Exhibit tells tales of bias of 12 victims

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

JERSON See is only 22, but he has been living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for four years.

He once applied for a job in a business process outsourcing company in Cebu. But during the job interview, instead of being asked about his abilities, See was asked about his infection.

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“It (was) about HIV rather than the job,” he said. It did not surprise that he was not
hired.

Instead of moping about his condition, See saw the need to fight for people like him who have to live with the disease. He is now the president of Cebuplus Association Inc. (CPAI), an organization that helps educate and support people living with HIV, and their loved ones.

To raise awareness about HIV, the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), See and three other HIV-positive persons are among 12 people who share their experiences as victims of discrimination in an exhibit called “Human Soul,” which is presented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Portraits

The exhibit, which was launched at the Cebu City Social Hall yesterday, includes an audio presentation of the portraits of the 12 persons.

The exhibit supports the proposed Anti-Discrimination Bill. The proposed law seeks to address biases against persons with HIV, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT).

“Our first angle actually was about the Philippines being a safe and friendly environment for gays and lesbians. But when we conducted our interviews, we were surprised how gays are still being maligned for being different and being denied opportunities,” said French journalist Sebastian Farcis, one of the creators of Human Soul.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy has drafted an ordinance on anti-discrimination.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, a supporter of the cause, also promised to craft a related ordinance for Cebu City.

Resolution

Dizon said he will file a resolution urging Congress to file the bill, after several congresses failed to pass it because of opposition from colleagues.

The councilor said that although not widely known, there are schools and commercial establishments that discriminate against LGBTs.

While Sitoy's proposed anti-discrimination ordinance is popular among LGBTs, his
earlier proposed ordinance for a separate comfort room for LGBTs was not acceptable.

Establishing a separate restroom for LGBTs would only worsen discriminatory acts against LGBTs, said Patrick Ty, yesterday's emcee.

“There should be consultation among LGBTs and the community if this is really what they want,” said Dizon.

Education

Human Soul also aims to educate people about HIV and AIDS.

While many HIV patients are intravenous drug users, Cebu City Health Department's Dr. Ilya Tac-an said there is a growing prevalence of men having sex with men (MSM) who have become infected.

The increase became evident in the past two years.

Tac-an said half of HIV-positive MSMs in Cebu City were discovered in the past two years.

But UNDP country director Renaud Meyer said this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“This only represents those who have volunteered to be tested,” said Meyer.

Every day, six people find themselves positive of HIV in the Philippines and the figure is expected to increase to 10 by the end of the year, he said.

What is saddening, he said, is that the Philippines is one of seven nations in the world that have not controlled the prevalence rate of the virus.

“Other Asian nations have decreased their figures, not the Philippines,” lamented Meyer.