Dumaguete: Shamah Silvosa Bulangis, a dedicated activist based in Dumaguete, has been at the forefront of advocating for queer feminism and community leadership in humanitarian work in the Philippines. Bulangis began her journey as an activist at the young age of 14 in Surigao, driven by her desire to challenge the conservative and religious beliefs she was raised with, particularly those condemning the LGBTQ+ community.
According to UN Women, Bulangis has been instrumental in creating inclusive spaces for lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women and girls through her leadership roles in the Visayas LBQ Network and Girls Congress. These platforms have provided a safe environment where participants can express themselves freely, often for the first time. Bulangis emphasizes the power of community, noting the profound impact of individuals feeling a sense of belonging.
In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette in 2021, Bulangis mobilized support through the Visayas LBQ Network and grassroots connections to provide immediate relief to affected families, including her own, in Surigao. This initiative not only addressed urgent needs but also challenged existing prejudices, as conservative community members witnessed the solidarity and support extended by the queer community.
Bulangis highlights the vital role of chosen families and queer networks during crises, advocating for disaster response systems to acknowledge and support these community-driven efforts. Her experiences have fueled her advocacy for inclusive policies that recognize diverse family structures and ensure comprehensive support during emergencies.
As the world reflects on 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), Bulangis calls for a renewed commitment to gender equality that embraces all women and girls, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. She underscores the necessity of including LBQ and trans women in conversations about equality, asserting that the vision of gender equality remains incomplete without their voices.
In her pursuit of equality and dignity for all women, Bulangis advocates for a future where every woman can live freely and safely, emphasizing that no woman or girl should be marginalized or left behind in the global dialogue on gender equality.
