Full Project Title: #LGBTILivesMatter: A Grassroots Tri-People LGBTI MovementTowards Rights-claiming and Empowerment
In Mindanao, Philippines, LGBTI people in the tri-people(Bangsamoro, Indigenous Peoples, and Migrant Settlers) communities remain invisible, particularly those with families, clans, and communities that are highly conservative. The strong conservative cultures and practices dominant in the family, clans, and community of the tri-people in Mindanao are often oppressive and violent to LGBTI people, hence, forcing them either to run away (if not kicked out) or hide deeper in their closet just to have a family to belong to. One sad experience ofAKMK was when an LGBTI member was arrested in LebakMunicipality when she engaged same-sex relationship. They were both Bangsamoro Maguindanaon tribe and the parents of her girlfriend reported her to the police using other alibi complaints. In another case, during the height of coronavirus lockdown, a group ofyoung LGBTI people in Lanao del Norte was arrested, detained and harassed when they posted a video in social media exposing the inefficient emergency relief operation done by their Barangay Officials. Another was a group of Lesbian in Maguindanao were forced to have their heads shaved. These problems are just among the issues that the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)Equality Bill would like to address. However, for almost two decades the bill lingers long in Congress dominated by ultra-conservative and homophobic government leaders. Apparently, LGBTI people in Mindanao particularly in the four areas identified by the project urgently need protection against immediate violence from family, clans and community. And the best protection remedy is for LGBTI to mobilize their ranks in educating their community and the public about the SOGIE Bill, campaign for its LGBTI safe space mechanism for their protection and active participation. The project is about initiatives of LGBTI people with their alliance formation AKMK in addressing themost pressing issues of discrimination, social inequality, invisibility and lack of security protection experienced by LGBTI people in tri-people communities in Mindanao. Through this project, AKMK will mobilize its LGBTI members in four (4) different clusters such as Lebak, SultanKudarat, Iligan City, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte and Begong, Zamboanga del Sur that have in place structures to organize the educational sessions, advocacy, and dialogue activities in different levels – family/clan, tribal groups, and community; that would bring about changes in the abovementioned situation. The overall objective of the project is to ensure the protection of rights and protection of LGBTI people as human beings, recognised and respected as members of the family/clan, tribes, and communities of the tri-people(Bangsamoro, Indigenous Peoples, and Migrant Settlers). After 12months of implementation, the project is to achieve the following: a)Increased public awareness and support to the SOGIE Bill and other LGBTI issues and agenda; b) Built the multi-stakeholders movement for the #LGBTILivesMatter campaign in the 4 target areas in Mindanao. c) Engaged with parents, elders, local tribal leaders, and barangay officials for the LGBT agenda and campaign. d) Equippedthe LGBTI and IMGLAD members with knowledge and skills on lobbying, Advocacy, and Campaign Management

1. INTRODUCTION 

LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating grassroots tri-people LGBTQI Movement” is ground-breaking campaign aimed at furthering the rights of LGBTQIA people in communities of color. This project is a ray of hope in a world where there is systemic prejudice and marginalization; it seeks to foster an inclusive, accepting, and equitable culture. The project aims to elevate the voices and talents/skills of individuals who are frequently marginalized and initiate significant change by utilizing the power of cultivating arts, community involvement, and grassroots activism. It seeks to quicken the progress towards justice and equality for every LGBTQIA person in tri-people circumstances while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity and allyship.  

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 

The project, titled “LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating grassroots tri-people LGBTQI Movement,” is dedicated in elevating the voices and promoting the rights of LGBTQIA individuals in tri-people communities. Through strategic grassroots programs, community involvement, and artvocacy campaigns, the project strives to effect significant change by tackling institutional discrimination, advocating for inclusivity, and encouraging solidarity among different groups and collaboration with other CSO. By utilizing community connections and supporting LGBTQIA advocates, the project is committed to expediting advancements in equality, visibility, and social acceptance for all LGBTQIA community members in tri-people settings.  

IMPACT AND TRANSFORMATION 

By weaving stories of resiliency, empowerment, and unity, “LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating grassroots tri-people LGBTQI Movement” has a ripple effect on communities via ArtVocacy. This project amplifies the voices of LGBTQIA people in tri-people environments by using the transforming power of art as an advocacy tool. It also encourages a greater level of understanding and empathy among a variety of audiences. It breaks down boundaries, challenges prejudices, and motivates people to work together to create a society that is more equal and inclusive through artistic expression. Through starting discussions, creating connections, and making a lasting impression on the path to equality and emancipation for all, ArtVocacy acts as a catalyst for social change. 

 “LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating Grassroots Tri-People LGBTI Movement Towards Rights-claiming and Empowerment” can have a significant and multifaceted impact on and transform society through #Artstory and #Artvocacy. The following are some significant ways that art can promote empowerment and transformation within the LGBTQIA community:

• Visibility and Representation: Increasing the visibility and representation of LGBTQIA people, especially those from marginalized communities, can be accomplished through the effective use of art. Through the presentation of many stories, identities, and experiences, #Artstory and #Artvocacy campaigns aim to dispel stigma, dispel misconceptions, and honor the diversity of LGBTQIA culture. 
• Empowerment and Self-expression: LGBTQIA people can assert their identities, reclaim their stories, and express themselves genuinely via art. Through venues for community members to express their experiences, tribulations, and victories, #Artstory and #Artvocacy projects promote a sense of empowerment and unity. 
• Advocacy and Awareness: The ability of art to organize support for social justice and LGBTQIA rights as well as to start debates about these topics is immense. Visual storytelling, performance art, and multimedia projects can be used by #Artstory and #Artvocacy campaigns to spread advocacy messages, educate the public, and enlist allies in the struggle for equality. 
• Healing and Resilience: For LGBTQIA people who have endured trauma, prejudice, or marginalization, art may be a transforming and healing force. People can learn to manage their emotions, develop resilience, and find strength in their sense of community when they express themselves creatively. 
• Community Building and Connection: LGBTQIA people can connect with one another, create supportive networks, and create a sense of belonging through #Artstory and #Artvocacy projects. Art may counteract loneliness and establish environments for healing and development by promoting a feeling of community and shared identity. 

Overall, “LGBTQIA Lives Matter” has had a profound and transformative influence through the use of #Artstory and #Artvocacy. These efforts have touched on a variety of topics, including advocacy, visibility, empowerment, healing, community building, and societal change. These projects aim to effect long-lasting positive change within the LGBTQIA community and beyond by using the artistic medium to communicate stories, elevate voices, and spark action. 

 LESSONS LEARNED 

One of the profound lessons learned from “LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating grassroots tri-people LGBTQI Movement” through ArtVocacy is the transformative power of art in fostering empathy, understanding, and social change. ArtVocacy has demonstrated that artistic expression transcends boundaries, bridging communities and catalyzing meaningful conversations about LGBTQIA rights within tri-people contexts. Through Vlogging, visual arts, and song composition, this initiative has not only amplified marginalized voices but also cultivated solidarity and allyship among diverse groups. Moreover, ArtVocacy has underscored the importance of centering lived experiences and cultural nuances in advocacy efforts, highlighting the intersectionality of identities and the need for inclusive approaches towards achieving justice and equality for all individuals. 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the book “LGBTQIA Lives Matter: Accelerating grassroots tri-people LGBTQI Movement Through ArtVocacy” is a perfect example of how art has the power to affect society and spur advocacy. This project has sparked discussions, developed empathy, and motivated group action towards a more inclusive and fair society by elevating the voices of LGBTQIA persons within tri-people groups. In addition to challenging preconceptions and breaking down barriers, ArtVocacy has fostered solidarity and allyship amongst various communities via artistic expression and storytelling. Thinking back on this movement’s path serves as a reminder of the strength of cooperation, resiliency, and willpower in improving everyone’s rights and dignity, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Let’s keep using art to our advantage going forward.