Name: Liza Diño-Seguerra Gender identity: Cisgender-female Sexual Orientation: Pansexual Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. My husband, Ice Seguerra, is a transman, and we belong to a transgender family. We have been married for seven years, withstanding the harsh judgments because we choose to be real and true to who we are.

Together, they are raising daughter Amara.

Maybe there is a reason why both pride and independence are celebrated in the same month here in the Philippines. Pride and independence go hand-in-hand - pride stands for self-respect (being proud of who we are, what we have achieved, and what we are capable of doing) while independence denotes not being under the control of a person, a group of people, and another country.

For me, both stand for equality and freedom - the very reasons why we celebrate and commemorate Pride and Independence month in June.

Freedom in Cinema is PelikuLAYA

In my fifth year in public service, it is an honor for me as head of a national government agency to create a permanent platform that would elevate the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community through cinema, public discourse, and activities that will develop more understanding and compassion among those who need enlightening.

In 2019, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Embassies of the United States, Austria, and Sweden in Manila held the 1st International Pride Celebration at Cinematheque Centre Manila.

This is the mission of PelikuLAYA, the latest FDCP-organized national film festival that aims to be a space that would encourage solidarity against inequality and hate. Having a better understanding of our population helps us recognize where we can increase our inclusion efforts and develop our diverse talent.

Pushing for gender equality and freedom from discrimination has been my personal advocacy since I discovered that I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. One won't know what it means to be judged with so much hatred unless you experience this yourself.

With parades canceled and international Pride organizations moving in-person celebrations to virtual platforms, you may feel isolated from your community. Through the PelikuLAYA theme "Sama-Sama, Lahat Rarampa!", we call for togetherness. More than being a statement of vivaciousness and fierceness, the theme is a call for unity, sensitivity, inclusivity and solidarity. The community continues to stand up for pride and freedom.

A platform for LGBTQIA+ discourse

We hope that PelikuLAYA will become the foremost film festival that creates LGBTQIA+ discourse in the country and sustains discussions on the sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (Sogie) Equality Bill and Anti-Discrimination Law.

There is also a struggle for equality even within our community, as some sectors do not receive the same acceptance as gays and lesbians. The news on transman Norriebi Tria, also known as Ebeng Mayor, who was sexually assaulted and killed for living his life according to his identity, was slammed by fellow LGBTQIA+ and allies. Still, it did not receive as much attention as the murder of transwoman Jennifer Laude.

Today, FDCP is holding its own 2nd ‘PelikuLAYA: LGBTQIA  Film Festival,’ online event being held online until June 30 on the FDCP Channel.

It's a long way to go before the LGBTQIA+ community is fully embraced, and our members need continuous support to carry on with their journey. This was highlighted during the PelikuLAYA virtual press conference by Francis Dacanay of Love Yourself PH, a community of volunteers that provides free HIV testing, counseling, treatment and life coaching.

Dacanay said that although there is nothing wrong with the notion that LGBTQIA+ adheres to certain stereotypes, it is important to emphasize that there are other stories and colors in the community that must be made known.

Through PelikuLAYA, we hope to encourage filmmakers to make more films that mirror the LGBTQIA+ life, especially stories that are not yet depicted. In turn, there will be a better understanding of the community's struggles, joys, and dreams.

Pride Month never ends

It's already a milestone for a government agency like the FDCP to spearhead an event that empowers stakeholders to engage in LGBTQIA+ discussions. These would lead to greater awareness, and hopefully, the creation of more policies and legislation to solidify that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.

There is still so much intolerance for the kind of life that we aspire to have, but at the same time, the LGBTQIA+ community has been receiving overwhelming love, support, and solidarity.

Buy and support your queer friend's art. Fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Participate in rights campaigns. Make recurring donations to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ people. Don't stop your support and momentum after Pride Month ends.

Among the participating films are ‘Masahista’ by Brillante Mendoza, ‘Miss Bulalacao’ by Ara Chawdhury, ‘Ang Huling Cha-Cha Ni Anita’ by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and ‘I Love You. Thank You’ by Charliebebs Gohetia

Remember to show your love for LGBTQIA+ people with pride this month - and every month after that. Openly support the LGBTQIA+ community to normalize LGBTQIA+ rights. The community needs your support now and forever.

PelikuLAYA is being hosted on the FDCP Channel until June 30. Kindly visit fdcpchannel.ph to register and view the films (free, subscription, and rental) and join the panel discussions and events.

Notes from the Chair
The Sunday Times Magazine  - The Manila Times

Notes from the Chair is part of the Arts Awake section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.