National Service Training Program

Civil Welfare Training Service

Pharmasaya
Members: Leo, Zuiga (Leader), Geronimo, Karl, Greas, Celestine, Mojica, Patrisha,
Nalangan, Trisha, Vicente, Andy, Wahab, Kyra Module 1 and 2
C-Pha-13 Sir Jan Garcia

Rainbow Rights Philippines

By 2005, a group of law students transitioning to become lawyers started to fight

for the rights of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community. Two of
the founders were called to handle a case, wherein around 50 people are subjected to a
mass arrest. According to the policemen who handled the case, groups of Gay people
are found in bathhouses. These founders then realized that there is actually no one
handling cases such as the ones mentioned earlier, so the Rainbow Rights organization
was created. The organization was made mainly to serve as a helping hand to cases,
which affects the said community; and since then, it has expanded to research,
publication, etc.

1. What are the problems you encounter and how do you handle them?

First and foremost is the stigma and society that pervades the legislators.
According to them, being LGBT is by choice and a medical condition. On the
contrary, it is not true. In 1975, U.S. psychologists concluded that being
homosexual is not a mental condition; and by 2013, the Philippines PAP agreed.
It is a challenge, because some officials actually think that what they stand for is
not right, such as the stereotype of being gay means that you have HIV; as a
result, socio trainings are being conducted to lessen these problems that occur.

Another problem is resources or outing the people. Whenever legislators

are asking as to how many are they, fighting for the rights of the LGBT, it means
that lawyers will be outing the members of the organization. Although some
members do not want to be known, so this is considered a major problem for us.

2. How do you handle job discrimination?

Employment discrimination, wherein the transgender applicants are the

most affected. Interviews are being cancelled after seeing the applicant in
person. Comfort rooms is also an issue where transgender members are again,
highly affected. In some cases, some of them would just resort to not drinking
water for an entire day, so they dont need to go to the comfort room. Uniform
policy is also considered. We are pushing for a gender-neutral uniform for the
betterment of everyone. Lastly are the ones with physical disabilities. Some
companies say things in front of them such as We are not accepting deaf and
transgender applicants. With this, clearly some companies do not really
 understand the concepts of being a transgender. That is why we are advocating
our rights to these people.

3. What are your thoughts with the Catholic Church being against same-sex
marriage?

We understand and we do not want to intrude the beliefs of others, but we

must also remember that there should be a separation of church and state. The
law should be protecting everybody, not just those who are in favor of such topic.
It is also stated in our constitution that the legislators are not to listen to the
church and that it is not the basis for protecting people. Another stereotype is
also widely spread, that if you are an LGBT, automatically you are considered not
spiritual. Our stand on this one is complex. Being religious and being spiritual are
two different things. It doesnt mean that if we are LGBT, we dont believe in God;
and we like to believe that the kind of God we worship is open-minded. We dont
believe that all of us, who belong in this community, are all mistakes. In the end,
we know that God is more open minded, especially to people simply loving
others of the same sex.

4. What are your thoughts on the violence against LGBT?

Currently we dont have something we call a Hate Crime. In other

countries, they have it; but for the Philippines, we dont. For example, is the one
that happened in Cebu in the past years. Trans-women are being gunned down
simply because the people who committed this act hate them. Although the
government cannot apply any other offense aside from the physical injuries, as if
they are harmed as compared to those who have done something wrong or
offended others. With this, the case will not be included in the violence against
children and women; instead, it is considered in the general violence. That is the
problem we are currently battling right now, because we believe that being trans
is an identity; the fact that you classify yourself, as transgender should be
enough.

5. What is the difference between being gay/lesbian and a transgender?

We have something we call SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity,

and Expression). As for Sexual Orientation, we classify people based on the
ones they like. In here, we include the homosexuals, bisexuals, heterosexuals,
asexuals, and pansexuals. In Gender Identity, we classify them based on what
they think about themselves. Are they female, male or queer? But most people
only consider themselves being male or female. This is basically the homeness
to your sex. The ones doctors assume based on the newborns genitals. Lastly is
Expression, we classify this based on the mannerisms of the person, being
effeminate, boyish, etc. Knowing these four, we will know the classification of the
person. For example, if one is a heterosexual male, he thinks that he is male, the
doctor thinks he is male, he is attracted to females, and his gender expression
can either be male, female, bi, or in short, everything. With this, we can conclude
that Gender Expression is not the basis for identity and orientation. Knowing
such, a lesbians assigned sex at birth is female, she thinks she is a female, her
expression can be anything, but her orientation is homosexual (attracted to same
sex). As for a trans-man, he is born female, his expression and orientation can be
anything, but despite being born female, he thinks he is a male. Trans people
basically are an identity and thats how it is. The four concepts are different from
one another. Now, to be trans, it is not important to have a surgery; and that as
long as the person classifies himself/herself as trans, it is enough.
From left to right: Atty. Jazz Tamayo, Dianne Nalangan, Angel Leo Zuiga, Karl Darwin
Geronimo, Celestine Allysa Greas, Kyra Wahab, Patrisha Mojica, Andy Joseph Vicente
 C-PHA-13
Kyra Jane N. Wahab Sir Michael Garcia
Reflection Paper
We visited an organization called Rainbow Rights which is formed to help the LGBT
community. The visit was lovely, very educational. Two stories struck me the most. One was
about a trans who was beaten for being queer and the other is about a lesbian who was raped
with the permission of the parents in the hopes of correcting her. I was sickened hearing these
stories. Especially the latter one. I was not aware that this type of action is taking place.
Many things could be done by our government and other facilities. Firstly, there shouldnt
be any bias when it comes to imposing laws. The law is supposed to protect everyone whether
black or white, queer or straight. Queer people have the same rights just as much straight people
do. Secondly, they shouldnt be mixing up religious and state laws because that is hindering the
LGBT from experiencing some basic human rights. Lastly, they should implement hate crime.
Hate crime is a crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice. That was one of the
problems experienced by the trans who got beaten. Which is why the suspects were only charged
with physical injuries.
My faith in humanity can only be strengthen when the day comes when these people can
live as normally as we can and free from discrimination and prejudice. In the meantime, I will try
to defend them whenever I can and do actions that can ultimately help attain my goal.
Greas, Allysa Celestine E.
C-PHA-13 PHARMASAYA
Reflection Paper

Rainbow Rights: Building an Open-minded World.

Rainbow Rights has an environment that enlightens and opens the mind of people they
interact with. They have a very welcoming and accommodating community. They are composed
of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, and Gender activists. They seek to empower the
local LGBT to community. They fight for their rights and they seek to eliminate discrimination
and violence against LGBT.
The Life stories that struck me the most are the ones when LGBTs are experiencing
discriminations like the Transman and Transwoman working on a call center agency. They
cannot go to either men or women comfort rooms because of the people who do not understand
their sexuality. In effect to that, they will just not drink water all day to avoid going to comfort
rooms. Going to comfort rooms is one of the most basic things to do, but for them, it is one of the
hardest. They are being judged even in the simplest thing. They are risking their health just
because they do not know which comfort room to go to and that is very absurd.
The Government should be imposing laws that will protect the LGBT community from
discrimination and harassment. They should help those agencies and organizations to promote
the rights of LGBT and to educate other people who lacks knowledge and who doesnt
understand what LGBT is all about. Politicians should not be influenced by the Church because
they are two different things and they should focus on the welfare of their community.
Man is by nature, GOOD. We are all made in the image and likeness of God. We are all
equal to His eyes. He loves each and every one of us equally. Therefore we should not
discriminate our neighbors. Love and Acceptance is what we need. Love and Acceptance is what
the LGBT community needs. It is what humanity needs. As long as we love and PRAY, there is
still a hope in humanity.
 National Service Training Program
Civil Welfare Training Service

Vicente, Andy Joseph N. Module 1 and 2

C-Pha-13 (Pharmasaya) Sir Jan Garcia

Rainbow Rights Philippines

Early in the morning we immediately went to Matalino St. in Quezon City, wherein
Rainbow Rights organization is located. It was just a quick commute and in fact, a quick
visit as well. I find the place serene and open with a lot of opportunities. With the
attentive staff, the place is like a simple help center for those we are in need. We just
had a short interview with the vice president and it was an honor for us to be able to ask
our queries.

During the interview, Atty. Jazz Tamayo, the vice president of the said
organization, explained to us every detail of the things we need to know. Starting with
the overview of Rainbow Rights up to the clarification on the difference between being a
lesbian and being a transgender. He also tackled the problems they encounter and how
they handle discrimination. Their thoughts on the Catholic Church, being against same-
sex marriage and the violence against the LGBT community was also explained to us
thoroughly. Lastly, the difference on the two (as what Ive said earlier) was also
explained to us, which gave my groupmates and me a bright understanding on this
matter. I learned that being a part of the LGBT community is not really a bad thing after
all. That we must always remember to be open-minded in every single way and that we
must always fight for what we believe in and what is right. Also, it was a good
opportunity for us to be able to understand a topic that is currently vast spreading in
social media. It was also for our own benefit to be able to understand others, and be
more helpful to them. As for our government, they must listen to the voices of its entire
people. They should not be in favor or choose those who are over others. There should
be equal treatment to everyone and to be more caring to the whole country.

After this activity, I came into conclusion that there is no problem in this topic after
all. The problem is simply within us. Each and everyone on this planet should be open-
minded as much as possible, and try not to harm anyone just because they hate them.
We should live in a world with peace and unity, to have a better outcome for everyone.
Let us learn to love one another no matter how many challenges we are going to face,
that as long as we are not doing anything bad, there should be no problem at all.
Mojica, Patrisha Marielle M.
CPHA-13
REFLECTION
At first I have a little idea of what is LGBT of what is the differences between transgender and
lesbian and having the opportunity to interview the institution Rainbow Rights Philippines I
felt happy and became more open-minded. The institution protects the rights of the LGBT
community they ensure to help the LGBT being not used as an instrument of discrimination,
oppression, abused, and gender stereotypes. They are composed of lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and
transgender
The story that struck me the most is when parents try to force their children who are lesbians
to become straight again because they do not accept who they are. They are being judge of their
sexuality.
Government should accept LGBT community, they should pass laws that will help LGBT
who are being abused, harassed and discriminated. They should give them rights to accept and
feel accepted in the society example of these is comfort rooms and rights to wear appropriate
clothes for them. Atty. Jazz Tamayo told us that some LGBT community do not go to public
comfort rooms in works because they do not know where to go for them to control going there,
they do not drink a lot of water. They should acknowledge more the organizations or institutions
about the rights of LGBT.
I can strength my faith in humanity by accepting LGBT community. All of us are equal
people who created in the image of God. We should accept each others for who they really are.
Nalangan, Trisha Dianne B.
CPHA-13
1. How do you feel about the physical & social environment of the
institution?
I felt so glad and open-minded about the physical and social
environment of the Institution which is Rainbow Rights Philippines.
They fight for their own sexuality without hurting other people. But on
the latter part, became sad and disappointed on their social
environment being stereotyped and causing stigma experiencing
different discrimination like LGBT is a choice only, on employment and
that own person has medical conditions being a LGBT.

2. What about the life stories shared by the staff/residents struck you the
most? In what way did it affect you?
The life story that affects me the most is the discrimination on
employment of every LGBT. Like a Trans man who has a disability on
hearing who is not accepted to be hire on one job he/she applies. They
voice out that other people doesnt really understand the differences of
being a Trans and a lesbian. Because when a LGBT person applies for a
work, they have difficulties on hiring for a job because employers
didnt see them as a male or female. LGBT wanted have equal rights
on employment being neutral to what other people see them.

3. What could our government and other concerned agencies do to deal

with the said issue/s?
Government should be aware on LGBT people who are being
harassed, bullied, or discriminated. The government should be more
open and freely accept any supplication from the LGBT community.

4. How can you strengthen your faith in humanity?

We are born to love, accept equality, and do kindness to
everyone. We should be aware on what is happening around us and
make a firm step to surely resolve this. Seeing the good and not the
bad, accepting failures and youll receive gratitude. And lastly,
encourage faith in your fellow humans through your actions.
 National Service Training Program
Civil Welfare Training Service
Zuiga, Angel Leo M. Module 1 & 2
C- Pha 13 (Pharmasaya) Sir Garcia

Rainbow Rights

After the interview with Atty. Tamayo, we have been enlightened by the

information she had given us. I now know the difference between different sex or so

called third sex or LGBT. I just realized that theres really no law for the LGBT except

for the womens desk.

In my perspective, they are very wonderful organization because everyone loves

each other and they spread love. The name itself shows that every color of the rainbow

has their own rights. The media is so biased when it comes to the LGBT. I am only

seeing their bad side on T.V. well in fact, they are one of the most awesome people in

this world. They show who they really are, and I think thats beautiful.

In an example she said, what if a gay is harassed or have been injured, the only

violation is physical injury and no hate violation. It touched my heart so much that I want

justice for them. I want to spread love to all people and accept them for what they really

are.
 In all, I guess we need to open the minds of our people because most of us cant

understand them. How they feel, and what really runs to the mind of the LGBT. Please, I

want them to live the life they want to and feel the world with love. Spread love, less

hate.

Geronimo, Karl Darwin G.

C-PHA-13 (pharmasaya)

Reflection Paper on module 1 & 2

Rainbow Rights is an organization that aims to protect the rights of the LGBT community. The
LGBT community seems to be harassed and ridiculed in this present day. The organization is so
eager to help the LGBTs who are mistreated, abused and discriminated by the people who dont
understand them. The stories that struck me the most is that the organization received reports that
some lesbians were forced to be raped by their own parents so that they could be corrected or
become straight again. Homosexuality is not a disorder nor it is an infective disease. It cannot be
treated by any means because you are born with it. As for the government, they must pass the
anti-discrimination bill to protect the rights of the LGBT from being discriminated. They should
also not listen to the church because the church should be separated from the state. Shattering the
stereotypes is a must for the LGBTs because many stereotypes are not based on scientific facts.
They are mostly based on what they see on social media and other non-reliable sources. We
should treat LGBTs as a person. We should not discriminate them just because they love the
same gender or they dress differently from the rest of us. As stated in John 13:34-35, we should
love one another. Love one another regardless of sex, race, whether you are gay, lesbian or
transgender. We should love without discrimination.