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UP BABAYLANAccess this page with this URL -- http://babaylan.pridemanila.cjb.net |
SETTING OUR GOALSThe University of the Philippines Babaylan is the leading gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students' support group in all the campuses of the State University, at the same time maintaining national and international linkages and presence. The organization's views are heard on major issues confronting the nation, particularly as they affect the lives of Filipino lesbians ang gays. It helps empower the latter by educating them on their rights as members of society, concomitantly teaching them how to effectively assert the exercise of these rights. CLOSING OUR RANKSUP Babaylan was established to consolidate the gay and lesbian community in the University of the Philippines for the effective advocacy of our rights both in the University and in the national sphere. Towards this end, the organization aims to forge unity among gay and lesbian students and faculty. We believe that unity within the community is crucial if we are to be heard on issues affecting us. Having been marginalized for so long, we recognize the need to consolidate ourselves into a vocal and potent force for the protection and advancement of gay and lesbian rights. OUR BEACONWe believe in the inherent equality of all persons regardless of status or condition. For the organization, this inherent equality implies that human beings should not be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. TRACING OUR ROOTSFounded in August 1992, UP Babaylan is sui generis - in a class of its own - in the history of the University. Its membership is composed of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students. The diversity of its membership is accounted for by the fact that its members come from almost every college in the UP System's flagship campus. A chapter was established in UP Manila some years ago. UP Babaylan is officially recognized by University authorities. It has been awarded a tambayan in the West Wing of Palma Hall. The organization maintains a high profile in the campus scene. As a matter of fact, a former president of the organization was elected University Student Council chairperson in 1997, running avowedly as gay under the aegis of the organization. The organization is also a member of the Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB), an umbrella organization of gay and lesbian groups, which pursues lobbying efforts for relevant laws concerning the community. UP Babaylan has established its niche among the students of the University if the number of invitations to speak in symposia, conferences and classroom discussions is any indication. This is not confined to UP alone. Other schools in Metropolitan Manila have invited the organization's members to speak before students. They are also invited as panelists and resource persons in television and radio programs as well as featured in various publications. MAKING THE DECISIONSThe General Assembly, composed of all resident members of the organization, is the highest policy-making body of the organization. In between meetings of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, composed of all officers and heads of committees, handles the day-to-day activities of the organization. UP Babaylan is headed by a Punong Babaylan (President). There is a Pangalawang Punong Babaylan (Vice-President), a Kalihim (Secretary) and an Ingat-Yaman (Treasurer). Its various activities are handled by several standing committees. IMPLEMENTING PROJECTSIn pursuit of its goals as a support and advocacy group, UP Babaylan undertakes a number of activities, to wit:
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