Aiming to push for a “safe space” for the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) Community, the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) recently partnered with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and the LGBTQIA+ members to gather insights on creating an inclusive physical and cultural space for everyone.
Among the inspiring speakers was transwoman Amber Quiban of the UP Babaylan, who shared her vision of a safe society where members of the LGBTQIA+ Community do not need to explain themselves anymore.
“One day, hindi na natin kailangang ipaliwanag na, ‘Ay transwoman ako.’ Kasi tanggap na tayo in the same way we were accepted thousands of years ago,” Quiban maintained.
Dubbed Umpukan sa Nayon, the roundtable discussion held at the National Library of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila aimed to become an avenue for the foundation to gather insights on gender sensitivity while also raising awareness of our complex history with the LGBTQIA+ Community; a meaningful event serving as a guide in creating the Nayong Pilipino Cultural and Creative Hub in the Entertainment City in Parañaque while tackling gender-sensitive designs like gender-equal comfort rooms, and a space showcasing the work of LGBTQIA+ artists, among others.
Nayong Pilipino wants safe place for LGBTQIA+ members
During the event, speakers noted the country’s long history involving LGBTQIA+ members.
“Many of you might now know that long before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, the country had a long history as far as the LGBTQIA+ community is concerned. The intention of this “Umpukan” is to also shed light on pre-colonial practices within Indigenous Filipino Communities that involve members of the LGBTQIA+,” NPF Deputy Executive Director Dr. Jovertlee C. Pudan said, highlighting pre-colonial practices within Indigenous Filipino Communities that involved members of the LGBTQIA+.
“The NPF aspires to not only be a green space but also a safe and inclusive space for everyone from all walks of life, regardless of gender and sexual orientation,” Pudan added.
Also present during the discussion were assistant professor of History from the University of the Philippines Dondy Ramos, trainer for gender sensitivity Alvin Cloyd Dakis, and Philippine Normal University Katalonan’s Daniele Guevarra.
Ramos talked about the roles of the LGBTQIA+ community during the pre-Hispanic period, noting that local men dressed up in women’s apparel and acted like women long before the Spaniards came and were called “Babaylan”, “Catalonan”, among others, and were respected leaders and figures of authority.
Guevarra then pointed out, “Ang mga babaylan ay may pinanghahawakan na significant role sa pre-colonial era. Bakit noon accepted ang LGBTQIA+ community, bakit ngayon may reservations?”
Meanwhile, Dakis 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.
“The only way for you to know the pronoun that they use or their preferred name is to ask them with respect,” he said.
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