'I am not immoral'

MANILA, Philippines - The  I Am Not Immoral! photo and video exhibit held last Jan. 30 at Lighthouse Studio, Malate was a resounding success. The project is the brainchild of indie filmmaker-producer Jethro Patalinghug and photographer Niccolo Cosme.

Among the participants were Manny Castañeda, John Lapus, Diego Llorico, Tita Glow and Rep. Lisa Hontiveros who authored the anti-discriminatory bill in Congress. The event was sponsored by Francis Baraan.

The project was partly in response to the Commission on Elections Second Division’s decision to dismiss the petition of Ang Ladlad LGBT Party to take part in the 2010 National Elections on the grounds that “petitioner tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs” and that “homosexuals are a threat to the youth.”

Although Ang Ladlad is already included in the approved party-lists of the 2010 National Elections as a result of the recent intervention of the Supreme Court, misconceptions about the LGBTI community still have to be countered.

As an organization working on social change for and by young Filipino lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, transsexuals and others (LGBTI), Team Pilipinas headed by Bruce Amoroto believes society’s view on LGBTIs as immoral people is wrong and there is a need to raise awareness on these issues and mobilize action against such discriminatory views.