GENDER COMMITTEE 2012 - 2013

Prepared by Pat Bringas The USC Gender Committee will promote respect and acceptance among individuals in the University. It aims to make the campus a safe place from discrimination and harassment. It recognizes the importance of awareness and education in embracing the diversity of students in the University.

This year, the USC Gender Committee will be LOUDER.

Live respecting diversity Open avenues of support Unite groups and individuals towards empowerment Develop a greater understanding and acceptance Encourage the establishment of localized gender committees Reach out to the community

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON -Head/oversee projects of the committee -External Relations PROJECT CONSULTANT -Creative Team -Layout/Program -Scheduling -Design -Event/Project Participants LOGISTICS HEAD -Venue Reservation -Permits -Equipment -Finance PUBLICITY HEAD -Invitations -Promotion -Production of publicity materials -Event/Project Documentation HEAD OF RESEARCH -Campaigns -Statements -Resource Speakers/Personalities -Trainings

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

YEAR-ROUND The SOGI Video Project A 5-15 minute informative video produced by the USC Gender Committee that will encapsulate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. It aims to present SOGI in a brief and easily-digestible manner. It will be screened in every USC Gender Committee event, and perhaps in other venues as well, to promote gender-sensitivity among the participants. Production Date: May 2012 Target release date: June 2012 Gender Chatbox An online-based grievance desk, through a dedicated e-mail account/webpage, wherein students can air out their concerns and issues regarding gender, sexuality, discrimination and harassment on campus. The USC Gender Committee will be working closely with the Diliman Gender Office (DGO), Office for Counseling and Guidance (OCG) and Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH) to properly respond to these concerns. Reach Out and Mingle (ROAM) The USC Gender Committee will not only offer services to students, but also roam around communities to educate and promote acceptance by holding events such as discussions and other activities that tackle on issues on gender, sexuality and health. Reproductive Health and Gender Advocates (RH AGENDA) Movement The USC Gender Committee will be working with RH AGENDA in providing campaigns and services to forward reproductive health and gender rights nationwide. Students Alliance against Sexual Harassment (SASH) We will also tie-up with SASH, an alliance of Law Organizations which provide legal services to protect women against sexual harassment. Rated PG (Policies on Gender) We will lobby for policies against gender discrimination to protect the rights and welfare of students in the campus. Gender.Com The USC Gender Committee will encourage the establishment of gender committees in local student councils AND in other schools. It aims to hold a National Gender Committee Summit wherein student councils across the country can work together in advancing gender rights. LGBT Studies Following the establishment of an LGBT section in the Main Library, we will lobby for institutionalizing a Center for LGBT Studies.

DATE-SPECIFIC International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) March May 17, 2012 A solidarity march to the Comission on Human Rights to raise awareness on Hate Crime victims for the past few years. The USC Gender Committee, along with different LGBT movements in and outside the university, will be participating in this event carrying this year's campaign against bullying. LGBT Pride Month Faces An open shoot that will feature individuals campaigning against hate towards the LGBT. Photos will be posted in an online campaign that will be spread in social networking sites. Target Shoot Dates: June 18-22, 2012

UP Pride March and Picnic A parade of PRIDE around the University Academic Oval. A small gathering/picnic will follow to allow LGBT participants and supporters, such as friends and family, to strengthen bonds among them. The event will also feature short presentations and performances from LGBT groups and individuals. Target Date: June 29, 2012

Opening of Gender/LGBT Studies Section in the Main Library Last years Gender Committee initiated a book drive to collect Gender/LGBT-related titles that will be donated to the LGBT section in the Main Library. This year, we will continue to gather books to further supplement this new section on LGBT studies. Target Date: July 2012

DRAG-On A night of entertainment and glamor that celebrates drag as an art and expression. Every guest will be encouraged to cross-dress, or come in drag, for the gender-bending experience. The night will feature fabulous performances that showcase the colorful world of drag. Target Date: August 25, 2012

MAD (Me, Against Discrimination) Run A running event to promote health and the fight against discrimination. Participants will be provided with shirts carrying statements on empowerment, respect and acceptance. This activity will also push for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill. Target Date: September 16, 2012 We, Men November 19, 2012 Discussions on Machismo

HIV Awareness Week November 26-30, 2012 In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, the HIV Awareness Week aims to provide educational talks and discussions relevant to the HIV/AIDS situation in our country. Planned Activities: Forums and Discussions on HIV/AIDS-related Issues Mobile HIV Testing Center in UP Diliman

Gender Awareness Week December 3-7, 2012 In cooperation with the UP Diliman Gender Office (UP DGO), Center for Women's Studies (CWS) and the Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH), the USC Gender Committee will be going around dormitories and colleges, providing educational discussions and activities to empower and enlighten the students and staff of the university regarding issues on gender and sexuality. Proposed topics include sexual orientation and gender identity, harassment, health, relationships, and lifestyle.

The USC Gender Committee Film Festival The film festival aims to utilize audio-visual presentations in raising awareness about gender and sexuality. It will encourage student groups or individuals to produce films that tackle on genderrelated issues, and screen existing relevant works and titles. Call for entries: November/December 2012 Target Festival Date: January 2013

Women's Month March 2012 A month to celebrate and empower women. Planned activities include an exhibit to showcase achievements by women in the past. It will also focus on empowering women by offering the following workshops: -Beauty: Make-up, Hairstyling and Fashion -Self-Defense