LGBTQI people in Mindanao have been engulfed by a variety of circumstances that have significantly altered and shaped their lives and prospects. They remain socially, economically, politically, and culturally marginalized, passive victims in need of protection or a threat to development. However, these realities have obscure and limit LGBTQI’s significant contributions as agents towards inclusive peace, gender-equitable, just, and inclusive community. Reflecting on the previous 12-month implementations, we found that surfacing
grounded stories and narratives through various creative arts can amplify LGBTQI advocacy. Their narratives can be a powerful driver to creating and producing collective aspirations toward building a gender fair, just and inclusive community.

Learning from LGBTQI’s narratives is vital because these are not lost on them. This is an entry point for various actors and stakeholders eager to see a gender fairness and inclusive community is a more viable option than violence and marginalization. Why creative art? It has always been one of the transformative tools used by AKMK to organize young people and popularize the demands, advocacy and aspirations of the tri-people youth and to educate broader and diverse communities to create collective actions. Through YAPAK, a cultural art wing of AKMK, already produce original songs and compositions, theatre plays and dance, gather young artists or painters, film-making, photography and literary pieces like poems and short story. The project is about accelerating the rights-claiming and empowerment of Tri-people LGBTQI members by surfacing their stories and narrative using creative arts to achieve following goals:

1. Accelerate the grassroots organising and mobilisation of active and non-active LGBTQI members to consolidate the formation of intersectional movements of LGBTQI.

2. Increase the visibility of participation of Moro and Indigenous Peoples LGBTQI in civic engagement and political processes in their respective communities.

3. Continuous engagements with champions from the local units, schools, private sectors, parents, tribal leaders and communities.

4. Sustain the collaboration with partner LGUs, BLGUs, CSO’s, Schools, and Communities.

5. Equipped LGBTQI members with knowledge and skills on digital advocacy, campaign design and leadership management.

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 amplified 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.