COVID-19 Hero
Outrage Magazine
The Philipphines
Outrage magazine has been the Philippines’ first LGBT newspaper since 2007, offering all LGBTQIA individuals in the country a voice and increasing awareness about the fight against HIV and LGBTQIA issues. We also feature the POZ section, which includes PLHIV Stories and online engagements on Twitter and other social media platforms.
What one achievement your organisation accomplished that it is most proud of
For the past eight years, we have been involved in LGBT and HIV activism. From 2015 to 2018, we have a Theater Advocacy about the lives of PLHIVs and people in Mindanao, led by the community and stakeholders. These stories need to be spoken in order to raise awareness about HIV and the true story. As a result, we continue the online conversation using social media platforms such as QTALKS in 2020 and, more recently #DearGrey on Twitter Spaces.
What is the most challenging thing about the work of your organisation
Living with HIV in the Philippines is challenging; we suffer daily stigma and prejudice, as well as online abuse and bullying. Our awareness isn’t quite in sync with the community’s objectives. We have seen a lot of PLHIVS in the Philippines that don’t have enough access to HIV awareness, have unknown statuses and identities, and don’t use social media responsibly. Many have mental health issues that necessitate adequate psychological and emotional care.
Living with HIV in the Philippines is challenging; we suffer daily stigma and prejudice, as well as online abuse and bullying. Our awareness isn’t quite in sync with the community’s objectives. We have seen a lot of PLHIVS in the Philippines that don’t have enough access to HIV awareness, have unknown statuses and identities, and don’t use social media responsibly. Many have mental health issues that necessitate adequate psychological and emotional care.
What work did your organisation do differently due to Covid-19
Through online Twitter Space #DearGrey Spoken Poetry and QTALKS on Zoom, we’ve had weekly topical talks about many aspects of PLHIV living and we’ve occasionally invited experts to speak on topics including mental health, unloading emotions, self-development, and sexual health. The online venues allowed PLHIV gain access to therapy, obtain support from other PLHIV, and organize aid by forming networks.
How has your organisation catered to the mental health needs of your staff
We make good use of social media and offer a venue for people to communicate through Twitter Spaces and other online activities. In addition, we make every attempt to connect anyone seeking assistance online through our Twitter platform, such as #DearGrey, and our weekly Zoom call for online peer support with QTALKS. The goal is to educate more Filipino PLHIV about living a positive lifestyle and altering their thinking, with the understanding that this journey will be more meaningful if we embark on it as a community.
What is your reaction to being nominated for the HERO Awards 2021
It’s an honor to be acknowledged because it validates what we’ve been doing for the community in our own unique way. We hope we made it easier for PLHIV to open up and express their perspectives, especially in the event of a pandemic. We are here for a broader reason: to collaborate, to build, maintain, and provide a safe atmosphere for people living with HIV and MSM.
Despite the fact that the COVID-19 is still with us, what is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific
The movement to mainstream LGBTQIA and intersectional identities is still going strong. Every day, we must continue to discuss them in all venues. We need to establish a more inclusive, safe, healing, and grounding environment. Assuring that all MSM and PLHIVs are recognized and appreciated in order for us to heal one another and for their voices to be heard in communities.
https://www.apcom.org/qtalks-online-support-for-plhivs-during-pandemic/https://twitter.com/GreyHuMin
