THE HISTORY
What is I'M GLAD?
The Initiatives and Movement for Gender Liberation Against Discrimination (IM GLAD), as an independent LGBTQIA+ movement, was founded in 2009. It was first organized in Cotabato City by young Bangsamoro Gays and Lesbians who were members of Young Advocates for Peace and Solidarity (YAPS). In the succeeding months, the LGBT students from Mindanao State University, Marawi City that were also members of DUYOG Tri-People Youth Organizations followed suit.
YAPS and DUYOG are youth advocacy organizations that housed various committees for youth empowerment, climate justice, students rights and welfare, and gender justice (with sub-committees for young women and LGBT). Due to the determined yearning of the LGBT members for self-organization and safe space within these organizations, they organized an independent and autonomous group (IM GLAD) that was separate but remained a strong partner and ally of these organizations. The decision for autonomy and independence was driven by the desire the shared interest to address crucial issues (i.e. bullying, surveillance, compulsory heterosexuality, religious prejudice, etc.) that heavily affect the members of the organization, to develop a more sharpened consciousness of the advocacy, and connect these issues to the alternatives forged by other LGBTQIA+ movements.
At present, IM GLAD has more than 60 members advocating for SOGIE Rights and working to further bolster the technical capacity of the organization.
I'M GLAD's
VGM - Principles - Core Values
IM GLAD envisions contributing to shaping an equitable, free, and safe society in Mindanao where the peoples proactively nurture and protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization also upholds the values of gender equity, human rights, inclusivity, peace, and justice.
Based on the constitution and by-laws of the organization, IM GLAD has the following objectives:
