Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic
Control (EpiC Philippines), a project under the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the President of the United States’ Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and spearheaded by FHI360, proudly extended its support as
a sponsor to this year’s Philippine LGBTQ ICON Awards.
The awards, organized by The Red Whistle, a
non-government organization that advocates for HIV awareness and LGBTQ rights,
together with O Bar Philippines, Pasig, was held at ARISE, the 13th Annual
Philippine Pride Party, last June 29, 2024, Saturday.
“We are incredibly honored to be working with
other organizations that are working towards a more accessible prevention,
testing, and treatment action plan for PLHIV,” said Joven Roy Santiago, FHI360 Technical Advisor for Social and Behavior Change
Communication. “Our hope is that, through our united efforts, we will be
able to mitigate the spread of HIV and facilitate a society where those who
have HIV can live full, healthy, and happy lives.”
EpiC Philippines’ campaign, “Free To Be U!”,
promotes awareness and accessibility for HIV prevention, testing, and
treatment, empowering everyone regardless of HIV status to be free to be
themselves. Representatives for “Free To Be U!” were present at the ICON
Awards, distributing both condoms and fliers on pre-exposure prophylaxis
treatments (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
Now in its third year, the ICON Awards
recognizes and honors pioneers, trailblazers, and allies of the LGBTQIA+
community, individuals who have shown dedication to representation, support for
equality and change, and advocacy against discrimination.
This year saw Adrian Lindayag, multi-awarded
movie, television and theater actor, recognized with the Young People’s
Champion Award for his dedication to queer visibility in media. Veteran singer,
songwriter, actor and director Ice Seguerra was graced with the Trans Trailblazer
Award, for his efforts in paving the way for other trans artists in the
entertainment industry.
Marina Summers, performer and drag queen best
known for competing in Drag Race Philippines and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the
World, was awarded the Beacon of Representation Award, for bringing Pinoy Pride
to the international stage and upholding LGBTQIA+ excellence.
Meanwhile, human rights advocate, lawyer, and
Chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group, Atty. Chel Diokno, was named for
the Ally for Change Award for his unwavering support of the SOGIESC
Anti-Discrimination Bill.
Finally, former Vice President of the
Philippines and Chairperson of the Angat Buhay Foundation Atty. Leni Robredo,
was honored as this year’s Icon of the Year, for her personal advocacy for
equality, outspokenness against discrimination, and the impactful programs and
initiatives of Angat Buhay that support the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.
“All over the world, we see members of the
LGBTQIAP+ community breaking barriers, defying expectations and making
groundbreaking contributions in various fields. We must continue to open more
spaces in our society where each one can embrace their truth and reach their
full potential,” said Robredo in a video message.
The night was capped off by extravagant and
exciting performances by Marina Summers and fellow Drag Race royalty Precious
Paula Nicole, as well as many other talented drag queens from all over the
Philippines. Pop culture icon, singer and actress Maris Racal also made her O
Bar performance debut that evening.
Founded in 2011, The Red Whistle grew from a
cause started by a group of friends pushing for HIV awareness and equality, to
an organization that focuses on the broader spectrum of issues that People
Living with HIV (PLHIV) face, such as testing and treatment accessibility,
mental health services, and recognition of diversity in sexual orientation,
gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics.
“There is a need to amplify the HIV response
in the Philippines to better address the rising cases of HIV, a significant
portion of which greatly affects our LGBTQIA+ community,” said Niccolo Cosme,
Creative Director of The Red Whistle and founder of the Headshot Clinic (HSC)
Project. “We need to work together to bring HIV education and testing to the
forefront of public health promotion.”
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