Wagayway Equality, Inc. helmed a gathering that eyed to provide economic empowerment, equality, and inclusive opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community in CALABARZON. Themed “Building Opportunities: EmpowerQueer Summit”, the summit launched what’s beig called as the “EmpowerQueer Community Agenda”, which is a “collective roadmap to economic inclusion”.
According to Ivan Alvarez, founding head of Wagayway Equality, Inc., there is a need to address economic discrimination by pushing for pro-LGBTQIA+ policies and practices.
“(We need) to address ongoing economic discrimination and push for inclusive policies, and strengthen community-based support for queer youth, key populations (KPs), and people affected by HIV,” Alvarez said, adding that a gathering like the summit “provides a platform to unite various sectors and inspire action for long-term livelihood and financial empowerment.”
Over 100 participants benefited directly from the summit that was held in Batangas City, including queer youth, young professionals, university pride councils, HIV-affected communities, and members of KP networks across Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Quezon.
The summit was co-organized by Wellspring Philanthropic Fund – Humanis; Free-to-be-me Pantay Consortium; TLF Share Collective, Inc.; and the City Government of Batangas.
Post-summit, Wagayway Equality, Inc. eyes for the Community Agenda developed during the event to be adopted/implemented by LGUs and partner organizations to ensure inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the economy.
“This summit is just the beginning. The next phase includes regional policy dialogues, community-based training programs, livelihood support initiatives, and expansion of the EmpowerQueer Community Resource Hub. The long-term goal is an inclusive economy where no queer individual is left behind,” Alvarez said.
For more information on Building Opportunities: EmpowerQueer Summit, email aivan.c.alvarez@gmail.com or head to the Facebook page of @WagaywayEquality.
