Happy Ending (A Blessing in Disguise)
Outrage Magazine columnist Calex is thankful that everything ended on the second dinner date. "At least at this point, I was already warned: STOP!" she says.

STRAP
Thou Art Woman
When the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines was founded in 2002, it was a response to the need of an organization that would focus on the issues, concerns, and needs of the transgender community in the Philippines. Eight years on, and STRAP has established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

Sass Rogando Sasot
Love Advocate

After a suicide attempt, “I lived with a deep sense of purpose: I would help initiate a transgender movement in the Philippines, and I’d like to become part of a group that would help initiate change in our society. I want a society that would cherish, value, and respect the flourishing of one’s individuality,” recalls Sass Rogando Sasot, who helped establish STRAP that now help to empower transpinays.

M4M Philippines
Celebratory Quest
When MSM online social network M4MPhilippines was established (officially) on February 16, 2010 by collaborators Pablo, Vash, Calvin and Zico, it was simply to keep alive a group that decided to break away from another networking group. Over time, though, it has evolved as its members saw that they can be more.

Humphrey Gorriceta
Spokesperon, NaFFWA
The Big Advocate

“I was diagnosed to be infected with HIV back in 2008.  I realized that since I will be HIV positive for the rest of my life, I might as well be productive with the remaining time I have,” Humphrey Gorriceta recalls. And, so, a much-needed advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Philippines comes into existence.

Love of Another
What happens when different colors combine? We're talking of racial differences. Outrage Magazine takes a closer look at intercultural and/or interracial relationships - the dynamics in/around these relationships, and whether it is worth it giving it a try.

On the men who fancy us...
Interviewed during the 2002 Gay Games in Sydney, Sass Rogando Sasot was asked: "Is the attraction of men towards transsexual women just an effect of the influx of ‘shemale porns’? Is this attraction just an expression of hypersexuality?”

Raquela Rios
Hail to the Queen

“If one wants to undergo sexual reassignment surgery to be happy, go for it.  But for me, I choose to be a non-op since I know I am a woman, a transsexual woman. I don’t need (any) process of going under the knife to make me a woman.” So says Raquela Rios, star of The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela, who helps re-define what it means to be a woman.

Facing Violence Against Us
By Mikee dela Cruz

Hate crimes against Filipino GLBTQIs need to come in focus - urgently, need since gay murders have become common in the Philippines, and with many GLBTQIs even internalizing the blame for crimes committed against them.

Condom Learning
The day Maria Clara learned the ABCs of reproductive health

Knowing that the HIV/AIDS situation in the country has already reached pandemic proportions, DKT Philippines has become a staunch (and much needed) advocate of safer sex in the Philippines.

Questioning Transphobia

Speaking at the United Nations, Sass Rogando Sasot notes that "the sincerity of our intention to address the human rights violations against transgender people rests upon the depth of our appreciation of human diversity."

Ryan Silverio
Co-coordinator, TFP 2010
In the Name of Service
What was just a requirement to complete his undergraduate degree led to Ryan Silverio becoming a GLBTQIA advocate in the Philippines. It was, he recalls, "a chance to contribute to the change process.”

Under Pressure
Patrick King Pascual writes that "we all have standards we unconsciously follow in everything we do - dating included. But every time we feel desperate, we forget we have standards, so that when we meet someone who doesn't even meet them, we allow ourselves to fall."

Tagulaylay ni Purita Sanchez
Mark Angeles is dazzled by the lights of Metro Manila - and of life's deliveries (good and bad). Time to share the experience.

Team Pilipinas
Facing Inequality

Photo courtesy of Charles Meacham and Sarah Baxter
In October 2008, GLBTQIA group TEAM PILIPINAS was formed to contribute to social change, particularly for GLBTQI Filipinos to gain acceptance. The group now does this partly through sports.