“A community that is engaged and working together can be a powerful force”
– Idowu Koyenikan
Through a shared desire to promote SOGIE Awareness, HAPI and GR!T PH recently partnered up in a seminar called “HAPI 2 GR!T U”. The seminar, which addressed key issues in the queer community, took place in Quest Hotel, Cebu last April 27, 2024.
HAPI-Cebu and HAPI Pride are two of our most staunch advocates for LGBTQIA+ and Mental Health education. Joining forces with the team at GR!T PH, who dedicate their time to empowering the queer community, was a no-brainer. HAPI Pride Ambassador and HAPI-Cebu Interim Lead Convener, Marc Daniel Marquez understood the potential of both organizations to make more progress in Cebu.
Apart from establishing HAPI-Cebu and GR!T PH’s partnership, the seminar sought to foster projects that could educate parents on topics critical to their children’s well-being and adolescence.
Louie Andrino, HAPI-Cebu Secretary, talked extensively about his chapter and how they came to partner up with GR!T PH. He emphasized how much potential the two could unlock together as they work toward the same goals.
The event continued with a comprehensive talk about SOGIE SC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics) by Niel Steve Kintanar, an LGBTQIA+ Well-being & Rights Psychologist & Advocate, to empower parents in an inclusive family environment where each member can thrive and embrace their true self.
Marvin Obinque, a volunteer at LoveYourself Cebu, also spoke about HIV 101. This part of the seminar helped the participants not only develop safer sexual practices but also reduce stigma and discrimination towards people with HIV.
Lastly, Transgender Wellness was tackled. Founder of Transman Equality and Awareness Movement & Regional Officer of Rainbow Rights Philippines, Chase Go, allowed participants to increase their knowledge about trans lives and encouraged them to support transgender individuals with a focus on inclusivity and empathy.
HAPI, HAPI Pride, and HAPI-Cebu offer their heartfelt gratitude and sincerest appreciation to the volunteers, participants, and sponsors – Hanz Coquilla, Alta Costura, and URAN Cebu for making this event a resounding success.
“To build a strong community of advocates and volunteers to foster an environment where everyone can prosper and flourish,” Marquez replied when asked about the HAPI x GR!T PH partnership’s exciting plans for the future.
It takes a special kind of individuals to collaborate and take initiatives for the advancement of their community. Together with GR!T P, HAPI is just getting started.
