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Message from the Executive Director

Happy Pride Month!

This month has always been a busy month for many LGBTQIA+ organizations considering the flux of activities that take place during the period. A lot of organizing take place ranging from panels, receptions, exhibitions, and pride marches.

On a positive side, we can see that more actors from both the private sector, governments, and broader civil society celebrate with LGBTQIA+ communities through a variety of organized events. In addition, we can see more spaces being created and transformed to empower LGBTQIA+ communities. But the concentration of Pride within June can be problematic. As we keep on saying fora long time, Pride goes beyond a single month and must be actualized 365 days a year

Pride is community building.

Since the early days of activism ignited by the spirit of the Stonewall Riots, we witnessed more and more community-based LGBTQIA+ organizations rising up, and exercising their civil and political rights. All the work that our fellow LGBTQIA+ groups do are vital yet our work, our organizations remain underfunded.

LOVELABAN: Pride PH Festival 2023 makes history with 110,000 contingents

LOVELABAN: Pride PH Festival 2023 made history with a crowd estimate of 110,000, making it the biggest Pride event in Southeast Asia to date. LOVELABAN 2023 was held last June 24, 2023 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Philippines.

ASC’s Executive Director Ryan Silverio delivered the opening remarks.

LOVELABAN 2023 was organized by Pride PH together with the Government of Quezon City. Pride PH is a national coalition of LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations championing human rights, inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Pride PH is the widest national Pride network of Philippine LGBTQIA+ organizations and individuals. ASC also serves as part of the Steering Committee and is one of the founding organizations of Pride PH.

Solidarity Message from Human Rights Organizations to the Pride March and Festival in Makati City

Watch ASC’s Nica Dumlao deliver a powerful collective solidarity statement from Human Rights organizations at the Metro Manila Pride March and Festival themed TAYO ang KULAYAAN! Samo’t saring Lakas, Sama-sama ang Landas (Eng. We are the colorful future! Various forces moving toward the same path) held on June 24, 2023 at the Circuit Events Grounds, Makati City, Philippines.

The statement was co-delivered with AR Arcon, National Chairperson of LakanBini Advocates Pilipinas, Inc. The stage was shared with representatives of human rights organizations from the Philippines.

Advancing Rights for All Persons Regardless of Sexual and Gender Identity

ASC’s Lini Zurlia discusses the state of human rights advocacy in the SEA countries, heteronormativism as a colonial legacy, as well as modern policy gains in the advancement of human rights for all in her piece featured in the Global Asia. 

ASEAN ADVOCACY WEEK

(July 21-27, 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia)

What is the ASEAN Advocacy Week (AAW)?

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS EXTENDED until July 7th!

We extended the deadline, folks! Keep them coming!

THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT:

Bahaghari Production's documentary film entitled "TRANSforming Life"

Step into the classroom of a transgender teacher and join her in her journey of discovery, empowerment, and advocacy in creating inclusive and safe spaces.

This inspiring documentary captures the transformative power of education as a trans educator breaks down barriers, challenges societal norms, and fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment for all. 

We hope you had a fantastic Pride Month!