Deaf LBT Filipinos were given an avenue to discuss sex- and sexuality-related concerns, when members of Deaf Dykes United (DDU), the pioneering lesbian-centric Deaf organization in the Philippines, gathered for Deaf Talks 2 at Unit 302 Eagle Court Condominium, Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.
According to MJ Cenidoza, head of DDU, events like this provide those at the fringes of society opportunities to discuss issues important to them. “Deaf Talks 2 helped us better understand OUR issues, which we can then teach others,” Cenidoza said.
Deaf Talks is an ongoing lecture series for Deaf LGBT Filipinos, eyeing to: 1) include Deaf LGBT people in mainstream LGBT discussions in the Philippines; and 2) provide needed information to Deaf LGBT Filipinos on issues concerning them, hoping that the information can empower them. Deaf Talks is an effort of Outrage Magazine and Rainbow Rights Project Inc. (R-Rights); with the first Deaf Talks held as part of the 1st OutGames in the Philippines in 2012.
For Deaf Talks 2, Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpretation was provided by Ms Joi Villareal.
Deaf Talks 2 was also supported by #HateWatchPH, pinkink, and Pinoy Deaf Rainbow.
Angie Umbac and Atty. Jazz Tamayo of R-Rights discuss lesbian-specific concerns to the Deaf participants of “Deaf Talks 2”.
To empower Deaf lesbians, bisexual women and transmen, Outrage Magazine and Rainbow Rights Project Inc. gave a discussion on SOGIE 101, as well as on sex and sexuality. As Michael David Tan – here discussing SOGIE issues with TransDeaf Philippines’ Disney Aguila – said, “differently abled LGBT people continue to be neglected, and it’s high time we include them FOR REAL in services offered to the LGBT community.”
