Celebrating the SHE Project: Advancing SRHR and Intersectionality

At Lunas Collective, we are proud to celebrate the Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) Project, a vital initiative led by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS) and Oxfam Pilipinas. This project has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities across the Philippines.

The SHE Project focuses on intersectionality and inclusivity in addressing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). It highlights the diverse identities shaping individuals’ experiences, providing critical insights into the barriers faced in accessing SRHR services.

Key figures in the SHE Project include our Founder, Sabrina Laya Gacad, along with board members Nathalie Africa-Verceles, Shebana Alqaseer, and Maya Tamayo. 

Sabrina’s study, “Saying Yes to Whose Pleasures? A Feminist Study on the Acceptability of Pregnancies for Young Women,” explores young women's experiences of sexuality and pregnancy in the Philippines. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive, sex-positive sexuality education and accessible reproductive health services.


Download your copy here.

We also highlight 📚 Resisting Marginality: Filipino Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, featuring Sabrina’s contribution, The Making of Lunas Collective: Building Communities of Care. Edited by Dr. Nathalie Africa-Verceles, this collection addresses critical SRHR issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Download your copy here.

The SHE Project seeks to reshape SRHR frameworks through feminist and intersectional methodologies, culminating in the launch of Pasya, Laya, at Sining: Reshaping SRHR from the Margins on May 24, 2024. This resource aims to provide actionable recommendations for fostering a more inclusive landscape for SRHR services.

At the heart of the SHE Project is a vision of bodily autonomy and the prevention of gender-based violence. Together, we advocate for a society where everyone can exercise their rights and make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

For more information about the SHE Project, explore these resources:

Together, let's work toward a world where sexual and reproductive health rights are equitable for everyone, woven into the fabric of our communities of care.

For more information and collaboration:
UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies
Magsaysay Ave corner Ylanan Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc.
info@upcwsfi.com

SHE Project Team through Rafaella Potestades
aellapotestades@gmail.com 

by Ria Landingin

Lunas Collective Leads Open Space on Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language in Bali

By Jeza Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer, and Ria Landingin, Director of Communications

From June 9 to 11, 2024, the AwareNest CoP on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) convened in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, for a pivotal in-person forum. Set against the backdrop of Tulamben's tranquil environment and the historic USAT Liberty shipwreck, this unique location provided an inspiring setting for participants from Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. They engaged in vibrant knowledge-sharing sessions, impactful plenary discussions, and visited the Sekolah Ekoturin in Ban Village, a local initiative highlighting community-driven efforts in SRHR education and empowerment.

Creating a Community of Practice

Since 2023, the AwareNest CoP has evolved through a year of virtual meetings, culminating in this enriching in-person gathering. Organized by Perkumpulan Pamflet Generasi and supported by EMpower — The Emerging Markets Foundation, the forum's open space sessions and the immersive visit to East Bali Poverty Project’s Sekolah Ekoturin exemplified its commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among SRHR practitioners across East and Southeast Asia.

Participants not only shared their successes and challenges but also explored innovative approaches to address regional SRHR issues, underscoring the forum's pivotal role in shaping future strategies and initiatives.

Our Open Space Session


Representing Lunas Collective, we facilitated an outdoor open space session focused on "Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language." The session delved into the foundational principles of consent as a cornerstone of respectful interactions and relationships. Drawing on insights from EMpower’s Learning and Training Methods consultant Charles-Louis de Maere, Founder of Exploration Labs and Licensed Visual Thinking Trainer of the Biklabo method, we applied Clean Language techniques as one of our applied practices rooted in Feminist Care principles.

During our session, we dissected pleasure to encompass various forms of joy, happiness, and the sense of safety and comfort in our sexuality. This approach not only facilitated meaningful dialogue but also empowered participants to explore and share their experiences openly, enriching the collective learning and understanding within the CoP. Roots of Health (Ugat ng Kalusugan) led a session on "Legal Literacy for Human Rights," further enriching the diverse topics discussed during the forum. Philippines, represent!

Reflections
Following our open space session and the enriching opportunity, we reflect on the insights gained and the ongoing impact within the AwareNest CoP and broader SRHR community. Our commitment to Feminist Care principles, guiding both our advocacy and daily practices, was evident in our application of Clean Language during discussions. The experience also included a one-day free day in Denpasar, Bali, providing additional moments of connection and reflection.


Jeza, Chief Operations Officer
Although I've facilitated workshops for international audiences before, this experience marked my first time implementing the "Open Space" concept outdoors. Bringing our participants outside and actually using and applying the "Open Space" idea was a unique opportunity.

I have to admit that the idea of bringing people outside was heavily inspired by the bike workshops I've been doing for the past few months. This approach not only encouraged us to break away from traditional workshop settings, but it also supported our idea of "third spaces," places where we can interact with members of our community and even turn strangers into friends.

Not only did we enjoy our time discussing the concepts of Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language, but we were also moved by the grassroots efforts of the East Bali Poverty Project (EBPP), where we met young people actively campaigning against child marriage in their community. We also learned about different advocacy approaches from the sister organizations. 

It has truly been our “pleasure” to meet everyone and share what we have been doing in Lunas Collective. What a meaningful and relaxing work trip it has been. Matur suksma, Bali!

Ria, Director of Communications
After nearly four years with Lunas Collective, representing our non-profit at a regional activity was a profoundly meaningful experience for me. Sharing how we turn theory into practice and integrate our learnings into real, tangible care work was incredibly rewarding. Seeing our practices resonate with fellow EMpower grantees was heartwarming and opened many doors for future collaboration. The sense of care felt like a ripple effect, spreading through the community. I felt deeply honored to have represented Lunas on the regional stage.

This opportunity was a powerful source of inspiration to continue putting in the work. Our immersion brought so many things into perspective for me, making it even clearer why our call for collective action and our emphasis on the importance of care spaces at Lunas Collective are at the heart of our mission. This reaffirmed my commitment and passion for our advocacy and inspires me to keep contributing to our collective goals with renewed energy and dedication.

As a bonus, Jeza and I had some free time in Denpasar before our early morning flight. I reconnected with the Grab driver who toured me around Bali two years ago! We experienced coffee tasting, enjoyed local Balinese food, and shared a meal with the Grab driver who gave us a tour around Denpasar. In Lunas Collective, we put in the work, but we never forget to celebrate our joys and pleasures, too!

Read EMpower's article about this Learning Session.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch this highlights reel to get a glimpse of what transpired during this event:

Photo Credit: Perkumpulan Pamflet Generasi and EMpower — The Emerging Markets Foundation

by Ria Landingin

Lunas Collective Joins Oracle NetSuite’s Social Impact Program

Lunas Collective is proud to announce that we’ve been selected as a recipient of the Oracle NetSuite Social Impact program. This partnership equips us with advanced financial management tools, streamlining operations and allowing us to focus more on delivering impactful services to our communities.

“This kind of support is a game-changer for us,” says Jeza Rodriguez, Chief Operations Officer. “Having worked in the non-profit sector for quite some time, I believe that access to such advanced financial management software allows us to focus more on the programmatic aspects of project implementation, rather than stressing over the manual processes we’ve all become accustomed to.”

This achievement was made possible through the leadership and dedication of our Finance Officer, JB Caronongan, Admin Officer, Euni De Jesus, and Jeza Rodriguez. We are deeply grateful to Oracle NetSuite for their support. Currently, Oracle has supported over 7,000 nonprofits worldwide, helping organizations like ours streamline operations and amplify their impact.

 

About Oracle NetSuite
NetSuite is a full, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite that gives organizations everything they need to run their businesses efficiently and accelerate growth. Learn more about Oracle NetSuite here.

by Ria Landingin

#DearSurvivor Pride 2024: Celebrating Queer Joys and Empowerment through Collective Care and Vogue

Here is an inspiring thought piece contributed by one of our dedicated volunteers. In this article, "Alex" guides us through their #DearSurvivor PRIDE journey as a volunteer facilitator. Through their perspective, we explore the queer joys, empowerment, and the profound impact of collective care and solidarity.

On June 15, Lunas Collective commemorated this year's Pride Month with its flagship event, #DearSurvivor: Pride Edition. It's a safe space for queer folk and allies, where they quite literally took center stage. Along with its signature sharing circles, this #DearSurvivor partnered with  Filipino Ballroom Community leaders, Father Misha dela Blanca and up-and-coming legendary trailblazer Mother Xyza Mizrahi, and concluded with a vogue jam.

#DearSurvivor was held in the We are Shapeshifters Movement and Gatherings Studio at the First United Building in Escolta, Manila. True to its name, the two-room dance studio that day was transformed with a pride flag and other decorations in queer colors to welcome over 30 participants. This number marks the biggest face-to-face run of #DearSurvivor yet.

Photo Credit: SPARK STUDIOS, De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

As a volunteer facilitator, it was comforting to see circles of people sitting casually on the floor as they shared lunch—volunteers and participants alike, friends and strangers alike. Everybody stayed seated and cozy during the opening remarks by Lunas Collective’s Founder, Sabrina Gacad and warm welcome remarks from Father Misha dela Blanca. This was followed by a Safety Orientation by the organization’s Helpline and Project Coordinator, Janine Del Mundo. Before the activities started, they also played a video message of solidarity from Commissioner Faydah Dumarpa from the Commission on Human Rights.

After the welcoming portion, we got to the heart of the event—the sharing circles. Participants gathered in small groups, each assigned to a uniquely creative space, thanks to the support of Belg Belgica and Espacio Creativo Escolta, Ziv Rei Alexi, and Arts Serrano and One Zero | MNL | Design. 

Being a trained facilitator for these conversations, I'm aware of the kaleidoscope of emotions that they could bring about. With tissues and a few discussion questions prepared, my partner documenter and I made sure our participants felt comfy and started the discussion. 

Sharing the Care
Each time I facilitate a sharing circle discussion, I find myself grateful for the diversity of perspectives, fears, and hopes the group shares with one another. It's through these that I'm able to learn from and connect with different people, which nurture my practice as a responder. 

For this conversation in particular, I was in awe of all the different ways one's sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) can color their experiences in aspects of life. These labels carry with them implications, many times making queer people vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and othering. 

Yet beyond these experiences of GBV, Lunas Collective believes that queerness is about discovering and living one's most authentic life, which deserves to be celebrated. So together, we shared stories about intimacy, sexual health, work, and even growing older as queer people, as well as the tears and laughter that come with them. 

And just as we shared our vulnerabilities, we also discovered our collective strength. While events for queer folk and survivors of GBV typically bring people together to talk about their shared struggles, an often overlooked aspect of their healing journeys is joy and lighthearted shared experiences that help unapologetically bring out their authentic selves. 

Photo Credit: SPARK STUDIOS, De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

By the end of the discussion, the participants wrote messages for their fellow survivors and allies, and they put this up on the studio mirror for everybody in the big group to read as we reconvened for snacks. 

Following the snack break, Mother Xyza Mizrahi from Ballroom Culture PH enlightened the group about the rich history of the ballroom community as a safe haven for self-expression. She then led the group in an exhilarating vogue jam session. Members of Ballroom Culture PH joined Mother Xyza in sharing their art and their passion for ballroom with #DearSurvivor participants and volunteers. They demonstrated how movement and empowerment intertwine to hold space for healing in this vibrant cultural space.

So on that day, we shed more light on queer joy through movement.

The Art of Voguing
Mother Xyza talked about how people in the Black and Latino queer communities in New York, excluded from positions of power in their communities, families, and the workplace and whose identities were erased by mainstream media, gave birth to ballroom. They came together after hours to discover and showcase their own power via subversive dance movements that were inspired by fashion photo shoot poses, which they called "voguing." This caught on fast in the 1980s and created an international movement, which is now making its way to the mainstream in the Philippines.

Photo Credit: SPARK STUDIOS, De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

Today, ballroom culture continues to liberate people in the queer community, and sometimes even outside of it. The movement hyperbolizes gender as performance and gives everybody the opportunity to express their most flamboyant, authentic selves, whatever that may look like. This way, ballroom reminds people time and time again about the autonomy they have over their bodies and their stories. 

The vogue jam began with basic tutorials as we slowly got into the groove and awkwardly watched ourselves in the mirror. Yet after a while, the speaker started blaring punchy music with hard basslines. Through the increasingly maarte movements, we discovered parts of ourselves that we rarely get the chance to discover, much less bring out around other people. 

Photo Credit: SPARK STUDIOS, De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

By the time the sun had set, the vogue jam ended and the program was officially concluded soon after. Yet the notes from survivors stayed on the mirror and I left the venue feeling a little more in touch with my queerness and the community. 

Regardless of where we might be from or where we're going, events like #DearSurvivor Pride stand as a testament to the importance of finding comfort and pleasure in one's own skin. Chances like that might not be available everywhere, especially for the LGBTQ+ individuals, but I like to believe that a vibrant and welcoming community has always existed—and will continue to exist—for as long as queer people do.

I'm grateful that the queer community can grow more connected and empowered through events like #DearSurvivor. Even beyond Lunas Collective, it was supported by the UP Center for Women's and Gender Studies, EMpower - The Emerging Markets Foundation Ltd,  and The Asia Foundation. 

Everybody was brought together with the help of our partner organizations, Aromatic and Asexual Support PH, GALANG Philippines, UP Community Development Circle, Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network, Commission on Human Rights, and LakanBini.

And of course, none of the memories we made would have been possible without the spaces of We are Shapeshifters, Espacio Creativo Escolta, Ziv Rei Alexi, and One Zero | MNL | Design, and the refreshments and freebies from First United Building Corporation, the Kula Press, SogieLane, and the Kabataan Community Health Advocacy Team (KaCHAT).

by Ria Landingin

Bike & Landi: Merging Joyful Cycling with Meaningful Conversations on Consent and Pleasure

Photo Credit: Markuss Javier

In a unique fusion of fun and feminism, Lunas Collective’s Chief Operations Officer, Jeza Rodriguez, recently organized “Bike & Landi,” an activity that combined cycling with insightful discussions on gender and social norms and intimate relationships.

Held on February 24, 2024, this event aimed to create a safe and inclusive space for participants to meet new people, learn about bike repair, and engage in conversations about “landi” in the context of pleasure and consent.

What started as an idea during Jeza’s 10-day meditation quickly became a reality, with Bike & Landi becoming a platform to test the concept of merging the joy of cycling with discussions around unfair social norms.

Photo Credit: Markuss Javier

Starting from Centris Station in Quezon City, participants embarked on a community ride, stopping at the Dangwa Flower Market for a delightful flower shopping experience. The ride culminated at the UP Diliman Lagoon, where Sabrina Gacad, Lunas Collective's Founder, led a relaxed and engaging conversation on consent and pleasure.

Supported by Tambay Cycling Hub, Budol Buddy, Bikeary, Krebs Cycle, and Make it Safer Movement, Bike & Landi attracted a diverse group of participants, including families and first-time bike commuters. The event received overwhelming support, with participants praising its unique blend of fun and meaningful dialogue.

Photo Credit: Markuss Javier

One of the highlights of Bike & Landi was a speed dating component, where participants engaged in micro   conversations on topics related to desire, safety, and connection . This added a new dimension to the event, allowing participants to connect on a deeper level and further fostering a sense of community.

Photo Credit: Jeza Rodriguez

"The feedback from participants has been heartwarming, with many expressing how much they enjoyed the event, the lessons they took away, and the connections they made,” Jeza highlighted in her Instagram post.

Photo Credit: Markuss Javier

The success of Bike & Landi exemplifies Lunas Collective's commitment to creating safer spaces and promoting respect for boundaries and consent. As an organization, we are incredibly proud of Jeza for her vision and dedication in organizing this event.

We look forward to more activities that challenge social norms and foster inclusivity and empowerment within our community!

Jeza Rodriguez is a board-certified psychometrician, development worker, and feminist youth leader, currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer of Lunas Collective. With a strong commitment to advocacy, Jeza is known for her work in creating safe spaces and promoting pleasure activism. Beyond Lunas Collective, Jeza is an organizer and leader in her communities, enhancing her craft as a bike mechanic while dedicating herself to inclusivity and empowerment. Connect with her on Instragram (@jezarodz) or via rjezaantonette@gmail.com.

by Ria Landingin

#DearSurvivor 2023 and our Practice of Radical Love and Care to End GBV

The 18-Day campaign to End Violence Against Women is a vital period of activism for gender justice, and we at Lunas Collective are sharing the heartfelt highlights of our work promoting radical love and care for all.

Photo Credit: Tiara Imperial

Our work in the 18 days of activism demonstrates our commitment to establishing safe spaces and making an inclusive world free from gender based violence and discrimination a reality. where each and everyBODY can celebrate and express their diverse pleasures!

Our involvement commenced on November 24, as we participated in the #Safecity Caravan to End VAW led by Bayi Inc. and Safecity. As a partner organization, Lunas Collective joined the call for the urgent need for safe spaces for all. Our Helpline Manager, Joey Bernabe, co-hosted this event while our Director of Communications, Ria Landingin, joined the solidarity ride from the Quezon City Memorial Circle to the Commission on Human Rights.

 

Photo Credit: Michael Varcas, Philippine Star

The event drew the presence of influential figures such as Senator Risa Hontiveros, Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Atty. Richard Palpal-latoc, UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina, along with numerous organizations, advocates, bikers, VESPA riders, and government champions.

Photo Credit: Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros

Following this impactful event, Lunas Collective was honored to attend the reception hosted by the British Embassy on November 30, 2023, commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence.

Photo Credit: British Embassy Manila

This gathering served as a platform for reflection, uniting guests from various women's rights organizations, activists, private sector, and government officials to collectively ponder on our progress and the continued journey towards a safer and fairer nation.

Photo Credit: British Embassy Manila

We also participated in UP-CIFAL's forum and fair titled "Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women." Here, the discourse revolved around the current status of GBV in the Philippines, existing laws, policies, and the crucial role of good governance in eradicating gender-based violence.

Our Founder, Sabrina Gacad, contributed significantly to the panel discussions, emphasizing the importance of care work, collective action, and the challenges faced by non-profits and civil society organizations in community building and organizing efforts.

Photo Credit: UP-CIFAL

The pinnacle of our campaign was our annual flagship event, Dear Survivor, with the theme, "Canvas of Courage: Ang Love and Care, Dasurv!" This poignant gathering brought together people with lived experiences of gender based violence, storytellers, and allies to find safety and care through our community. The event is solidarity in action, supporting participants in making meaningful connections through private sharing circles facilitated by our dedicated volunteers and through a healing-with-art workshop guided by Teacher Liz Rañola. Here, survivors and allies coalesced in a safe space, nurturing one another's vulnerabilities and finding a semblance of healing through art.

Photo Credit: Tiara Imperial

Watch the highlights from this event here: #DearSurvivor 2023

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rappler and Pia Ranada for featuring our Founder and the Collective on the "Be the Good" series' second episode. This platform provided us with an invaluable space to amplify our work and encourage people to get involved in providing survivors a safe platform to share their stories and reclaim their power towards healing, safety, and justice.

Screengrab from: Rappler

As we reflect on these impactful moments, we see a vibrant tapestry painted by our community of care—a tapestry woven with courage, care, and unwavering commitment. Together, we continue our journey towards a world where safety, pleasure, and equity prevail for all.

by Lunas Collective

Lunas Collective stands in solidarity with the peoples of Myanmar and their liberation

29 November 2023

Lunas Collective stands in solidarity with the peoples of Myanmar and their liberation. We join the 16 days of activism against gender based violence and stand for the right of all peoples to live with dignity, and live free of and safe from violence. This includes the right to one’s sexuality, reproductive freedom, irrespective of age, abilities, socio-economic status, gender identity or sexual orientation, political or spiritual affiliations, and convictions. 

As advocates of reproductive freedom and justice, we recognize that sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights are often taken from structurally disenfranchised people–this includes the women, men, children, and genderqueer individuals of Myanmar. 

We take a stand against the harms of capitalism, colonialism, and racism. We stand for reproductive freedom and justice, and join global calls for  equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights for all. In this regard, we condemn the Myanmar military’s seizure of all legislative, executive, and judicial powers in the country. We also strongly denounce the Myanmar military’s violent crackdown on dissent and democratic processes, bolstered by the funding of global political powers.

Since the Myanmar military seized control of the country through a coup in 2021, more than 25,400 human rights defenders and civilians have been arrested, more than 19,700 have been detained, more than 4,200 have been murdered, and more than 2 million have been forcibly displaced from their homes. 

Documented cases of sexual and gender based violence against women, men, girls, and boys, at the hands of the Myanmar military, continue to increase. The routine and systematic use of rape and sexual violence as weapon by the military have been also documented by the United Nations. Security Force Monitor’s study “Under Whose Command?” uncovered that more than 60% of all senior army commanders had alleged disappearances, killings, rape, or instances of torture committed by units under their command since 2011. Moreover, more than 50% of the commanders were promoted in rank after at least one alleged disappearance, killing, rape or instance of torture was committed by the units under their command. The Women’s League of Burma reported that fear of further harassment deterred many from reporting sexual violence.

Most recently, the Myanmar military bombed Mung Lai Hkyet, a camp for conflict-displaced people in northern Myanmar’s Kachin State. 28 civilians including 12 children were killed and dozens of shelters were destroyed. 

The coup is an escalation of the Myanmar military’s decades-long abuse against ethnic minorities in the country. Since the 1960s, the Myanmar military’s use of its “four cuts” strategy has been documented–cutting off the access to food, funds, intelligence, and recruits of whom it considers an opponent, harming civilians in the process.

Lunas Collective joins hundreds of civil society and social justice organizations and groups in the call for an end to the atrocities perpetrated by the Myanmar military.

We amplify the call for immediate global action to end military rule issued by women’s rights groups in Myanmar and in Asia, which specifies the following demands:

  1. To institute a comprehensive global arms embargo on Myanmar, to end the direct and indirect supply sale or transfer of all weapons and other military equipment used for training, intelligence and military assistance; 
  2. To institute a jet fuel embargo and end to military air strikes against civilians;
  3. To increase humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and migrants and refugees from Myanmar, including cross border aid;
  4. To immediately dispatch a well-equipped monitoring and intervention mission to Myanmar to end the state sponsored human rights violations being perpetrated against civilians exercising their rights to peaceful assembly.
  5. To refer military coup council members and personnel to the ICC for their mass atrocities against peaceful protesters; ethnic Kachin, Karen, Shan, Rohingya, Rakhine; and, other civilians.

We believe in the feminist principle that our oppressions and freedoms are interconnected. To borrow the words of intersectional feminist Audre Lorde, none of us are free until all of us are free, even when our shackles are different from each other’s.

 

Sources:

by Lunas Collective

Lunas Collective stands in solidarity with Palestinians and peoples across the world for a Free Palestine

 

28 November 2023

Lunas Collective stands in solidarity with Palestinians and peoples across the world for a free Palestine. We stand for the right of all peoples to live with dignity, and live free of and safe from violence. This includes the right to one’s sexuality and reproductive freedom, irrespective of age, abilities, socio-economic status, gender identity or sexual orientation, political or spiritual affiliations, and convictions.

As advocates of reproductive freedom and justice, we recognize that sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights are often taken from structurally disenfranchised people–this includes Palestinian women, men, children, and genderqueer individuals.

We assert that reproductive freedom and justice stand in contrast to capitalism, colonialism, and racism. It promotes equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights for all. In this regard, we condemn all violence against Palestinian and Israeli civilians. We also strongly denounce the Israeli government’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, bolstered by the funding of Western governments.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's airstrikes in Gaza have caused major casualties: over 14,800 deaths, including at least 6,150 children, and 36,000 injuries, with 8,600 children affected. More than 270 attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, including the most recent raid on al-Shifa hospital. 

The ongoing siege has led to a sexual and reproductive healthcare crisis, affecting 50,000 pregnant individuals, with doctors performing Cesarean sections without anesthetics. This has also rendered hygiene products and contraceptives inaccessible to those who need it, and has made medical care unavailable to those with infections related to contraceptive devices.

This siege is an escalation of Israel's 75-year illegal occupation and apartheid regime in Palestinian territories. Gaza has endured a 16-year blockade, resulting in multiple military assaults, disproportionately affecting Palestinian women. The continued oppression calls for an end to Israel's siege, occupation, and apartheid regime. Dr. Sara Roy emphasizes that Gaza needs not just aid but also freedom to interact normally with the world to achieve sustainable peace.

Lunas Collective joins thousands of civil society and social justice non-governmental and nonprofit organizations and groups in the call for a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

We amplify the call for action issued by Palestinians from Gaza and in exile which specifies the following demands:

  1. An immediate ceasefire to allow for dignified burials for the deceased in overflowing morgues and under rubble, and to prevent disease outbreaks.
  2. The urgent restoration of water, food, fuel, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid.
  3. Immediate protection of medical facilities and the reversal of the illegal and inhumane evacuation orders for hospitals.
  4. The facilitation of safe passage for casualties and critically ill individuals in need of medical treatment.
  5. Opening the crossings for those seeking to evacuate and permitting the entry of medical and rescue teams, along with their equipment.

We believe in the feminist principle that our oppressions and freedoms are interconnected. To borrow the words of intersectional feminist Audre Lorde, who advocated for the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people in her lifetime, none of us are free until all of us are free, even when our shackles are different from each other’s.

 

 

Sources:

by Lunas Collective

PRIDE 2023: Making Meaningful Connections and Celebrating Diversity

We proudly commemorated PRIDE 2023 through a series of inclusive events, which not only celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, but also facilitated meaningful conversations, promoted self-expression, and emphasized the importance of collective care.

June 17: Connecting Feminist Care and SOGIESC Equality Advocacy

On June 17, we collaborated with the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) in a learning exchange: a safe and welcoming space for org members and volunteers, which aimed to connect people through shared experiences of exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination.

Vince Liban, National Convener of PANTAY, delivered an enlightening talk on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) while Lunas Collective's Director of Services, Lyka Lucena, facilitated a Feminist Care workshop, addressing diverse needs for care.

This event set the tone for the month, highlighting the power of collective action and the significance of sharing care within the community.

June 24: Embracing Pleasure and Power at LOVELABAN sa QC Pride PH Festival

Continuing the momentum, our volunteers participated in LOVELABAN sa QC Pride PH Festival on June 24. 

"When we say PLEASURE, you say POWER,” the collective chanted, emphasizing the need for truly inclusive communities that respect diverse definitions of safety, healing, and justice.

This event served as a powerful reminder that diverse pleasures should be celebrated in a space free from judgment and discrimination.

We express our gratitude to UP Center for Women's and Gender Studies for sharing their booth with our volunteers. We also congratulate Pride PH and the Quezon City Government for organizing the inspiring #LoveLabanSaQC event.

July 1: Stories, Songs, and Dances to Cap Off Pride Month 2023
Closing off Pride Month on July 1, Lunas Collective and PANTAY, joined by a caring community of volunteers, storytellers, advocates, and allies, hosted a celebration filled with stories, songs, and dances.

This event reinforced the idea that Pride extends beyond festivities, promoting self-love, compassion for others, and empowerment for the entire community. Our organizations marched for those who can't, and shared the care with those who might need it – advocating for a world where love, sexuality, and expression are free from violence and discrimination.

This culminating event encapsulated the spirit of PRIDE, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and understanding.

We extend our sincere thanks to PANTAY for co-organizing these events, the storytellers who trusted the safe space, the Puresoul band and Mrs Tan for sharing their talents, and allies and partners from UP Center for Women's and Gender Studies, UP College of Social Work and Community Development, and EMpower - The Emerging Markets Foundation Ltd.

by Lunas Collective

Lunas Collective Receives Prestigious UP Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Extension Program

We at Lunas Collective are proud to receive the prestigious University of the Philippines Chancellor's Award 2023 for Outstanding Extension Programs.

This esteemed accolade acknowledges our outstanding commitment to advancing feminist care and empowering women and queer individuals.

Sabrina Gacad, Chairperson of the Department of Women and Development Studies at the University of the Philippines and Founder & Director of Lunas Collective, received the award during the awarding ceremony held at UP Diliman.

We credit this achievement to the power of community and collaborative efforts. We express our heartfelt appreciation to storytellers, dedicated volunteers, and partner organizations who have been instrumental in our mission.

The hashtag #NanditoAngLunas, translating to "Lunas is here," embodies our unwavering commitment to stand by their community members, offering support, and amplifying their voices.

This award is a testament to the collective power of shared vision and dedication to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

by Lunas Collective