The evolution of the only LGBTzine in the Philippines.
Introducing Outrage Magazine, the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) publication in the Philippines.
Headquartered in Makati City, it was launched in April 2007 to highlight LGBT-related stories in the Philippines or those affecting LGBT Filipinos; with most articles written by LGBT Filipinos, as well as LGBT allies.
Listed in the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF), Outrage Magazine was founded by Michael David C. Tan, a graduate of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, who now serves as its editor on the loose. Tan won the 2006 Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Investigative Report.
Mission
As the only LGBTzine in the Philippines, Outrage Magazine has always been clear about its missions, i.e.:
- To tell LGBT stories by providing coverage to LGBT-related issues for them to be known by: A) LGBT people; and B) non-LGBT identifying people (particularly since mainstream media ignores these LGBT issues);
- To mainstream LGBT issues by facilitating discussions between LGBT people and our non-LGBT counterparts; and
- To actually help develop programs that will deal with the very issues we raise.
Diversification of Services
Since 2010, Outrage Magazine has gone beyond simply reporting.
We also make the news.
We believe that LGBT voices need to be heard, particularly when mainstream media does not treat our issues the right way. And so we bring these issues up.
In March 2011, for instance, we made news when we criticized Channel V Philippines’ censorship of Lady Gaga’s pro-gay song ”Born This Way” by removing the pro-LGBT content (“No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby“). As Tan said then, “Not everyone likes ‘Born This Way‘, much more agree with Elton John when he said this is the new ‘gay anthem’. But for a song that even Lady Gaga herself said is a celebration of being different — to be butchered to remove highlighting the celebration of what makes LGBTs different — from others is reprehensible. Plain and simple, this is homophobia in action.” The story was picked by ABS-CBN News, GMA Network, Fridae.com, Queerty, and Examiner, among others.
Then in July 2011, we tackled gay panic defense as used in the Philippines.
And then in July 2012, we raised an anti-transgender treatment of a mainstream media.
We host/co-host programs for LGBT Filipinos.
In March 2012, for instance, we partnered with Rainbow Rights to develop a training program (on human rights and on HIV) for the Deaf LGBT members of Pinoy Deaf Rainbow (the pioneering organization for Deaf LGBT Filipinos). This program was helped informed by a research our key people did that highlighted how the needs of Deaf LGBT people continue to be neglected.
And then since 2012, we headed (with Bahaghari Center for LGBT Research, Education and Advocacy) the “I dare to care about equality” campaign, which formed part of the celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) 2012. The campaign was supported by TV personalities Boy Abunda and Atty. Adel Tamano, veteran journalist Cheche Lazaro, Sen. Chiz Escudero, actress Angel Aquino, and rugby player Jon Morales. We also headed the “No Different” campaign, which formed part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2012.
We host/co-host programs to celebrate our allies.
Outrage Magazine gives recognition to LGBT allies through our annual Bahaghari Media Awards and Bahaghari Ally Awards. We know that in our fight for equality for all, all the help we can get matters, so that – just as the cliche goes – giving credit where it’s due should be done.
We give face to minorities within the already minority LGBT community.
We are proud to say that we have been giving face to those who continue to be neglected even from within the LGBT community – such as the Deaf LGBT Filipinos, and the senior men who have sex with men (MSM) who are actually also neglected in existing programs.
And then since March 2013, we launched “More than a Number“, eyed to give a human face to those infected and affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the Philippines. This is because – for the longest time – HIV-infected (and affected) Filipinos have been lamenting how they cease to exist to become the codes assigned to them. So with “More than a Number”, we highlight that “yes, every individual story counts, and we want to hear and share these stories,” Tan said. “Because while the numbers tell us the extent of the effect of HIV in the country, the same numbers do not tell the full story.”
We continue to look for ways to help the LGBT community in the Philippines, and NOT only by reporting on the issues affecting us; but ensuring that steps are taken for these issues to be dealt with.
And so – with that – the outrage continues…
