As part of International Human Rights Week and in celebration of National Lesbian Day in the Philippines, lesbian, bisexual, queer Filipinas, and their allies gathered on Dec. 8 at the Wild Rose. The Wild Rose is a lesbian bar in Seattle.
Pinay sa Seattle-Gabriela USA, the principal organizer for this event, is a Filipino women’s collective concerned with human rights in the Philippines. The majority of the organization’s membership identify as lesbian, bisexual or queer.
Members have been active in voicing resistance against the current administration in the Philippines and its human rights record.
Many Filipino women in Seattle are building local concern against the recent declaration of martial law in Maguindanao by Philippine President Arroyo following the massacre of 57 people.
According to some, this is considered the worst pre-election violence in the history of the Philippines, and the worse tragedy among journalists.
Regardless of violence, President Obama has continued to support Arroyo, say representatives from Pinay sa Seattle-Gabriela USA. ♦