#FreePride20

[beameized]

26 years from Pride Revolution 1994: Police arrests Queer Filipino Protesters

While not as wildly known as Stonewall, Pride Revolution 1994 or Stonewall Manila is the first ever Pride March in Asia and the Philippines. It happened in June 26, 1994, exactly 26 years from now.

On this historic date, Queer Filipinos decided it was high time to protest against the many injustices against the Filipinos. While of course, the forefront advocacies of the Filipinos are present like Marriage and Gender Equality. More timely issues are also included in the protest of these queer Filipinos are #FreeMassTesting, #JunkTerrorBill, and #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut. It had been a peaceful protests, with social distancing practices... Until the police arrived, that is. 

On this same day when Queer Filipinos recall an important step taken by those who fought for equality before us, the police captured over 20 Filipinos in the Pride Protest saying that they have allegedly violated quarantine protocols but when asked to state which violations, the police could not answer. They also took their car keys and hijacked the protesters’ vehicles. They are saying a protester attacked the police by spraying something on one of their faces but the video footage of the whole event shows otherwise. (Links provided in reblog as tumblr messes up post visibility when they include links)

This has been a stark contrast to high-profile individuals who are on the same side as the current administration who violated quarantine protocols. The police did not come knocking on their doorsteps and were even provided leeway by the administration, calling their actions “A honest mistake”, “not a party but a mañanita” and “tempering the rigor of the law with compassion”. (These include a covid-positve senator who went strolling in a hospital, not because he was sick, but because he insisted on being there for his pregnant wife; the deputy OOWA Administrator who stole pictures of private companies providing PPEs and said it was from the Philippine Government and also gathered over 300 Filipinos for an event and the chief of police who had a birthday party amidst the quarantine.)

The Philippine Executive Branch keep amassing debt that has now 8.6 Trillion Pesos (172B USD) but continue to say we lack the funds to perform mass testing. Instead of aiding the medical sector, the executive branch opted for a militaristic approach that has not only harmed but also took the lives of Filipinos. The lack of competence of the executive has led to the rise of dissenters. Instead of heading the calls of the Filipinos to focus and help the medical sector (in its iconic #SolusyongMedikalHindiAksyongMilitar which translates to Medical Solutions Not Militant Actions) red-tagging of dissenters as “terrorist” had become the norm.

To further grasp the control of the Filipinos, the Terror Bill was concocted by the Philippine Legislative, a bill that allowed the Police and the Executive branch to arrest people “under suspicion of being a terrorist” which frankly, allows the police more power with red-tagging peaceful dissenters as dangerous terrorists.

To make matters worse, they have started the Jeepney Phaseout amidst the pandemic and the rampant laying off of workers. Now, Filipino Jeepney drivers are forced out of work amidst the pandemic. In relation, the Filipinos who favored Jeepneys, as they are a cheaper alternative to other public transports, are now forced to walk home instead because of the current public transport system cannot support the number of Filipino workers.

(Photo courtesy of Rappler)

They are not letting us speak. No where in the quarantine law (Bayanihan to Heal as One) does it state that protests are banned.

Save the voices of the Filipinos. Do not let them change the narrative. Hold the government accountable for their lapses. Dissent is not terrorism. Dissent is duty. And Pride is a Protests. #FreePride20

[appleflavoredkitkats]

20 people during a peaceful pride protest in manila, philippines were arrested. the police say it’s because they “violated quarantine protocols” when they really haven’t. more than anything, it’s our policemen who violate this rule more than the protestors. if you can pay for their bail funds, please do so! please spread this around too!

credits to @ Bahaghari_Natl on twitter for this infographic. (link to the tweet here)

[purplechoices]

I have never felt so fucking enraged as when I saw a cop in a camouflaged uniform holding a pride flag crunched up.

To everyone, 20 people have been illegally arrested by the police duringba Pride Protest that also fronted #JunkTerrorBill and other ongoing issues in the Philippines.

The Terror Bill has NOT been signed yet AND THEY'RE ALREADY ABUSING POWER.

FREE PRIDE 20! JUNK TERROR BILL !!

[iluvcheescake]

Reblogs are so very appreciated✨

OopS my hand slipped,,again

Just a quick rundown on what's happening here

Haven't seen that much info about this in Tumblr so I decided to post my own

friendly reminder that we only have 6 days until the Anti-Terror Bill lapses into a law.

Petition: (x)

Email protest: (x)

Credit goes to @/jambolayon in Instagram

[fuckyeahmarxismleninism]

PHILIPPINES: GABRIELA NEW YORK CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF #PRIDE20!

On the morning of June 26th, at least 20 pride participants were violently dispersed and arrested during a peaceful protest in Mendiola to commemorate the 51st anniversary of Stonewall Riots and to call for the scrapping of the Anti-Terrorism Bill. They are currently in custody at the Manila Police District Headquarters for allegedly committing illegal assembly, disobedience, and violation of social distancing under the Bayanihan Act, which had expired since this Monday. In other words, these charges are illegal and baseless! Upon arrest, these unarmed participants were swarmed by state-personnel in full riot gear, threatened at gunpoint, viciously manhandled, and keys to their vehicles were even confiscated and driven to the police department. When asked why they were being detained and what laws they were violating, police remained silent. The protestors wore face masks, face shields, and committed themselves to strict physical distancing while marching until the police irresponsibly crammed them into their vehicles where such measures could no longer be followed. Among the 20 apprehended, 10 are from Bahaghari, 3 from GABRIELA | A National Alliance of Women, 2 drivers, 4 from Children's Rehabilitation Center, and 1 media intern. Should the Anti-Terrorism Bill be implemented into law by July 9th, this vague legislation will only incentivize more incidents of state-fascism and further the capabilities of the Duterte Regime to strip Filipinos’ democratic rights without warranting basis. Its overbroad definition of terrorism can be used to subject anyone as a suspect to terrorism. We can expect more warrantless arrests, longer weeks of detention, 12 years to life imprisonment, and more. GABRIELA New York strongly condemns this blatant attack on people’s democratic rights to assemble and freedom to expression! Link with us in demanding the immediate release and dropping of bogus charges against the #PRIDE20! Join us in calling for the scrapping of the Anti-Terrorism Bill! Rise For Queer Filipino Activists! Resist State Tyranny! Unite For Democratic Rights! #MakibekiWagMashokot #FREEPRIDE20 #AngPrideAyProtesta #JunkTerrorBill #AktibistaHindiTerrorista

[thequeerpinoy]

The recent attacks of the Philippine National Police to the members of the LGBTQIA+ community holding a peaceful protest that follows social distancing protocols reveal to us that the struggle against all forms of injustice is far from over. This should serve as a constant reminder that Pride is not just about celebrating diversity but is and always will be a protest. #FreePride20 🏳️‍🌈 #TheQueerIsComing #SaveTheDate 06-30-2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CB76Y1VsLjc/?igshid=lvbnd1k2u05j

[chalk-reverie]

Let me explain this further

My parents was member of Couple for Christ (CFC) for a long time. People are gathering for bible study where they pray together and meet up.

I was pushed to join this Kids for Christ (KFC) which I can't deny it was fun but totally I don't fit in.

We sing and dance praise songs and we would writing activities reflecting on what we do everyday was if it was right or wrong. It kinda helped me in understanding Jesus but I sometimes don't see the point. I remember this song that stuck me "the rainbows in the sky show God's promises are true," and I always relate it to the LGBT flag which really like. I like drawings so these kind of activities fit. The people around my age disgust me with their righteous attitude.

If I could remember, we always have this sort of gathering where people from different places gather,sleep and pray together for 2 days 1 night. Mom and dad wasn't in the same place as I am since they separate CFC to KFC. I was alone at that time I don't want it. So in the 2 days prior, my hygiene dropped. I am not comfortable with people taking a bath together, and water is harshly scarce that time. I also lost my toothbrush along the way i smelled so bad that childre don't want me around. It was a horrible experience for me I just want to go home. They don't even help me when I am lost or even say it to my face that I smell. I felt sad but thank god I have 1 person who is older than me that stuck with we around during the program. I was trying my best to hide my scent and it's just fucking embarrassing. The t-shirt I got from the program, I threw it away. I just want it to burn and crush it. So I remember this one kid that stuck to hate me because of that incident. Let's name her Angel.

That hate grew when she came in to our house, surprisingly, I was olaying Y8 games or miniclip IDK its just mainly tower defence were I'd defend my base from zombie stricking my land. It involves mecha and guns to defend my base. It's a strategy game is what I want to say. And THIS GIRL SAYS "panglalaking laro yan" and I was triggered. I said so what it's fun to play and it wasn't bad etc. But she keeps repeating it was for boys till I got pissed I close the tab and all ny progress are gone. What kind of thinking that games are gender bias? That bullshit. Another thing she keeps pointing me out about how I dress.

Anyway, there are other people around me who is very lovely to be with like Nikki, very kind and approachable but she's busy.

Most members of CFC are against Sogie bill, same sex marriage and hating LGBT troops just because of what happened to Sodoma. In bible where prostitution and same sex are wide spread. I don't want to argue with them about it, it only drains my soul.

Because of this I can't cure my confusuon involving same sex marriage. To be honest, I want it, not for me, but for the people around me. I want them to be happy, to be protected by the law and the laws of heaven. I considered sex as natural, it was honestly a beautiful gift from The Creator and I think that people are allowed to have sex, no matter what their genitals are. According to Maslow hierarchy of needs that sex is one of the basic needs of human. Sex for reproduction is just shallow, and treating your genitals as objects and not a part of you. You are human, a beautiful human.

But I totally despise people who abuse this gift. Like any other organs you abuse example excessive drinking and smoking is always bad. Sex outside marriage is always and ever considered a sin or a crime; rape and premarital sex.

So excluding same sex couples in marriage doesn't make sense. It seems like they are atoning same sex couples to be sinners forever, not allowed to express love, hating themselves because you hate the thought of sexing without reproduction. Again, should I repeat myself that don't treat your genitals as objects? Treating it as single and not a part of a whole? You are more than genitals, more than animal. You are loved by God despite your sexual attraction.

This wiil be a very broad topic if you include divorces and other dilemmas it will totaly spin you around. This is just my point of view, and I see nothing wrong with loving people with the same gender.

So I quit KFC and didn't signed up for YFC. I don't see Christ there, and even the adults aren't role model for these kind of group. Teaching youths how to drink more, especially girls drinking till they pass out isn't my vibe. I also heard gossips spreading around quickly than any regular chismosang kapitbahay. Bias and pushing their views on us is just exhausting. I don't like that kind of community where they proclaim they are right, being blind to the reality and the good news of this modern world has to offer. It's sad though, I wish they were open but they are just close minded and heart hardened.

[gentlemoy]

#FreePride20 https://www.instagram.com/p/CB8IU5pHRHy/?igshid=1bxilswfv4q66

[estellelunei]

Ang Pride ay selebrasyon ng ating pagkatao. Kaya naman hindi tayo pumapayag na mapigilan ng Terror Bill ang ating pagpapahayag ng ating mga saloobin, na karapatan ntin bilang tao. Lalong hindi tayo dapat pumayag na itratong parang mga hayop ng militar, kapulisan at trolls sa social media. . Ngayong hapon, punuin natin ang ating mga timeline at newsfeed ng pakikiisa at patuloy na laban para sa pantay na karapatan. Sumama sa online protest ng #MetroManilaPride2020 ngayong 3:00-6:00pm. Mag-post ng inyong rainbow flag o placard. Wag kalimutan gamitin ang mga hashtag: #SulongWagPatinag #ParaSaKarapatangPantao #MagkalayoNgunitHindiMagkahiwalay . #FreePride20 https://www.instagram.com/p/CB7kaufBqpfkD5xH9DI2em491SqFj4jRl-YYDY0/?igshid=eg0t6t2cl2o8

[cauldrondawn]

politicians and those companies who keeps saying they’re an “ally”, really need to walk that talk. 

[johnmarkv]

A few days ago, I was asked to create a DP for the fb page of our org celebrating the Pride Month. Supposedly, mamayang gabi ko pa gagawin since hindi ako makapag-isip nang maayos. Not until magkagulo sa gc namin dahil sa ganap sa #FreePride20. Nagmadali akong gumawa ng designs. And here they are:

[fuckyeahmarxismleninism]

BAYAN-USA Condemns the Violent Dispersal and

Mass Arrest of 20 People at Philippine’s Pride Rally

On June 26th, the Philippine National Police (PNP) violently dispersed and arrested 20 people as they were commemorating International Pride Month. GABRIELA Women’s Partylist, Bahaghari, Children’s Resource Center, and Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns were among the 20. Ten of those arrested are LGBTQIA+ and were calling for free mass testing, non-discriminatory financial assistance for Filipinos affected by the pandemic, and respect for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, the PNP forcibly commandeered a civilian van, manhandled a staff member of GABRIELA Partylist, and told protesters they would be brought to the District Headquarters. BAYAN USA condemns this violent attack on peaceful protesters who were practicing social distancing measures and wearing masks while raising their demands for the Philippine government.

The US-Duterte regime’s blatant disregard for people’s constitutionally protected rights, such as the people’s right to peacefully assemble, will only continue to increase if the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB) becomes law. This fascist government has been stockpiling human rights violations with more than 30,000 extrajudicial killings, over 41,000 quarantine arrests, and now with the ATB soon to pass into law by July 9th, it will in effect legalize mass arrests of anyone considered a terrorist (as vaguely defined in the Bill), or anyone with “intent” or “inciting” terrorism. BAYAN USA fears that the ATB will cast a wide net upon all those in opposition to the US-Duterte regime as a swift attempt to silence and violently suppress already exploited and oppressed groups, like LGBTQIA+ people.

“We are witnessing martial law tactics imposed on community groups simply providing genuine relief and amplifying the calls for mass testing. Is Duterte afraid of 20 protestors armed with the truth and the conviction to rise against his fascism? The real criminals are Duterte and the fascist police harassing our community and making waves of illegal arrests while thousands suffer from hunger, disease, and displacement.” said Nikole Cababa, Secretary General of BAYAN USA.

She continued to connect it to the militant history of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 in New York, NY, “Pride originated as a protest, and must continue as a unifying stand against state violence and terrorism inflicted on LGBTQIA+ communities, until we win full equality, healthcare, livelihood, and genuine liberation for all.”

BAYAN USA calls for the immediate release of the Pride 20 and for all charges to be dropped. We join the call of Gabriela USA: “We urge all who are in solidarity with the struggle against state violence, fascism, and U.S. Imperialism and who stand for human rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the liberation of oppressed peoples to join actions against Duterte’s Anti-Terror Bill.” Join BAYAN USA’s call to action against the ATB on June 29th and July 8th. (See call to action for more details).

For more updates: fb.com/gabriela.alliance, fb.com/bahaghariLGBT, fb.com/bayanusa

#FreePride20 #DefendGabriela #JunkTerrorBill #OustDuterte

Press Statement

June 26th, 2020

Contact: chair@bayanusa.org, Rhonda Ramiro, Chairperson, BAYAN USA

secgen@bayanusa.org, Nikole Cababa, Secretary General, BAYAN USA

[thequeerpinoy]

The recent attacks of the Philippine National Police to the members of the LGBTQIA+ community holding a peaceful protest that follows social distancing protocols reveal to us that the struggle against all forms of injustice is far from over. This should serve as a constant reminder that Pride is not just about celebrating diversity but is and always will be a protest. #FreePride20 🏳️‍🌈 #TheQueerIsComing #SaveTheDate 06-30-2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CB76Y1VsLjc/?igshid=ww3pxg5asdp5