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/

2012 - A New Life for the New Year

There's this illusion that homosexuals have sex and heterosexuals fall in love.
That's completely untrue. Everybody wants to be loved.
~Boy George

The New Year. 2012 - A new life for me, having been home for the last two months from my adventures in Manila. For the past 6 years, Manila has been home to me. Now, I’m back to where I was born- the place where I belong... or do I?

My father, I and some childhood friends were outside our neighbor’s house for a "drinking session". Everything started out well and as the night came to its height, my father decided to go home, having me stay behind. After some time, I could hear my father shouting at my mom and I, being the eldest, went inside to check what was going on.

When I reached home, I told my father to have his rest - after all, he was already drunk. He then started yelling at me, telling me I was bullying him. Being innocent of the charge, I asked him how. He then shouted at me telling me not to question him, and being drunk myself, I courageously but calmly told him that he said something and I didn't understand him that was why I asked him to repeat what he said. He burst once again, and told me to live on my own and to leave the house. He said he saw me holding hands with a guy, who was my childhood friend, and he just couldn't accept it. I calmly told him again if there was anything wrong with me being gay. He just mumbled. Though I was drunk, I was able to withhold myself from speaking ill words at him - he is still my father. Though deep down, I was really hurt having my own father somewhat "disown" me and have me leave our own abode.

I then packed my things that night but my mom asked me to just go the next day and she would talk to my father when he’s sober. I heeded. Early the next day, I went to work as usual, bringing most of my things with me. The day went by. My mom and I met near my workplace and asked her how everything was; she disappointedly told me that when my father woke up, he began saying ill-words to my younger brother, who is also gay, and told him to leave the house as well. My heart just bled and was filled with disappointment. I guess there is no hope of him having a change of outlook towards gay people.

I am now pondering. Why is it that my father hates gay people so much? Why is it that his homophobia resulted to us, his children, being thrown away from home? Is it because he cannot accept that both us are gay? Is he so afraid of what people might think knowing that we are not straight? Is it because he wants to protect the family name? These questions will remain unanswered so long as his closed-mind stay closed.

In spite of this New Year incident, I am still blessed perhaps. My experiences in Manila with my fellow LGBT activists made me strong. I never lost myself as I am armed with the knowledge that I am a human being and I have rights to be respected. I have been conditioned to respect myself despite of my sexual orientation and gender identity. I have been taught to stand for my rights. I learned to accept myself for who I am. I am who I am.

This experience has led me to think and go deeper into the battle I am facing - the battle faced by most LGBT people – to be respected, accepted, and loved by our families and the society. I am blessed indeed, for I was prepared in facing such. What's bothering me now is, what about those LGBT people who do not know their rights? What about those LGBT children who are too young to defend their gender identity? What about those LGBT students who get bullied at school? What about those LGBT's who are stared upon or being shamed while going to work? Are they prepared to face such discrimination from the society? Do they just shun away and remain silent? Or do they just choose to repress themselves so that the society would accept them?

The New Year! I am back to where I came from. I am back to the place where I was born. I am back to fight a battle in opening the minds of people so that I, and the rest of the LGBT people here in Negros, will be accepted and can shout with pride: We belong!