The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the country’s pioneer transgender rights advocacy and support organization, has announced the recent induction of its new set of board members and officers.
The newly sworn-in board members are: Charlese Saballe (also acting as STRAP chairwoman), Rica Paras (also acting as vice-chairwoman), Ava Mendes (also acting as treasurer), Mikee Inton (also acting as secretary), Brenda Alegre, and Adri Pangilinan. Other officers inducted included Patty Valle, who is serving as internal affairs officer; Tam Maguad, STRAP’s external affairs officer; and Dawn Madrona, the new membership coordinator.
As STRAP turns over a new leaf with its new set of board members and officers, it is said to remain guided by its vision of a “nurturing society that affirms, respects, and upholds the dignity, the right to self determination, and good quality of life of all”. Among the milestones that STRAP has made in contributing to this vision is the coining of the term “transpinay”, hosting annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) commemorations, joining the Pride March, and participating in activities for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
For the next two years, STRAP is looking at strengthening its internal processes to better serve not only its members but the entire trans community. Various plans are already lined-up, including: the organizing of its helpdesk initiative to document any instances of discrimination and aid in the resolution of such instances; improvement of membership policies to expand STRAP’s membership; providing support to existing STRAP members, who are eyed to be given workshops, trainings, and monthly support group meetings; and strengthening of STRAP’s linkages with other groups and organizations.
