4. Why should I be part of the PRIDE MARCH?
It feels great to be out and proud to be surrounded by those who believe in the same causes. Taking to the street is a buzz. Once you’re part of a Pride March, you’ll be hooked on this special experience. It gives you a chance to be part of the LGBT community's action to promote freedom and human rights. It gives you a chance to care and help fellow LGBTs who are discriminated and abused."

5. Do I have to pay anything to march?
There is no registration fee. However, if people are able, we do suggest a donation of Php 50 for individuals; Php 200 for not-for-profit organizations; and Php 500 for for-profit organizations. Proceeds will be used to defraying the expenses used to organize the pride march.

Participants

1. If my org doesn't attend any preparation meetings can I and/or my organization still march?
Yes. Just show up at 3 pm at Remedios Circle and check-in at the registration booth.

2. Who can join the pride march?
Everyone can join the pride march including but not limited to the following:
- Individuals without organizations (you will be marching underreme the banner of Task Force Pride or join any group)
- Both LGBT and non-LGBT Organizations
- Parents, Friends and Pets
- LGBT individuals and non-LGBT individuals

3. Can I bring my friends?
Yes bring as many as you like.

4. Do I have to be out to march?
No. You may bring a mask or disguise as needed to take part of activities

Preparation

1. Is the color coordination a requirement? Why do we need colors?
Clothing Color coordination is only a guideline (not a policy) to show some level of organization and consistency of groups. You as an organization or individual can actually come as you are to march.

This is optional but for the TEAM PILIPINAS Delegation, our color is purple/violet. Feel free to wear or bring anything purple or violet.

2. What do we need to bring to the march?
Bring comfortable clothes for walking, candles for the candle light ceremony, placards, sound makers, lights, water and a whole lot of pride and voice!

Please note that TEAM PILIPINAS is bringing a long rainbow flag. Anyone from the TEAM PILIPINAS Delegation can carry the flag however, if you want your names mentioned and listed as the Official TEAM PILIPINAS Rainbow Flag Bearers for 2009, please contact http://www.facebook.com/l/aa133;teampilipinas.org@gmail.com for more details.

Maraming salamat mga kapatid!

Bruce Amoroto
President-Coordinator, TEAM PILIPINAS

xx

International Training on LGBT and Human Rights, Stockholm

International Training on LGBT and Human Rights

Stockholm, Sweden, October 26-November 13, 2009, Africa region June 14-18, 2010, and Asia region May 31-June 4, 2010

In 2009/2010, RFSL together with RFSU (The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education) is organising an international training programme on LGBT and human rights with funding from Sida (The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). This will be the third year a training programme in this format will be organised. The 2009/2010 training programme is divided into into two sections, with participants from Africa participating in one of the sections and participants from Asia participating in the other.The closing dates to apply for this year's course is April 3 (Asia section) and April 17 (Africa section).

The training programme will include topics such as:

• Sexualities, Norms and Genders
• Human Rights and Protection for LGBT Persons
• Supporting LGBT in Practice

Requested qualifications are:

• A minimum of three years workinge experience in either LGBT or Human Rights' field.
• Academic degree in social sciences, law, public health or related fields of study.

In 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, persons from the following countries participated: Bangladesh, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.

Chika at the International LGBT and Human Rights workshop in Stockholm

Chika and Zelal found each other in Stockholm! I met these beautiful women at a Sexuality Rights workshop at Himachal Pradesh in India. We have maintained friendships since.



Hooray to my dear friend Chika Noya for being awarded the fellowship of to attend the International Training on LGBT and Human Rights that is currently being held at Stockholm! I'm sure she will do a wonderful job at the workshop!

Chika has been working for the The Kartini Network for Women/Gender Studies in Asia for years and has been involved in working with LGBT rights in Indonesia. Apart from this, she is also an active organizer for the Queer Film Festival in Indonesia. QFF is also doing an amazing job in using innovative means to engage people to talk about important LGBT issues in Indonesia.