Featured Judge: Giney Villar

During an online correspondence with the secretariat, Giney answers a few questions for us.

1.  How did you get into LGBT activism?

I wanted to write a book, hopefully with other lesbians about the lesbian experience in the Philippines. This was in 1990. Sometime [in] 1991-2, I met Pia Arboleda who managed a feminist bookstore run by WICCA (writers involved in creating cultural alternatives- a feminist writers group) who then introduced me to two more women, namely Lorna Israel and Aida F. Santos, who said [they] might be interested about this "personal" book project.

I was then invited to join a small group of lesbian-feminists that was just beginning to form a collective. The small group eventually became known as The Lesbian Collective (TLC) and our first 'official' act was to join the International Women's Day March in 1992.  From there, my feminist-lesbian education continued through engagement with various feminist groups and other LGBT groups locally and internationally. 

Photo taken by Ria Regino for Clash of the Toque-en Ones 2010

2.  Why do you think it's important to recognize people who have contributed to the Filipino LGBT community?

I think it is important to give recognition/ thanks to people who contribute  to the welfare of LGBTs who have to live with discrimination and homophobia every day of their lives. For LGBT activists, both 'formal' and organic, it is heartening to know that there are people who continue to provide support in their respective fields without any expectations. 

3.Who inspires you and how are you like them?

Young LGBTs with the enthusiasm they show. I wish they would learn from what we have done, learn from such experiences and do better to propel the 'fight' forward. I am inspired by LGBTs who come out everyday and contribute to our common visibility in various fields because that shows our diversity to hopefully break stereotypes and open opportunities and spaces for other LGBTs. 

I am inspired by LGBTs who show that our sexuality is only, albeit major, part of our personhood and that we do not, and should not be made to survive in this country by having to make that our only career.  

I am a bit of all these people. Fight the good fight with all your rainbow heart. 

The LGBT Giting Awards aims to gather our community's most inspiring stories in relation to the Yogyakarta Principles, as well as give formal recognition to LGBT Filipinos and LGBT allies who have made contributions to the community.

The open call for nominations ends on midnight of October 9, 2011.

Presenting the Award Logo

Created by MJ Yap

Update: Judging Panel

The secretariat would like to announce that Rica Paras, Vice Chair of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) will be replacing Naomi Fontanos in the Giting Awards' judging panel. Naomi takes credit for contributing to the development of the awards' mechanics and nomination packages, as well as the award name.

To get to know the new judge, the secretariat sat down with Rica Paras for a short chat.

1. How did you get into LGBT activism?

I was looking for a support group and the support we give leads to activism to find long term solution to address our issues. I love LGBT, and since Activism protects this community, I do it out of love.

2. Why do you think it's important to recognize people who have contributed to the Filipino LGBT community?

To inspire. Growing up, I was looking for a role model to emulate and I struggled though that. I survived though but we should assist the next generation to have a clear direction.

3.Who inspires you and how are you like them?

I do not have anybody in particular but anybody I meet who believes in human rights and makes an effort to protect it inspires me.

Rica joins Perci Cendana (National Youth Commission), Eric Manalastas (UP Diliman's Psychology Department) Malu Marin (Action for Health Initiatives) and Giney Villar (Adarna Food and Culture) in the Giting Awards' judging panel.

The open call for nominations ends on October 1, 2011.

*Image taken with permission from http://pinaytg.blogspot.com

Download the Nomination Package

The Nomination Package contains the award description, mechanics and nomination forms. It was developed by the LeAP! working committee and the award's judging panel.

Click on the links below  to be redirected to the download page for the corresponding version of the nomination package.

Nomination Package (English)

Nomination Package (Filipino)

To report broken links, kindly contact the secretariat.

Giting Awards Secretariat

 Camille Rivera
Giting Awards Secretariat and LeAP! Member
0906-2077126



 Ira Briones
Giting Awards Secretariat and LeAP! Officer
0927-9505053




 MJ Yap
Giting Awards Secretariat and LeAP! Officer
0917-5272170

Eligibility

Nominees must be Filipino citizens.


Nominees may be of any sexual orientation or gender identity.


Nominees should have manifested exemplary behavior in advancing Filipino LGBT rights and welfare.

Nominees' work must have impact in the any of the following areas: economics, politics, the sociocultural domain, health, arts, education and spirituality.


Nominees' work must have had tangible impact within the last five years.


Nominees may or may not be affiliated with any LGBT/LGBT-friendly organization or institution. Nominees should not have been convicted and is not currently being indicted with any heinous crime.

Members, incorporators, volunteers and partner groups of Lesbian Activism Project, Inc. (LeAP!) in this project (Giting Awards) are not eligible for nomination and are not allowed to submit nominations.

Call for Nominations

The Yogyakarta Principles (YYP) were developed by a group of human rights experts in 2006 at Yogyakarta, Indonesia. These principles are an application of human rights law with a special focus on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). The YYP reminds nation states of their obligation to fulfill human rights, as well as serve as a guideline in responding to gender issues.

The LGBT Giting Awards aims to gather our community's most inspiring stories in relation to the Yogyakarta Principles, both big and small, but of equal importance, and present them to the community. We are opening a call and encouraging all members of the community to nominate individuals who qualify as LGBT heroes. While the award celebrate the YYP, its application or advocacy need not be explicit in the actual work of the nominees, nor will they be mandated to include it in their work upon awarding.

The mission is to:

a. Acknowledge inspiring contributions to LGBT rights and welfare in the Philippines

b. Mainstream the Yogyakarta Principles

c. Introduce individuals who have done inspiring work to the Filipino LGBT community

Adversity can bring out the best in people. Having faced discrimination, indifference and hostility on many levels, the Filipino LGBT community is home to countless inspiring and strong individuals. And the heroism shown by these people ranges from small, day-to-day acts to collective efforts toward acceptance and equality.

This program is part of the Human Rights LGBT Festival organized by Lesbian Activism Project, Inc. in partnership with The Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands.