Wagayway Equality is a non-government, non-profit, community-based organization based in Batangas City that actively advocates for sexuality, health, rights, socio-economic development and the inclusive integration of the LGBTQIA+ community, the youth (YKP), and other targeted key-affected populations in our society since 2007. The organization aims to raise the awareness and knowledge of identified key affected populations for positive behavior change and stigma & discrimination reduction to create an enabling, safe and inclusive space for all to learn and access sexual & health, rights, and other support services. Throughout the years, the organization has played a pivotal role in effecting legislative changes by actively participating in the amendment of the Batangas Province Local AIDS and Anti-Discrimination (IRR Revision) Ordinances and other local government policy lobbying efforts, while embarking on extensive array of capacity-building initiatives and training sessions of the key populations especially concerning SOGIESC, HIV & AIDS, sexual health and human rights issues. Moreover, it actively engages in various outreach and community programs in different localities in Batangas centered in Human Rights and HIV Caravan, providing free community-based HIV screenings and learning group sessions (HIV 101, SOGIESC, Legal Literacy, and many more) to empower such communities. On the current year, Wagayway Equality proudly spearheads implementing various flagship programs, namely ESPASYO, Equality Desk, EmpowerQueer and Volunteers’ Academy through strengthened long-term collaborations with its esteemed partner organizations, centering on its year-long theme #EMPOWER2024. These advocacy initiatives symbolizes a significant expansion of the organization from being a humble community center to promising a broader impact for the community offering Safe Spaces, Access to Healthcare, and the Freedom to Express Oneself and ensures that everyone has equal opportunities while safeguarding their rights. Going beyond such advocacies, Wagayway Equality envisions fostering a community of volunteers who passionately contribute their time and expertise to drive the organization’s initiatives forward.
A highly recognized organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and championing the health and rights of young people, key-affected populations and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Through advocacy and collaboration, we are actively working to create an inclusive society that offers safe spaces, access to healthcare, the freedom to express oneself, and ensures that everyone has equal opportunities while safeguarding their rights.