Cordillera gays cautious on Pope's condom announcement

Cordillera gays cautious on Pope's condom announcement

The Progressive Organization of Gays in Baguio (ProGay Baguio) welcomed the pronouncement of Pope Benedict XVI that allows use of condoms to prevent HIV transmission.

But the group said a lot more must be done to save more lives from the combined onslaughts of HIV/AIDS, violence against women and gays and human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Pope Benedict should really change the policy of the Catholic Churh that condemns lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people with moral judgments," said William Villacampa, spokesperson of the ProGay Baguio advocacy group at the height of the global observances of the International Transgender Day of Remembrance."

Villacampa said condoms are only part of disease prevention, and that much more attention and efforts must be given to elimination of homophobia and violence against women and children.

"Even if major religions go all out promoting condoms, as long as transphobia and homophobia are rampant in church teachings, the message is confusing. Saying that condoms is a lesser evil and that gays are sinful will not encourage wiser reproductive health decisions.

" ProGay Baguio asserts that the homophobic attitudes of Christian sects combines with conservative attitudes of some indigenous cultures make it difficult to access gay and transgender communities in the Cordillera.

Edgar Atadero, a registered nurse volunteering for Progay's health campaign, agreed that rigid religious upbringing make gay and transgendered youth resistant to reproductive health education.

"If the Catholic Church really wants to save lives, it should also review its doctrinal ban on same-sex relations," Atadero said. "If churches accept gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual believers as God's full and equal children, it will be a lot easier for health workers like us to teach them more responsible sexual behaviors and healthier practices." # # #

ProGay Baguio is an advocacy group of gay men and transgender activists promoting human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the Cordillera region. For more information, please contact William Villacampa by mobile phone 09282188877.

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