Promoting Free Expression on May 17 in the Philippines

The LGBT student group EU Bahaghari is organising a number of actions to commemorate and promote IDAHOT and this year’s focus on Freedom of Expression.

EU Bahaghari, a Student Organization in Lucena City, is currently organising several actions for May 17.

• Creating Joint statement from Other Student Organizations for the support of equal rights for LGBT people
• Launching a “Pride Pedestrian Lane” in Lucena City
• Gender Empowerment discussion and film screening

EU Bahaghari also created an infografic in cooperation with the IDAHO Committee that asks people and organisations around the world to submit support statements and to join this year’s IDAHOT Actions:

IDAHOT – Free Expression
Recognizing May 17 as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the EU Bahaghari invites organization to speak up on LGBT rights through Free Expression.
The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (“IDAHOT”) was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media, and the public at large to promote a world of tolerance, respect and freedom regardless of people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. IDAHOT is now celebrated in more than 120 countries across the globe in varied ways and expressions.
While we celebrate the advancements that countries worldwide have made in recognizing the rights of LGBT people, We are disrupted by the continued frequency of incidents concerning LGBT persons being harassed, humiliated, or denied entry to organizations on the basis of their appearance and identity.
We believe that every person deserves a chance to pursue happiness and live a life without discrimination, judgement and violence. We envision a future where a people are treated equally, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
In recognition of the progress made and the challenges ahead, the EU Bahaghari invites organizations to submit support statement for the celebration of IDAHO (posters, infographics, pictures, postcards, videos, etc) themed as “LGBT Rights are Human Rights” and “I am a Free Expression Zone” to create awareness of LGBT rights and the particular realities of young LGBT people, all submissions will be featured on Bahaghari and IDAHOT website, International IDAHOT social media campaign and during the Bahaghari exhibit on May 17, 2014.
Statements can be sent on eubahaghari@gmail.com with subject line “Support Statement for IDAHOT 2014” no later than May 10, 2014. Please include name, organization, residency, email address and contact number.
Connect with us:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eubahaghari
Email Address: eubahaghari@gmail.com
Wordpress: eubahaghari.wordpress.com