FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2012
Contact: Jeremiah Abraham, Director of Public Relations and Marketing
jabraham@barangayla.org, 424-241-0121
Barangay Los Angeles Calls for Solidarity in Wake of Congressman Manny Pacquiao’s Public Intolerance Toward the LGBTQ Community
Los Angeles, CA – Barangay Los Angeles, the longest running Filipino LGBTQ organization in the United States, calls for unity surrounding the recent the discriminatory views publicly expressed by Filipino Congressman Manny Pacquiao. In response to President Barack Obama’s historic support for marriage equality, Congressman Pacquiao publicly opposed this decision based on personal religious views–allegedly citing Bible quotes that imply violence toward the LGBTQ community.
Barangay Los Angeles and the Filipino LGBTQ community at large stands firmly opposed to endorsements that promote violence and infringement of rights toward any individual.
“Our Filipino and LGBTQ communities must unite to take a proactive stand against intolerance,” says Jeremiah Abraham, Barangay Los Angeles Director of Public Relations and Marketing. “We as a people have already endured generations of marginalization from others. It’s time to put it to a stop and grant equal rights for all.”
While Barangay Los Angeles supports freedom of speech and personal beliefs — as a congressman who swore allegiance to the Philippine Constitution, wherein is embodied the Separation of Church and State, Congressman Pacquiao is not entitled to proselytize on his personal beliefs while he remains a public official. Congressman Pacquiao should be cautious and sensitive when advocating his religious views while he remains a public official representing a mass population, including LGBTQ individuals. Regardless of potential misquotations and misrepresentation, the message of negativity has been spotlighted and must be used to educate others to highlight existing intolerance that exists in our community.
In recent days, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. in response to Barangay Los Angeles’ efforts, joins President Obama’s support and has announced programs to support marriage equality and the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
“Despite overwhelming support for equal rights, Mr. Pacquiao’s public views remind us that there are still people who see us as second class citizens — denying us of even the basic right to be married,” says Robert Julius Maullon, Barangay Los Angeles President. “We will not stand idly by and be attacked by ignorance.”
Barangay Los Angeles calls for the end of violence motivated and infringement of rights by discrimination and intolerance toward all communities.
Barangay Los Angeles calls for a public apology to the LGBTQ community at large and the retraction of discriminatory statements issued by Congressman Manny Pacquiao and Blogger Granville Ampong.
Barangay Los Angeles calls for Congressman Manny Pacquiao to begin a dialogue with the LGBTQ community to address conflicting issues with the hope of raising progressive awareness.
Let our collective voices be heard. Barangay Los Angeles will host a town hall meeting addressing this immediate issue.
Barangay Los Angeles LGBTQ Town Hall Meeting – Tuesday, May 29 at 7PM at LA Rose Cafe.
For press inquiries and more information please contact Jeremiah Abraham at 424-241-0121 or via email at jabraham@barangayla.org.
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Jeremiah Abraham
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Barangay Los Angeles
jabraham@barangayla.org
424-241-0121
http://www.barangayla.org
About Barangay Los Angeles – Established in 1989, Barangay Los Angeles has become a nationally recognized Filipino community organization supporting and focused on addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning issues. The organization has grown to serve over 100+ members offering free membership and a wide range of programming, from social events to free educational workshops and advocacy.
