Can't Live In the Closet (CLIC), Inc.
is a non-stock, non-profit corporation
officially registered with the SEC. Conceived in 1993, CLIC Inc. is a Filipino lesbian institution working for the empowerment
of lesbians and societal recognition of their human rights. To achieve this, CLIC adopts a
two-pronged approach: first, it provides education, information, psychological and emotional support, safe space and venues for self expression for lesbians; second, it provides education and information to mainstream society in order to facilitate recognition and understanding of
lesbian issues.
Education and Information
CLIC conducts discussions and seminars for lesbians and non-lesbians for purposes of education, research and advocacy. Interactive discussions to increase public awareness and understanding of lesbian existence are being done with government agencies and non-government organizations, academic institutions and the media, among others. CLIC also organizes lesbian-only activities such as video showings, Dyke Chats and skills workshops.
Documentation and Research
CLIC undertakes ongoing documentation work on lesbian existence in the Philippines. On the short-term level, this endeavor aims to assess the current situation of lesbians in the Philippines to enable the orgnanization to conceptualize programs and strategies relevant to the inofrmation at hand. On the long-term, this endeavor enivages to recreate a history of lesbian lives and contribute to local lesbian literature.
The CLIC Library
CLIC maintains a small library and resource center that houses lesbian and lesbian-related materials in print, video and audio formats. The library services the needs of lesbian and non-lesbian students, researchers, media journalists and the genral public who seek information on lesbian and sexuality issues
Publications and Productions
CLIC publishes BreakOut, a quarterly lesbian newsletter that is distributed locally and internationally. BreakOut contains news, features, literary compositions, reviews and analytical articles about Filipino lesbian life.
Legislative Advocacy
CLIC constantly monitors legislative initiatives that have direct impact on lesbians. In November 1995, the organization was invited to testify in a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives, the first time that lesbians and gays spoke in Philippine legislature. CLIC is also forging links with legislators who publicly support lesbian rights.
Media Advocacy
CLIC recognizes the necessity of articulating lesbian issues in mainstream society. Thus, it participates in public discussions of lesbian issues in the boradcast and print media. CLIC also cooperates with lesbian-friendly media practitioners in generating lesbian positive images and representation.
Networking
CLIC cooperates with other local and internation lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations in furthering the LGBT cause. Joint efforst such as the annual June Pirde March and the First National Lesbian and Gay Convention area among the projects that have been collectively launched. CLIC continues to undertake cooperative efforts with non-lesbian allies such as human rights groups and women's organization.
CLIC is a member of the Asian Lesbian Network and the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA).
CLIC welcomes donations and contributions, in cash or in kind, for the long-term sustainability
of its programmes. For inquiries about CLIC, please write to any of the following:
P.O. Box 2356, CPO,
Quezon City, 1163,
Philippines
CLIC BOARD. Register to write down your greetings, thoughts and views! Click HERE!
Available at National Bookstore and PowerBooks