As part of International Human Rights Week and in celebration of National Lesbian Day in the Philippines, lesbian, bisexual, queer Filipinas and their allies gathered Dec. 8 at the Wild Rose, known as Seattle’s lesbian bar. Pinay sa Seattle-GABRIELA USA, the principal organizer for this event, is a Filipino women’s collective concerned with human rights in the Philippines. The majority of the organization’s membership identify as lesbian, bisexual or queer in addition to their anti-imperialist politics. They have been active in voicing resistance against the current administration in the Philippines and their disgraceful human rights record. Filipino women in Seattle are building local concern against the recent declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao by Philippine President Arroyo, following the massacre of 57 people. This is considered the worst pre-election violence in the history of the Philippines, and the worse tragedy among journalists in the history of journalism. Regardless of this tragedy, President Obama has committed to continue to support Arroyo. The gathering at the Wild Rose was a build-up event for Dec. 10’s “Enough is Enough,” event for International Human Rights Day. “Enough is Enough” took place at the Hidmo Eritrean Restaurant. Artists, activists and community members gathered to discuss the impact of U.S. militarization on the global community, in response to Obama’s call for 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan.
