Mga Diwata, Pamahiin At Ang Mga Anyito (ng mga sinaunang tao sa Pilipinas)

Nais kong ibahagi ang isang artikulo na isinulat ni Padre Chirino(1595-1602) sa kanyang “journal” na pinangalanang “Relacion de las Islas Filipinas” at isinalin sa Ingles nina Frederic W. Morrision ng Harvard University at ni Emma Blair, na bahagi ng aking pananaliksik. Ito ay hinggil sa mga sinaunang tao sa Pilipinas (Ang panulat ay naaayon sa paningin (point of view) ng isang prayle. Ating tandaan na ang pamamaraan ng panulat ng isang tao ay naapektuhan ng kanyang paniniwala, kultura, at nakasanayan).

ANG MGA AWIT ng mga Pilipino ang naglalaman ng lahat ng kanilang pamahalaan at pagsamba, mga awit na natutunan nilang maigi nuong bata pa mula sa mga magulang at matatanda habang naglalayag o nagbubukid. Inawit din kapag sila ay nagkasayahan, nagdiriwang at lalo na kapag sila ay nagluksa sa patay.

Walang silbi ang kanilang mga isinulat tungkol sa pamahalaan at pagsamba sapagkat hindi nila kailan man ginamit ang kanilang pagsulat maliban sa mga liham tungkol sa anu-anong paksa. Una kong sasabihin ang paniwala nila na banal (divino, divine) ang kanilang mga ‘dios.’ Sunod kong susuriin ang kanilang mga ‘pari,’ babae at lalak. Panghuli, ilalarawan ko ang kanilang ‘misa,’ ang pag-alay (ofrenda, sacrifice)nila sa mga espiritu, at ang kanilang mga pamahiin (superstitions).

Sa kanilang mga awit, isinasalaysay ang kahindik-hindik na natamo ng kanilang mga ‘dios’ at ang mga pinagmulan at ugnayan ng mga ito. May isang ‘dios’ na itinangi nila bilang panguna at pinaka sa lahat, ang tinawag ng mga Tagalog na ‘Bathala mei capal’ (Bathalang Maykapal) na ang ibig sabihin ay ‘Dios na lumikha sa lahat.’ Ang tawag ng mga Bisaya ay ‘Laon,’ o ang Pinakamatanda.

Ang mga awit ay tungkol sa paglikha sa daigdig, ang pinagmulan ng mga tao, ang malaking baha (deluvio, deluge), kaluwalhatian (cielo, paradise), parusa (infierno, hell) at iba’t iba pang kababalaghan. Sari-sari ang ulat nila, minsan sa isang paraan, kung minsan, kaiba.

Mayroong isang ulat na ang unang lalaki at unang babae ay nagmula sa kawayan na nabiyak. Pagkatapos nito, malabo na ang usap nila tungkol sa pag-asawa ng dalawa, tinawag na ‘magkabiyak,’ dahil sa mahigpit na bawal sa kanila na mag-asawa ang magkapatid, o magkamag-anak na malapit. Sinabing nuong una lamang pinayagan upang dumami ang mga tao.

Naniniwala ang mga Pilipino sa ‘kabilang buhay’ (la otra vida, the afterlife) at kinikilala nila ang mga hindi nakikitang mga diuata (diwata, espiritus, spirits). Takot na takot sila sa multo at masasamang kaluluwa (demonios, devils) na nagpaparusa sa mga tao. Sinasamba nila ang kanilang mga ninuno, lalo na ang mga magiting na nagkamit ng karangalan nuong buhay pa. Karaniwan na pagkamatay ng ama, ihahayag ng anak na may pagkabanal ang kanyang magulang. Pati ang mga matanda ay may paniwala na ang kanilang mga nagawa sa buhay ay mahalaga at takda ng langit (divino, destiny), at sila ay magiging banal pagkamatay.

Halimbawa: Sa tabi ng dagat, sa pagitan ng Dulag at Abuyog, sa pulo ng Leyte, isang matandang lalaki ang nag-utos na ilibing siya sa isang hiwalay na kubo, malayo sa anumang baranggay, upang makita siya agad ng mga naglalayag sa dagat at sambahin bilang diwata at humingi ng patnubay mula sa kanya.

May isa pang matandang lalaki na nagpalibing sa pinili niyang puok sa bundok-bundok ng Antipolo. Bilang paggalang, walang nagtanim o nangahas sa puok na iyon mula nuon, sa takot na mamamatay.

Bilang alaala ng mga namatay, nagtatangi sila ng maliliit na estatwa, tinawag nilang ‘larauan’ (larawan, idolo, image), gawa sa bato, kahoy, buto o ipin ng buaya, ang iba ay ginto. Kapag nagigipit sila, humihingi sila ng tulong mula sa mga larawan, nag-aalay pa ng mga handog at pagkain.

Sinasamba rin nila ang mga hayop at ibon, ang araw at ang buwan. Banal din ang turing nila sa ‘bahag-hari’ (arco, rainbow). Ang mga Tagalog ay sumasamba sa ‘Tigmamanukin,’ isang ibong bughaw (pajaro azul, fairy bluebird) na tinawag din nilang ‘Bathala’ dahil paniwala nilang ito ay ‘dios.’ Pati ang uwak (cuervo, crow) ay sinamba nila, tinawag na ‘Mei lupa’ (Maylupa) na ang ibig sabihin ay ‘panginoon ng bukid.’

Nagpipitagan sila sa buaya at tuwing makita nila ay tinatawag na ‘nono,’ na ang ibig sabihin ay ninuno (ancestor). Binubulungan nila na huwag silang salangin, at inaalayan pa nila ng bahagi ng anumang nahuli nilang isda, hinahagis sa tubig.

Banal ang tingin nila sa mga matandang punong kahoy, at kasalanan ang pumutol nito sa anumang dahilan. Sinasamba rin nila ang malalaking bato o batuhan sa dagat (coral), mga bangin at gulod na nakausli sa ilog o dagat. Nag-aalay sila tuwing daraan sa mga ito. May isang malaking bato sa ilog ng Manila (Pasig River ang tawag ngayon) na nilagyan nila ng mga handog sa loob ng maraming taon. Sa dalampasigan ng hilagang Panay, malapit sa baranggay ng Potol, sa gulod na tinawag nilang Siroan (Silungan) at tinawag naming Nasso, marami ang nag-iwan ng mga pinggan at palayok (ng pagkain), alay ng mga nagdaraang naglalayag.

Ngayon, ang usli ng Potol (Potol Point) ay nasa hilaga ng Panay, malapit sa Boracay, samantalang ang usli ng Naso (Naso Point) ay nasa timog, sa kabilang dulo ng Panay.

Sa Mindanao, sa pagitan ng La Canela at ng ilog ng Mindanao, may isang mataas na bangin na nakausli sa tabi ng dagat. Laging malakas ang agos ng dagat duon, at mapanganib ang lumihis pabalik.

Upang maligtas sa panganib tuwing nagdadaan duon, nag-aalay ang mga katutubo (natives) ng palaso (arrow), ipinapana sa bangin dahil masyadong matarik para akyatin. Sinunog ng mga Espanyol ang mga palasong nakatarak sa bangin, subalit nakita ko mismo na wala pang isang taon, mahigit 4,000 palaso na ang nakatarak uli duon.

Sabi sa Blair & Robertson, malamang ito ang tinawag ngayong Cape San Agustin, sa silangang timog (southeast) ng Mindanao. Laging malakas ang agos ng dagat palagpas sa Sarangani Strait. Subalit ang tinawag na La Canela, o kinukunan ng kanela (cinnamon) ng mga Espanyol ay ang kanlurang baybayin (western coast) ng Mindanao, malapit sa Zamboanga, at isang dahilan nagtatag sila ng kuta (fuerza, fort) duon. Malakas din ang agos ng dagat duon, kaya tinawag ng Taosug ang mga sarili na ‘tao ng usog’ o agos.

Mayroon pa silang sanlibong pamahiin. Masamang pahiwatig (omen) kapag nakakita ng ahas o bubuli (lizard), o may humatsing (sneeze) palabas ng bahay o naglalakbay. Kaya umuuwi sila o bumabalik sa pinanggalingan.

Wala silang mga simbahan o mga araw ng pangilin (Domingos, Sundays) na pinagdiriwang ng lahat (fiestas, holidays). Nuon lamang pagpunta ko sa Taytay nalaman na sa maraming bahay, mayroong isa pang maliit na kubong gawa sa kawayan, parang torre (tower) ang hugis, binabagtas mula sa bahay ng maigsing tulay na kawayan din. Iniimbak nila duon ang mga gamit nila sa paggawa ng damit o banig upang matakpan ang tunay na ginagawa sa kubo. Ito ang dambana (altar) ng kanilang mga ninuno, maaari ring nagpapahinga duon ang mga kaluluwa habang lumalayon.

Natagpuan ko sa maliliit na baranggay sa Visaya (Pintados), may isang munting bahay - bubong lamang at sahig, walang mga dinding - sa bukana o pasukan ng baranggay. Dito itinatanghal ang pag-alay nila. Karaniwan, hindi sila nagtatayo ng simbahan o bahay pangsamba. Hindi rin sila nagsisimba nang takdang palagian, gaya ng bawat Linggo. Hindi rin sila nagmi-‘misa’ sa ngalan ng buong baranggay. Sari-sarili ang pag-alay nila, karaniwan sa bahay o sa puok na pinili ng nag-alay. Subalit sama-sama sila sa pagpili kung sinu-sino ang tatawaging ‘pari,’ babae man o lalaki. Maraming napagpipilian at iba’t iba ang mga tuntunin nila.

Sa Mindanao, marami akong nakitang mga bahay na may munting tanghalan (plataformas, platforms), magandang gawa sa kawayan. Duon nakalagay ang maliliit na estatwa ng mga anyito, pangit na ukit sa kahoy. Sa harap ng mga estatwa, bilang parangal, may mga palayok ng umuusok na baga, binudburan ng pabango.

Mayroon silang mga ‘pari,’ babae at lalaki, na tinawag ng mga Tagalog na catalonan (mula sa ‘katalo’ o ‘kausap’), at ng mga Bisaya na babailan. Unahan sila sa galing manawagan sa mga diwata pagkatapos mag-aral mula sa kaibigan o kamag-anak na catalonan o babaylan. Karaniwang pamana ng magulang, mahalaga ang tungkuling ito dahil iginagalang sila ng lahat. At kapag may nais manawagan sa mga diwata, binibigyan sila ng handog bilang parangal - ginto, tela atbp - dagdag pa ang malaking bahagi ng anumang alay ng nanawagan - baboy, manok, pagkain. Kaya malaki ang kita ng mga ‘pari,’ laging nakadamit ng maganda at maraming alahas at sari-saring palamuti (adornos, ornaments).

Hindi sa simbahan, karaniwang sa bahay ng nanawagan itinatanghal ang pag-alay ng baboy o manok, pinapatay habang nagsasayaw ang mga ‘pari’ at tumutugtog ng mga gong (batintin, bells) at mga gimbal (tambors, drums) ang mga kasama (musicos, musicians). Habang nagsasayaw, pinapasok ng diwata (demonio, devil) ang katawan ng catalonan o babaylan. Animo’y nababaliw siya, kumikisay at pangiwi-ngiwi habang patuloy nagsasayaw hanggang nahimatay.

Pagkatapos nila ihahayag ang sinabi ng diwata o anyito. Saka sila kakain at iinom ng alak, kasalo ang mga panauhin (umaabot ng 200 kung minsan) ng nanawagan, hanggang mabusog lahat at malasing, pati na ang mga catalonan o babaylan.

Sa Mindanao, mayroon 4 pang uri ng pag-alay. Ang ‘paghuaga’ ay pagpatay o pag-alay ng buhay ng isang tao, gawa ng mga Bagobo lamang. Ang pag-alay ng baboy ay tinawag na ‘pagbalilig,’ ang sa manok ay ‘pagtalibong.’ Ang pinakamagaang ay ang pag-alay ng kanin, tinawag na ‘pagcayag.’

Ang mga ‘baylana’ ang pumapatay sa hayop, sinasaksak sa puso o lalamunan ng ‘balarao’ o tusok, tapos sinisipsip ang dugo mula sa sugat. Nagsasayaw sila paligid sa alay, nginig nang nginig at ngiwi nang ngiwi habang inaawit:

Miminsad miminsad si Mansilatan
Upud si Badla nga maga-dayao nang dunia
Baylan managun-sayao,
Baylan managun-ligid.

Papanaog papanaog si Mansilatan
Tapos si Badla na magpapagaling sa daigdig
Hayaang magsayaw ang Baylan
Hayaang lumigid ang Baylan

Will descend will descend Mansilatan
Afterward Badla, (they) will give health to the earth
Let the Baylanas dance,
Let the Baylanas dance about

- Pablo Pastells, SJ, 1901

 
(Padre Chirino (1595-1602) "Relacion de las Islas Filipinas"
translaterd by Frederic Morrison and Emma Blair)

Ref: http://www.elaput.com/pinsmain.htm

An Act of Vandalism

Before the Dumaguete Pride March in December 2011, Michael from Ladlad NOrSU (Negros Oriental State University) posted some pictures in his facebook account. I was not only offended by it, but I felt like my whole being was being stepped on.  The pictures showed how some people vandalized the LADLAD Partylist logo which was painted on their (NOrSU) school wall. Being a Ladlad member and an LGBT rights advocate, I felt humiliated and my dignity ripped off of me.  I just couldn’t believe how people could do such things.

The Ladlad NOrSU Guild vandalized by some "homophobes" putting "Social Pests" and "AIDS Carrier" 

So in response to the vandals’ message, I am writing this blog. I have scribbled some notes before as to my thoughts about the said vandalism, and I found the time just now to finally put it in this blog.

We are not AIDS carriers.... Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, is prone to this disease if we continue to have risky behaviors. It is sad to know that the general public even some people in the government, think it is the homosexuals who carry this sickness. They have associated the word “Homosexuality” with HIV/ AIDS, and blame the gays for spreading it. Well, just a piece of reminder:  Whether heterosexual or homosexual, this disease can be acquired by everyone who is not cautious of their sexual activities. Young or old, poor or rich, may be infected with HIV/AIDS so long as they remain uneducated about it and continue being promiscuous. And mind them, not all people living with HIV/AIDS got this infection through sexual intercourse and not all of them are gay. So to the vandals: educate yourselves first before giving a conclusion. Your act just shows how ignorant and stupid you are.

We are not Social pests... If people would just notice, we are more productive than the heterosexuals, as we can do what males and females do, altogether. There are members of the community who are renowned artists, famous  fashion designers, and prominent public servants. There are also ordinary LGBTs who, because of their hard work and proficiency, were able to lift their families from poverty. We can be as productive as they are and become more efficient than they, only if, we are not discriminated against and given the chance to prove our worth.  And my message to the vandals: We in the LGBT community contribute to the progress of this country. How about you guys? Got nothing to do so you are targeting the minorities? Or you are just unemployed parasites who hide your insecurities by vandalizing other people’s properties?

To the “straight” people, remember: We are not just gays/queers/lesbians/transgender/bisexuals… we are people. As human beings, we are also entitled with rights equal to your rights. Our sexual orientation and gender identity may not be confirmative with the norms of the society still; it doesn’t make us less humans.  We do believe that as you guys yearn for respect, so do we.

And to the LGBT community: Let’s not just be passive and silent to the abuses some people are doing. Let’s not just be satisfied and contented with the stigma the society has tagged us. As individuals and as a people, we need to move, act, and shout for our rights. However, if we just remain quiet and get used to what some people are doing to us, then it is like saying that we are indeed less like them. Our rights as LGBT people will not be realized unless we ourselves understand them and decide within ourselves that yes, we have to fight for them.

Is Homosexuality REALLY Accepted in the Philippines?



Image from : http://upbabaylan.blogspot.com/2011/06/proud-to-be-lgbt.html

Every time I watch TV shows, I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of entertainers are gay people. Whether they are discreet or not, people enjoy watching them onstage. They make the entire show more interesting to watch and worth finishing till the end. There are also times when I see gay people being with their “straight” boyfriends, looking happy together. They go out on dates, go shopping, and do what “heterosexual” couples do. Having such, many people say homosexuality is already accepted in the country. Does this mean the end of discrimination against the LGBT people? Or it is not what it really seems? Do people think homosexuals are merely a subject of fun and entertainment, an object to be laughed at? Do they they see us as a people whom they can extort money and have us as financial institutions? Worst yet, do they think our lives are worthless - bring misfortune to the community so we deserve to be maltreated and killed?


The Philippines have long been closed to homosexuals. Being a “Christian” country, the mainstream religions abhor homosexuality. The moment one gay guy comes out of the closet, he is then subjected to criticisms, rumors, and judgment. The words “hell”, “sin”, “immoral”, and “perverted nature” are his breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. So what does the gay guy do? Cloak himself in jokes, makes fun of himself, and does things which people can enjoy so that he would feel accepted. Is he really accepted? No. For people, he is just an entertainer – accepted for the things he does but not for who he is.

There are on the other hand, gay people who just don’t care what people say. They live their lives on how they want to live it. They go out on streets at night wearing their short shorts and heavy make-up looking for hook-ups, roam the community in bunches making loud noises. When people see them, they are mocked and in return, they fight back – shout obscene words at the mocker and do gestures which are quite unacceptable in the society. Others still, fight with each other. One gay guy accused of stealing another gay guy’s boyfriend, one gay beauty contestant destroying another gay contestant’s gown – worst part: they argue, hurt each other and exchange swear words on national television. So much for the word called “respect”. So to people, gay guys are nothing but people to be laughed upon – dressing up like clowns, fighting for petty issues, and living their lives with apathy.

Sometimes still, in order to fulfill the need to belong, gay guys tend to be blinded by people. There are those opportunists who ask them for money or for things in return of having them kept as companies. The gay guys in return, heed to all the demands of those parasites blinding themselves of the truth that they are just being used. They not only spend a lot of money for their so called “buddies” but they have become instant ATM’s and shopping malls as well.

News of Filipino LGBT's killed is also widespread. Police say that most cases were ordinary cases of robbery or theft. Why then, did those people get multiple stab wounds more than enough to kill them? Why was it that in some cases, nothing was stolen - only the life of the victims? Each day, LGBT people are reported dead or hurt or bullied. As a democratic country, where freedom of expression is valued, we have repressed people from coming out of the closet and expressing who they really are. We have stolen their right to freely express themselves and stepped on them when they had the courage to do so.

Now that the TV is turned off, I am now in a deep state of pondering. Are gay people REALLY accepted in the Philippines and are treated with respect and dignity? Has the Filipino society really changed its attitude towards the LGBT? Has it really changed or has it remained the same: Gay people are nothing but jokes?

Indeed, it is sad that in order for us to be accepted by the society, we have to do things to please them. May the Filipino society realize that we, the LGBT community are not less humans, and we are like them. We love, we get hurt, we cry, we go hungry. We may have a different sexual orientation and gender identity, nonetheless, we are still human.

On the other hand, may we, members of the LGBT community also show that we are people with rights and dignity and should be treated with respect. May we show the society that in spite of our gender orientation and identity, we are esteemed human beings and are not jokes. We are who were are. Let’s live our lives maintaining our dignity and being proud of who or what we are.

LGBT People: We Need to Act Now!

Speak NOW or forver hold your peace...

“What would you do? …if you were thrown out of your house as a kid? …if you were beaten up in school and your teachers did nothing? …if you were fired from your job? …if you were banned from serving in our military? …if a landlord refused to rent to you? …if a doctor refused to treat you? …if you could not marry the person you love? …if your kids were taken away from you? …if the government denied... 1,100 benefits to you and your spouse, but not to other couples? …if the government deported your spouse? …if the hospital prevented you from saying good-bye as your partner lay dying alone? Welcome To Our Lives. We are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans.” 

 ~The Dallas Principles

The things mentioned above had already happened in the West. There is no doubt that these things will also happen in the Philippines. Some of it have already happened. I, for one, was kicked out from my house because my father couldn't accept that I am gay. I know students who were bullied not by their schoolmates, but by their teachers because of their sexual orientation. I have heard news and stories about people in the LGBT Community being killed because they were perceived as queers - weak, other than other motives behind. I have seen people who were shamed and looked down simply because they dress according to their gender identity. Sad to say, we are a people whom the general public give less value.

If we continue on being silent, then am pretty sure the rest of those things mentioned above will likely to happen. If we do not stand up against the prejudices, the bullying, the acts of discrimination against us and the community to which we are members, then expect that our great great great grandchildren will experience worse than what we have experienced. If we tolerate people shaming us, looking down on us, and stepping on to our dignity, then we'd die hiding, ashamed, undignified.

We are a people. Like those who call themselves straight, we are like them. We breathe the same air, need the same sun, walk on the same ground. We eat like they do. We get hurt like they do. We experience happiness, sadness, grief and pain like everyone does. We are entitled to rights which every human being is entitled to enjoy.Yet, we are still considered different.

Are we to wait for the worst to come before we act? Are we going to allow the discrimination against our community to continue? Are we just going to hide in the closet, afraid to tell the world who we really are? Are we just going to keep silent knowing the fact that people die because the public see them as different? Are we just going to sit in a corner and wait until bad things happen to us or to someone we know?

We need to act now. Now is the right time. If not, when?

Our lives as LGBT people will not be easy unless we work together and stand for our rights. We have to show the world that our time has come. We have to step out of the closet and shout to the world that we are proud of who we are and won't tolerate indignation.

We are who we are. We are a people.

The Yogyakarta Principles: An Overview

Preamble

 The Preamble acknowledges human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, establishes the relevant legal framework, and provides definitions of key terms.

  

Rights to Universal Enjoyment of Human Rights, Non-Discrimination and Recognition before the Law

 Principles 1 to 3 set out the principles of the universality of human rights and their application to all persons without discrimination, as well as the right of all people to recognition before the law.

Example:

Laws criminalizing homosexuality violate the international right to non-discrimination (decision of the UN Human Rights Committee).

Rights to Human and Personal Security

Principles 4 to 11 address fundamental rights to life, freedom from violence and torture, privacy, access to justice and freedom from arbitrary detention.

 

Examples:

· The death penalty continues to be applied for consensual adult sexual activity between persons of the same sex, despite UN resolutions emphasizing that the death penalty may not be imposed for “sexual relations between consenting adults.”

· Eleven men were arrested in a gay bar and held in custody for over a year. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that the men were detained in violation of international law, noting with concern that “one of the prisoners died as a result of his arbitrary detention”.

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Principles 12 to 18 set out the importance of non-discrimination in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including employment, accommodation, social security, education and health.

 

Examples:

· Lesbian and transgender women are at increased risk of discrimination, homelessness and violence (report of UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing).

· Girls who display same-sex affection face discrimination and expulsion from educational institutions (report of UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education).

· The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern about laws which “prohibit gender reassignment surgery for transsexuals or require intersex persons to undergo such surgery against their will”.

Rights to Expression, Opinion and Association

Principles 19 to 21 emphasize the importance of the freedom to express oneself, one’s identity and one’s sexuality, without State interference based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including the rights to participate peaceably in public assemblies and events and otherwise associate in community with others.

 Example:

· A peaceful gathering to promote equality on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity was banned by authorities, and participants were harassed and intimidated by police and extremist nationalists shouting slogans such as “Let’s get the fags” and “We’ll do to you what Hitler did with Jews” (report of the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia & related intolerance).

  

Freedom of Movement and Asylum

Principles 22 and 23 highlight the rights of persons to seek asylum from persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

 Example:

· Refugee protection should be accorded to persons facing a well-founded fear of persecution based on sexual orientation (Guidelines of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).
 

Rights of Participation in Cultural and Family Life

Principles 24 to 26 address the rights of persons to participate in family life, public affairs and the cultural life of their community, without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

Example:

· States have an obligation not to discriminate between different-sex and same-sex relationships in allocating partnership benefits such as survivors’ pensions (decision of the UN Human Rights Committee).

Rights of Human Rights Defenders

 Principle 27 recognizes the right to defend and promote human rights without discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the obligation of States to ensure the protection of human rights defenders working in these areas.

 

Example:

· Human rights defenders working on sexual orientation and gender identity issues in countries and regions around the world “have been threatened, had their houses and offices raided, they have been attacked, tortured, sexually abused, tormented by regular death threats and even killed. A major concern in this regard is an almost complete lack of seriousness with which such cases are treated by the concerned authorities.” (report of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders).

 

Rights of Redress and Accountability

Principles 28 and 29 affirm the importance of holding rights violators accountable, and ensuring appropriate redress for those who face rights violations.

 

Example:

· The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern about “impunity for crimes of violence against LGBT persons” and “the responsibility of the State to extend effective protection.” The High Commissioner notes that “excluding LGBT individuals from these protections clearly violates international human rights law as well as the common standards of humanity that define us all.”

  

Additional Recommendations

The Principles set out 16 additional recommendations to national human rights institutions, professional bodies, funders, NGOs, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN agencies, treaty bodies, Special Procedures, and others.

 Example:

· The Principles conclude by recognizing the responsibility of a range of actors to promote and protect human rights and to integrate these standards into their work. A joint statement delivered at the UN Human Rights Council by 54 States from four of the five UN regions on 1 December 2006, for example, urges the Human Rights Council to “pay due attention to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity” and commends the work of civil society in this area, and calls upon “all Special Procedures and treaty bodies to continue to integrate consideration of human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity within their relevant mandates.” As this statement recognizes, and the Yogyakarta Principles affirm, effective human rights protection truly is the responsibility of all.

http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles_en.htm

The Yogyakarta Principles: An Introduction

Q. What are the Yogyakarta Principles?

The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Principles affirm binding international legal standards with which all States must comply. They promise a different future where all people born free and equal in dignity and rights can fulfill that precious birthright.

Q. Why are they needed?

Human rights violations targeted toward persons because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity constitute an entrenched global pattern of serious concern. They include extra-judicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, sexual assault and rape, invasions of privacy, arbitrary detention, denial of employment and education opportunities, and serious discrimination in relation to the enjoyment of other human rights.

Key human rights mechanisms of the United Nations have affirmed States’ obligation to ensure effective protection of all persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the international response has been fragmented and inconsistent, creating the need for a consistent understanding of the comprehensive regime of international human rights law and its application to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Yogyakarta Principles do this.

Q. How did the Principles come about?

The Principles were developed and unanimously adopted by a distinguished group of human rights experts, from diverse regions and backgrounds, including judges, academics, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Procedures, members of treaty bodies, NGOs and others. The Rapporteur of the process, Professor Michael O’Flaherty, has made immense contributions to the drafting and revision of the Yogyakarta Principles.

A key event in the development of the Principles was an international seminar of many of these legal experts that took place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia at Gadjah Mada University from 6 to 9 November 2006. That seminar clarified the nature, scope and implementation of States’ human rights obligations in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity under existing human rights treaties and law.

Q. What do they cover?

The Yogyakarta Principles address the broad range of human rights standards and their application to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

These include extrajudicial executions, violence and torture, access to justice, privacy, non-discrimination, rights to freedom of expression and assembly, employment, health, education, immigration and refugee issues, public participation, and a variety of other rights.

Q. How can these rights be implemented?

The Principles affirm the primary obligation of States to implement human rights. Each Principle is accompanied by detailed recommendations to States. The Principles also emphasize, however, that all actors have responsibilities to promote and protect human rights. Additional recommendations are therefore addressed to the UN human rights system, national human rights institutions, the media, non-governmental organizations, and others.

http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles_en.htm

Are We Our Own Worst Enemy? The LGBT? At Times?

This is an excerpt from Joe Knudson's blog posted on January 30, 2012. I hate to admit it, but most of the things listed below are true, and as an activist myself, I've experienced such. Sometimes, it seemed like I was losing hope because of such attitude of people, especially those coming from the community which I also belong - the LGBT community. It is really sad to know sometimes that the people whom you are fighting for are the same people who criticize and pull you down.

Then again, even with such criticisms, I am always reminded that as an advocate of equal rights and freedom, I am a soldier. I already know what's ahead of me yet, I still continue to march towards the battle and fight for I believe is right and fair. Otherwise, I would be like those people who say they care and complain about everything but doing nothing.

"I am also PROUD of what I do and what I stand for. I have devoted the balance of my life to my advocacy work and know before long I will be instrumental in bringing about total equality for the LGBT worldwide, as well as eradicating homophobia from societies across the globe.
It may not happen in my lifetime, but at least I will know I gave it my best and hopefully paved the way for others to pick up where I left off. Do you want to be a part of that or do you just want to sit back and criticize me for my efforts, as some of you appear to enjoy doing?

SHOOT FOR THE STARS...true optimism is a blessing!
NOW, WHAT I AM NOT PROUD OF ARE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Those who criticize & sit there & don't do a damn thing...
2. Those who are supposed to be leaders, but won't put the LGBT above their own egos...
3. Those who say they weren't contacted, but were & just didn't want to get involved...
4. Those who spend more of their time soliciting donations rather than taking action...
5. Those who say they know you, but spread rumors of what they want others to think...
6. Those who want you to do it all for them, but they won't do anything for you...
7. Those who say their way is the only way, but yet never tried your way...
8. Those who said they support your efforts, but then you never hear from them again...
9. Those who give you a commitment, but then never follow through...
10. Those who quote you with what they wanted you to say, not what you said...
11. Those who lie to make themselves look better at your expense or that of the LGBT...
12. Those who don't give a damn & would do anything to make you as miserable as them..."

I've also added some:


13. Those who wish things would change around them but just sit in the corner waiting....
14. Those who say they can change the world on their own, but not taking the risk...
15. Those who say they know lots of things about this and that, but keep it for themselves...
16. Those who say they want respect, but do not respect others..

If we really want to be accepted by the society and gain their respect, we have to start among ourselves. Instead of criticizing a person's weakness, why not use our strength to fill that weakness up? Why stand alone when we can work together? Our community is already marginalized. Let us not make the society look down on us more. Who else would help us if we don't help one another?

In unity, there is strength. In strength, there is power. With power, we can change the world.



But before we change the world,  let's start with unity.

source: http://thegaylyblogger.blogspot.com/

8 Must-Read Moments of Hillary Clinton's Speech

By Lucas Grindley and Michelle Garcia

Tuesday's landmark speech from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined the United States' stance on an "invisible minority" in many countries, as she put it — LGBT and gender-varyiant people. Here are  the eight key points made during her address on global gay rights to United Nations member countries.

1. On the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

It proclaims a simple, powerful idea: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. And with the declaration, it was made clear that rights are not conferred by government; they are the birthright of all people. It does not matter what country we live in, who our leaders are, or even who we are. Because we are human, we therefore have rights. And because we have rights, governments are bound to protect them.

2. On the Status of LGBT Rights in the U.S.

I speak about this subject knowing that my own country's record on human rights for gay people is far from perfect. Until 2003, it was still a crime in parts of our country. Many LGBT Americans have endured violence and harassment in their own lives, and for some, including many young people, bullying and exclusion are daily experiences. So we, like all nations, have more work to do to protect human rights at home.

3. Why Do Countries Need to Distinguish Gay Rights?

Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; but, in fact, they are one and the same. Now, of course, 60 years ago, the governments that drafted and passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were not thinking about how it applied to the LGBT community. They also weren’t thinking about how it applied to indigenous people or children or people with disabilities or other marginalized groups. Yet in the past 60 years, we have come to recognize that members of these groups are entitled to the full measure of dignity and rights, because, like all people, they share a common humanity.

This recognition did not occur all at once. It evolved over time. And as it did, we understood that we were honoring rights that people always had, rather than creating new or special rights for them. Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights. 

4. What Are Violations of Gay Rights?

- When a person is beaten or killed because of their sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to cultural norms about how men and women should look or behave

- When governments declare it illegal to be gay, or allow those who harm gay people to go unpunished

 - When lesbian or transgendered women are subjected to so-called corrective rape, or forcibly subjected to hormone treatments

 - When people are murdered after public calls for violence toward gays, or when they are forced to flee their nations and seek asylum in other lands to save their lives. 

- When lifesaving care is withheld from people because they are gay, or equal access to justice is denied to people because they are gay, or public spaces are out of bounds to people because they are gay.

5. On Arcane Views on Homosexuality

Some seem to believe it is a Western phenomenon, and therefore people outside the West have grounds to reject it. Well, in reality, gay people are born into and belong to every society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths; they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes; and whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality. 

6. On Religious Doctrine and Gay Acceptance 

It bears noting that rarely are cultural and religious traditions and teachings actually in conflict with the protection of human rights. Indeed, our religion and our culture are sources of compassion and inspiration toward our fellow human beings. It was not only those who’ve justified slavery who leaned on religion, it was also those who sought to abolish it. And let us keep in mind that our commitments to protect the freedom of religion and to defend the dignity of LGBT people emanate from a common source. For many of us, religious belief and practice is a vital source of meaning and identity, and fundamental to who we are as people. And likewise, for most of us, the bonds of love and family that we forge are also vital sources of meaning and identity. And caring for others is an expression of what it means to be fully human.

7. How Laws Push Progress

In many places, including my own country, legal protections have preceded, not followed, broader recognition of rights. Laws have a teaching effect. Laws that discriminate validate other kinds of discrimination. Laws that require equal protections reinforce the moral imperative of equality. And practically speaking, it is often the case that laws must change before fears about change dissipate.

8. Clinton's Message to Gays Around the World

And finally, to LGBT men and women worldwide, let me say this: Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life, whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone. People around the globe are working hard to support you and to bring an end to the injustices and dangers you face. That is certainly true for my country. And you have an ally in the United States of America and you have millions of friends among the American people. 

"And finally, to LGBT men and women worldwide, let me say this: Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life, whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone. People around the globe are working hard to support you and to bring an end to the injustices and dangers you face. "