Public Expression and Transformation Association of Lgbtqc+ Students

To our le***an siblings, you are seen, valued, and loved! 🧡🤍💖

Today, we celebrate ***anVisibilityDay, dedicated to honoring our le***an siblings and their courageous achievements as they fight against prejudice, social stigma, and gender-based discrimination and violence. ✊🏼

Opening up and embracing our sexuality can be a difficult process—and it is valid! There are safe spaces that help you find your support system as you slowly build your strength and confidence.

This Le***an Visibility Day, know that UP Babaylan is always on your side. Together, let us acknowledge and create safe spaces for our le***an siblings as they find their own pace to express their true selves at work, at home, and in social situations. 🫶🏻

NVSU’s 1st PRIDEstrian Lane 💚💛🌈🚶🏻‍♀️🚶🏻🚶🏻‍♂️

To celebrate Pride Month this June 2022, the first-ever NVSU PRIDEstrian Lane was painted in the Bayombong Campus, right at the front of the Office of Student Affairs & Services (SAS), connecting to the College of Teacher Education. This is a project of the NVSU Northern Campus Supreme Student Council with the SAS Office to acknowledge the diversity among the NVSU students, as well as to advocate for equality, inclusivity, and safe spaces for them. More PRIDEstrian Lanes are proposed around the campus.

TW: Transphobia

We stand with Jake Zyrus in his recent stride towards inspiring the Trans community.

Every act of empowerment and advocacy is essential in the fight for equality as these serve as inspiration and motivation to those who have been walking the same path.

The recent post of our trans brother, Jake Zyrus, serves as an open letter to our transgender brothers and sisters to be proud of themselves and not succumb to worry if they are still not ready.

It has not only shown beyond doubt that he is not just a well-known icon in the music industry but also a catalyst, a mobilizer, and an advocate for equality. Through his powerful words, the trace of hope and support prevails.

The fears and worries Jake felt before posting attest to how our society has a long way to go when it comes to building safe spaces for the members of the LGBTQI community. Nobody has to go through such feelings just because they want to be happy and proud of who they are.

Let this empower us to continuously strive towards creating a safer community endowed with acceptance, support, and love. With anti-LGBTQI violence continuing to persist in our community, let us amplify the call for the urgent passage of the Sogie Equality Bill, which safeguards the people from discrimination and violence on the basis of their SOGIESC.

Let us all remember,

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Congratulations Jeffzel Bryle Infante Raña for being duly elected NVSU NCSSC VICE CHAIRPERSON.



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PANTAY World AIDS Day Statement

This World AIDS Day, we remember the lives taken in our continued battle against HIV and AIDS, and show our support to all persons living with HIV.

In the midst of a global pandemic, the Philippines continues to face the HIV Epidemic, with 31 new cases reported daily as of March 2021. In 2020, UNAIDS estimated there are over 110,000 Filipino people living with HIV, and over 38 million worldwide.

PANTAY joins the millions of people living with HIV worldwide calling for an end to the stigma and discrimination against them. Furthermore, we call for the proper implementation of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166), especially in the inclusion of HIV programs and budget in local government units.

Winning the fight against HIV and AIDS can only come after we win the fight against the deadly stigma that pushes people living with HIV further into the shadows, preventing many from knowing their status and seeking treatment. We must continue to educate communities and urgently call for the adequate implementation of measures to ensure those living with HIV get the treatment they deserve and live a life with dignity and respect.

Today marks 40 years since the first five recorded cases of AIDS. While we recognize the scientific community's progress in response to the global issue, it is also essential to highlight the inequalities of treatment and prevention in marginalized communities. With over 7000 newly reported cases as of July this year alone, the Philippines remains one of the countries with the fastest growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The pandemic has presented an even more challenging environment for combating HIV/AIDS. Access to testing and treatment has slowed down, the physical and mental health of PLHIV are compromised, and comprehensive response to said issues in developing countries like the Philippines is well-behind that of the wealthiest nations. This epidemic is no longer only a health concern; it is a social, economic, and political matter that must be addressed with utmost urgency, especially for individuals who bear the burden of persisting inequalities that bar them from accessing the care that they need.

As we commemorate the 36 million lives lost to AIDS-related illness this World AIDS Day, UP Babaylan renews its commitment to intensify demands for the equitable access to rights-based measures in fighting HIV/AIDS. We urge the national government, LGUs, NGOs, and the advocates of our community to join us in the call for an improved care delivery system that is accessible to all, as well as a strengthened response to close the gap that prevents us from ending inequalities and ending AIDS.





For FREE and CONFIDENTIAL testing, counseling, and treatment near you, visit the Philippine HIV Facilities and Support Map brought to you by MapBeks, TLF Share, and UP Babaylan. You can check out the map at tinyurl.com/phhivmap2021.