𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢!

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 sponsored this year’s Philippine LGBTQ ICON Awards.

Organized by The Red Whistle, a non-government organization that advocates for HIV awareness and LGBTQ rights, together with O Bar Philippines, Pasig, the awards event was held at ARISE, the 13th Annual Philippine Pride Party, last June.

“We are incredibly honored to be working with other organizations that are geared 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.”