Frequently Asked Questions about GABRIELA New York
Q: Who is GABRIELA?
A: Gabriela Silang is a revolutionary heroine during the Spanish colonization in the mid-1700s. Her name has since then become synonymous to describing any strong Filipina fighting against injustice and oppression. It is also an acronym for the national progressive women’s alliance in the Philippines of which GABRIELA New York is a member: General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action (GABRIELA.)
Q: How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at newyorkgabriela@gmail.com
Q: How do I get involved?
A: Please click here and leave us a message.
Q: Who is in GABRIELA New York?
A: GABRIELA New York (formerly known as Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment [FiRE]) is a mass-based women’s organization serving New York City and its surrounding areas. We connect the Filipino diaspora to the women’s struggle in the Philippines. We are women of Philippine descent, including those who are migrants, immigrants and US-born. We recognize Filipino women of mixed heritage and adoptees. GABRIELA New York is a LGBTQI-(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex) friendly organization that is inclusive of transgender people of Philippine descent.
The volunteers who run GABRIELA New York consist of a membership of Filipina immigrants of various generations, mixed raced Pinays, and Fil-Ams who dedicate their time to create these community spaces for Filipinas; the product of our work has the potential of affecting the living conditions of our local NYC community, the perspective on OFWs all over the world, or even the political/economic situation in the Philippines itself.
Q: What is the ND movement, and how are you involved in it?
A: The National Democratic Movement of the Philippines (NDM) is a liberation movement which fights against imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism. Having a “national democracy” in the Philippines means that the ultimate goal is to have the interests of the Filipino majority represented in government, and that this population has equal say in all matters affecting their livelihood. The NDM of the Philippines is millions strong, and GABRIELA New York works to create initiatives in the U.S. to ensure our programs and campaigns reflect the values and causes of the National Democratic Movement.
Q: Why does BAYAN-USA organize by sector?
A: BAYAN organizes by sector (workers, students, youth, women, etc.) to ensure that the needs of the various demographics of Filipinos are met and addressed in those respective communities. By having organizing groups within sectors emerge to tackle issues affecting them most, it is less likely for the needs in that sector to be overlooked or appropriated.
Q: How can you relate to the struggle in the Philippines when GABRIELA New York is a US-based Fil-Am group?
A: While it is of utmost importance to continue the work in the Philippines, it is equally important to create awareness and organize Filipino/Fil-Am communities in the United States. With close to 4 million Filipinos in the U.S. (both documented and undocumented,) it is vital that GABRIELA New York, as a member of GABRIELA-USA, remains tied to the struggles of Filipinas living in the Philippines. GABRIELA New York does this by working directly with the organization, GABRIELA (Philippines,) which has fought for women’s rights there for the last 25 years. As a direct chapter of GABRIELA in the United States, GABRIELA New York continues to aid the New York City area by creating community and campaign initiatives serving Filipinas and highlighting women’s issues occurring in the Philippines within the mainstream U.S. media. GABRIELA New York remains accountable to those in the Philippines by supporting issues and causes affecting Filipinos anywhere in the world.
GABRIELA New York 