Introducing TLF SHARE Collective September 7, 2007
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TLF Sexuality, Health and Rights Educators Collective Inc. (TLF SHARE Collective), incorporated in 2005, is a membership organization of peer educators, trainers and advocates committed to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV (or the virus that causes AIDS) among Filipino gay, bisexual and other males who have sex with males (MSM) and the promotion of human rights regardless of sexual orientation and gender identities.
TLF SHARE Collective is comprised of members who have been volunteer educators of The Library Foundation (TLF), founded in 1991, known to be one of the pioneers in HIV/AIDS prevention work among MSM in the country. The organization sits as one of the NGO members of the Philippine National AIDS Council, the central advisory body empowered by Republic Act 8504 to lead the comprehensive national response to HIV/AIDS. Its members have significantly contributed in the organizing of coalitions for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders (LGBT) such as Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB) and Task Force Pride.
TLF SHARE Collective’s members are recognized to be some of civil society’s staunch advocates and prolific trainer-educators on gender, sexuality and sexual health issues affecting communities of gay, bisexual and other MSM. Its governance is currently composed of Joel De Mesa (one of TLF’s pioneer trainers), Ferdie Buenviaje and Glenn Cruz (both former TLF executive directors), Jonas Bagas and Tacing Marasigan.
As officers and volunteers of the former TLF, the members have also implemented project-grants from donors such as Australian Agency for International Development, PNAC, Astraea Lesbian Foundation, International HIV/AIDS Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). They have also been involved in sub-contracted projects from Health Action Information Network, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and The Futures Group.
TLF SHARE Collective is currently managing STI and HIV prevention programs in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog and Bicol. Under the third and fourth rounds of HIV/AIDS projects under the GFATM, TLF SHARE Collective works to improve behavior change communication and STI management among key vulnerable populations (MSM, persons in prostitution and migrant workers) in four cities in Metro Manila, San Pablo City, Batangas City, Lucena City and Gumaca, Quezon. In the Bicol region, mainly in Legazpi City, Tabaco City and Daraga in Albay, TLF SHARE Collective continues to facilitate the strengthening of organized communities of gay, bisexual and MSM communities as well as participatory governance in local health systems.
