The Philippines made a groundbreaking move for sexual health advocacy. It introduced its first-ever Sexual Wellness Summit in the Asia Pacific region. The summit, called Unbecoming, was held on September 7, 2024. The summit had the theme “Breaking Expectations.” It aimed to foster open conversations about sex, relationships, and intimacy. These conversations were held in a culturally sensitive and positive environment.
Unbecoming was spearheaded by Unprude and co-presented by My Kindred, Jellytime, and Soulful Feasts. It featured a diverse lineup of keynote speakers. There were also panel discussions, workshops, and performances. The event attracted an estimated 180 attendees. Approximately 5% of them were male. This demonstrates a strong interest in sexual health topics among women in the Philippines.
Key Highlights of the Summit:
Keynote Speakers: Renowned figures spoke about sexual health. Kat Alano, a survivor of rape and former MTV Philippines’ VJ, shared her personal experiences and insights. Dr. Juliet Perez Peralta discussed the importance of sexual wellness at every stage of life.
Workshops: Expert-led workshops, including “From Taboo to Talk” by Dr. Rica Cruz, provided attendees with practical tools and knowledge to become confident advocates for sexual health education.
Performances: The summit featured captivating performances. One highlight was a drag performance by Brigiding. It added a unique and entertaining dimension to the event.
Health Services: Free HIV screening and birth control consultations were offered by The Red Whistle and My Kindred, respectively.
Breaking Down Barriers and Fostering Open Dialogue
Unbecoming achieved significant success by breaking down barriers. It fostered open dialogue about sexual health. The summit provided a safe and inclusive space for attendees to discuss sensitive topics without fear of judgment or stigma. Unbecoming challenged societal norms. It promoted a more positive and inclusive understanding of sexuality. This made a significant contribution to the advancement of sexual health advocacy in the Philippines.
A Turning Point for Sexual Health Education
The summit also served as a turning point for sexual health education in the country and the Asia Pacific region. By providing attendees with valuable information and resources, Unbecoming empowered individuals to become informed and confident advocates for sexual health. The event’s success demonstrated the growing demand for comprehensive and inclusive sexual health education in the region.
A Call for Continued Progress
While Unbecoming was a major step ahead, there is still much work to be done. We need to make sure that sexual health is a priority in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific. The summit acted as a catalyst for continued progress. It inspired individuals and organizations. They work towards creating a more sexually healthy and inclusive society.
The Unbecoming Sexual Wellness Summit was a groundbreaking event. It marked a significant milestone in the Philippines’ journey towards greater sexual awareness and acceptance. The summit made a lasting impact on the country’s sexual health landscape by fostering open dialogue. It challenged societal norms and promoted sexual health education. As the Philippines continues to progress, it is essential to build upon the momentum generated by Unbecoming. We must work towards creating a more sexually healthy and inclusive future for all.
