Every third Tuesday of the month, Barangay Los Angeles produces a discussion group consisting of members of the organization and the Filipino community. This group comes together to coalesce in a safe space while conversing over food and coffee.

“I wanted to revive the Kapihan program because I felt that the community would greatly benefit from these intimate discussions,” states Robert Julius Maullon, Barangay Los Angeles Vice President. Julius had been a supporter of Kapihan since he came back to the organization from a hiatus in 2009. He continues, “Kapihan, in a way, mimics the very essence of why Barangay LA was formed. It was through these informal gatherings where the LGBTQ community found support from one another.”

At the beginning of this year Kapihan was moved around to different areas in Los Angeles to accommodate the geographical locations of the organization’s members. For the past few sessions Kapihan has found it’s home in Hollywood at LA Rose Café located on Fountain and Vermont. The venue’s owner, Lem, is a supporter of the organization and the Filipino LGBTQ community.

In order for Barangay LA to accomplish Kapihan’s “safe space” model, Lem has given access to his private room at one end of the restaurant giving privacy to attendees of Kapihan.

Various organizations representing other Filipino or LGBTQ have participated in the monthly event and more are encouraged to see what these discussions are all about.

Julius was asked if his lobbing for Kapihan has paid off. He states, “Kapihan has truly been a successful avenue for the LGBTQ community to freely discuss the issues and concerns that directly impacts our members. It has created a safe space where individual voices are heard and collectively respected by one another.”

Barangay Los Angeles’ Kapihan is held every Tuesday of every month from 7-9PM at LA Rose Café in Hollywood. No reservations are needed, come as you are.