#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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSCF1348.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RZE08583.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RZE08854.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RZE08928.jpg)
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).
Bike & Landi: Merging Joyful Cycling with Meaningful Conversations on Consent and Pleasure
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_8877-scaled.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_8407.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_8819-scaled.jpg)
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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-11-at-9.32.30 PM.jpg)
"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.
![](https://lunascollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_8876-scaled.jpg)
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.
#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
- Watch the episode here: Be the Good ft. Sabrina Gacad
- Read about the episode’s content here: Pause your Bias: How to Help GBV Survivors
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.
Share the Care Campaign: Advocating for Safe Spaces and Empowerment
In an effort to address challenges faced in public spaces, we at Lunas Collective launched the “Share the Care” campaign aimed at promoting safe environments, combating street harassment, and fostering solidarity among diverse communities.
This support and empowerment campaign was launched in collaboration with esteemed partners like the Commission on Human Rights - Gender Equality and Women's Human Rights Center, Lakbike, and the Pinay Bike Commuter Community.
The campaign, which was held from October to December 2021, kicked off with a learning session to discuss street safety measures, harassment reporting mechanisms, and the pivotal role of bystanders. This virtual session held on October 14 laid the groundwork for the campaign's ethos of equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate potential dangers on the streets. (Watch the October 14 Learning Session here)
One of our campaign's pivotal moments was the launch of the Bawal Bastos Reporting platform by the Commission on Human Rights on October 25. This platform, dedicated to reporting Safe Spaces Act violations, stood as a significant milestone in creating avenues for individuals to voice their experiences and seek recourse against harassment and discrimination.
(Watch CHR’s October 25 Bawal Bastos Reporting Platform Launch here)
We further bolstered our advocacy through the introduction of the Share the Care merch kit. This thoughtful collection, which included things like the "Bawal Bastos" drifit shirt, the Pinay Bike Commuter "Kababikeihan" face mask, and stickers from LakBike and CHR, served as tangible symbols of solidarity and support for the cause.
Central to the campaign was the 18km for Safe Spaces call to action, an initiative that echoed the collective commitment to acknowledging and addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and abuse. Through this, we emphasized the importance of fostering spaces imbued with care and compassion, providing vital support for survivors on their journey toward healing, justice, and empowerment.
Aligned with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, we also organized #DearSurvivor 2021, a poignant online discussion held on December 6. This event provided a platform for survivors, allies, and supporters to share experiences of gender-based violence in both physical and digital realms. Esteemed guests and partners joined in, enriching the dialogue and emphasizing the shared responsibility in creating safe and inclusive environments.
(Watch #DearSurvivor 2021: A Discussion on GBV in Public and Online Spaces here)
The campaign underscored the diverse experiences individuals face regarding gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination. However, it also highlighted the power of collective action and solidarity. We, along with our partners and allies, reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for safe spaces and #SharingTheCare, both on the streets and online.
As the campaign drew to a close, we expressed gratitude to all participants, recognizing their invaluable contributions in driving meaningful change. The call for equality and safe spaces for everyone echoes beyond the campaign's duration, standing as a testament to our enduring commitment.
Catch highlights of the Share the Care campaign here: Share the Care Campaign 2021
Reflecting on #DearSurvivor 2021: An Overview of Gender Based Violence Discussion and Safe Spaces
Our #DearSurvivor 2021 event was an insightful online discussion shedding light on gender-based violence (GBV) and the need for safe spaces and support for survivors.
Understanding how to create safe spaces as a bystander is crucial. It's about caring for survivors, helping them start their journey towards healing and justice, which isn't easy given the challenges they face.
We believe in empathy and support as the key to empowering survivors. Sharing experiences of GBV, discrimination, or abuse is tough, and seeking help can be even tougher.
Sabrina Gacad, Founder of Lunas Collective, covered topics on GBV, emphasizing the importance of active listening, understanding, and providing support to survivors.
Participants in private sharing circles found solidarity in discussing their experiences and shared struggles.
During the panel discussion, it was clear that harassment can happen to anyone, anywhere. The focus was on not making excuses for perpetrators and intervening as bystanders in public spaces using tactics like distraction, delegation, delay, direct action, and documentation.
The discussion also highlighted the Safe Spaces Act in the Philippines, showing the legal support available for survivors everywhere.
DearSurvivor 2021 was a powerful reminder of the need to understand, support, and take action against GBV. Let's continue these conversations and efforts to create a world free from gender-based violence.
Watch the online streaming here: #DearSurvivor 2021