Make Your Voice Count

YOUTH VOICES COUNT

is a regional network of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals in Asia-Pacific working on SRHR, SOGIESC, Youth Empowerment, and Human Rights issues. Established in 2010, YVC engages in community mobilization, national, regional and global advocacy related to young people belonging to diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sex characteristics.

WHAT IS YVC? Learn more about Youth Voices Count (YVC) and what we do by following our social media accounts and navigating through the four main pillars of our website: Youth; Voices; Count; and one of our newest additions the Youth Learning Hub where grassroot organization may enroll in courses to help better their organizational management.

YVC BOARD

JAN GABRIEL CASTAÑEDA

Board Member
Philippines

REA GUILOREZA

Board Member
Philippines

EMMANUEL DAYALO

Board Member
Philippines

JOHN MICHAEL
DE LARA OUANO

Board Member
Philippines

HEART MELLIZO

Board Member
Philippines

CORE WORKING GROUP

BRIAN KEVIN PAR

Core Working Group
Philippines

MANDY CHNG

Core Working Group
Singapore

RUKSHANA KAPALI

Core Working Group
Nepal

TASHI TSHENTEN

Core Working Group
Bhutan

REGIONAL TEAM

JUSTIN FRANCIS BIONAT

Executive Director
Philippines

ANTHONY LOPEZ

Deputy Executive Director
Philippines

JOHNMEL ESTIMAR

Finance Manager
Philippines

THARINDI DEVASURENDRA

Project Manager
Sri Lanka

ANFERNEE NENOL KAMINAGA

Project Officer for IGNITE! Empowerment Grants Program
Marshall Islands

RONAN JAMES B. PENUELA

Project Officer
Philippines

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

LOUELA MARIE PRADO

Admin Officer
Philippines

RONIFELLE BARRIOS

Legal Counsel
Philippines

MARION REA CAMEROS

Accounting Associate
Philippines

JE-ANN PALMAIRA

Project Finance Officer
Philippines

JAN ELLA BRILLANTES

Social Media Officer
Philippines

PATRICK JUANICO

Graphic Designer
Philippines

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To Greater Heights

In celebration of a decade of advocacy work, this strategic plan, “To Greater Heights”, is a continuation of Youth Voices Count’s focus to realize equality, equity, and justice for young LGBTIQ people across the Asia-Pacific. This plan of action will be implemented from 2021 to 2025.

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    JAN GABRIEL CASTAÑEDA

    Philippines
    Board Member

    Jan is passionate about seeing through the potential contributions of psychological sciences and human rights advocacy in LGBT people’s lives. He is currently Program Associate of ASEAN SOGIE Caucus and is a member of the LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group of the Psychological Association of the Philippines. He has written for various platforms and publications on a diverse range of topics from gender and sexuality to human rights experiences in different contexts. Jan’s desire is to engage in productive and meaningful work that bridges scholarship with practice rooted in people’s real experiences.

    ATTY. REA GUILOREZA

    Philippines
    She/Her
    Board Member

    Atty. Rea proudly introduces herself as a human rights lawyer. She completed her Juris Doctor (JD) degree (Law Degree) from Central Philippine University and recently passed the Philippine Bar Exam.

    At present, she is a part of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) – Panay Chapter where she serves as the Vice Chairperson. They are a group of lawyers who are committed to defend, protect, and promote human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed. NUPL is an organization established to respond to any form of harassment, intimidation, and human rights violations in the Philippines.

    EMMANUEL DAYALO, LPT, MA, PhD

    Philippines
    He/Him
    Board Member

    Dr. Emmanuel D. Dayalo holds a doctorate degree in Education major in Educational Management and is currently an Associate Professor of Capiz State University-Roxas City Main Campus, Roxas City, Capiz. He is the co-adviser of United Colors of CapSU Roxas City Main Campus (UCC) which its organization’s advocacy is for the empowerment and capacitating the LGBTQIA+ students’ right, health programs and other organized activities to have a voice in the University. Presently, he holds the position as the Coordinator of the Student Organization and Activities of the campus.

    He was recognized as the Outstanding Coach/Adviser of the Student Organization and received an award in Research and Extension of the University of Capiz State University, Roxas City Main Campus.

    JOHN MICHAEL DE LARA OUNA

    Philippines
    He/Him
    Board Member

    John Michael is one of the current board members of Youth Voices Count and holds officership positions as President in ALIVE Support Group, member of Network Plus Pilipinas, and YPLHIV United Nation Youth Advisory Board Ph Sector Representative.

    As part of the organizations mentioned, JM advocates in providing safe spaces for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and continuous education on HIV/AIDS awareness to eradicate the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.  

    HEART MELLIZO

    Philippines
    She/Her
    Board Member

    Heart is currently taking up her undergraduate at West Visayas State University with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies. At her third year in the university, she co-founded the first and only student-led organization towards gender-sensitive, responsive, and progressive aims known as DUAG-WVSU. 

    She is the interim Secretary of Iloilo Pride Team and Chairperson of DUAG-WVSU which are both organizations in the city of Iloilo that have already established their significance in advocating for gender equality. Her contributions to her advocacies have led her to receive awards such as the 2017 Rotary Club of Iloilo City Boys’ and Girls’ Week Celebration (City Administrator) and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee 2018.

    BRIAN KEVIN PAR, LPT, MSS-TP

    Philippines
    He/Him
    Core Working Group

    As the longest serving member of YVC, Brian takes pride in championing for the rights and welfare of LGBTQIA+ youth in the Asia-Pacific region time and time again. Our resident scholar and academician has a master’s degree in Sociology and is a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines. He believes that education helps people to be enlightened about basic human rights that everyone must enjoy and thus explains his interests in working for the academe. He is also an active member of various organizations helping community members of LGBTQIA+ and people living with HIV in the Philippines including being the former OIC-Executive Director of Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Inc.

    MANDY CHNG

    Singapore
    They/She
    Core Working Group

    Mandy previously worked as a Programs and Events Coordinator at Sayoni (Singapore), where she conducted research and supported the publication of a rapid research study on how the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacts lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) persons in Southeast Asia (“Making the Invisible Visible in Southeast Asia: How COVID-19 escalates violence and discrimination against LBQ communities”). She previously also volunteered at Inter-University LGBT Network (Singapore) as a Research and Advocacy Volunteer. Aside from being one of the members of YVC’s Core Working Group, she is also a volunteer with Young Out Here, a volunteer-based community group for queer youths in Singapore, and works as a Consultant in the social sector where she supports social organizations and government agencies in programme evaluation, impact measurement, strategic planning and organizational transformation.

    She holds a Masters of Arts (Distinction) in Gender, Media and Culture from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Anthropology at the same institution.”

    RUKSHANA KAPALI

    Nepal
    She/Her
    Core Working Group

    Rukshana is a transgender activist and blogger from Nepal who started sharing their personal experiences as a transgender person at the young age of 15. Currently taking up her bachelor of arts in Legislative Law at the Chakrabarti Habi Education Academy–College of Law, Rukshana shares an interest in intersections of language, SOGIESC and law wherein she works around policy changing through legal activism. As of present, she is the Executive Director of Queer Youth Group since October 2020 which is a youth-led network working for the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) rights in Nepal. A devoted advocate for SOGIESC, Rukshana holds officerships in multiple organizations such as Vice President at the Gender and Sexual Minorities Youth Network of National Youth Council, Organizing Committee at the Nepal Pride Parade, Chief Secretary at the LOOM Nepal, Individual Member at Amnesty International Nepal, Focal Person from Nepal at Youth LEAD,, and Board Member of the South Asia Hub, Innovation For Change. She is recognized as a speaker at the opening panel in Women’s Pre-Conference and contributor in the Women’s Manifesto during the ILGA Asia Conference in 2022.

    Due to her outstanding contributions to her advocacies, she received the National Volunteering Award by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of Nepal in 2020, and Youth Change Maker Award by the United Nations Youth Student Association Nepal in 2018.

    TASHI TSHETEN

    Bhutan
    Core Working Group

    Tashi hails from Thimphu, Bhutan. He volunteers as country officer of the South Asian Human Rights Association (SAHRA) Bhutan and the current Director of Rainbow Bhutan: “Celebrating Diversity”, a network of LGBT+ community members in Bhutan formed in 2015. By profession, Tashi work for the National Referral Hospital located in Thimphu, Bhutan. Tashi has been engage in human rights mechanism advocacy work and is passionateabout advocating for the recognition, protection and promotion of sexual and gender minorities.

    JUSTIN FRANCIS BIONAT, MA HRD

    Philippines
    He/His/Him
    Executive Director

    A learner for life and a seeker of knowledge, Justin graduated his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science at West Visayas State University, Philippines and took on a Master’s of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation (International Program) at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University, Thailand under the APMA / European Union Scholarship. At present, Justin is pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree (Law Degree) from the College of Law, University of San Agustin, Philippines.

    Justin entered Youth Voices Count, Inc. in 2018 while studying in Thailand. He later took on the role of Executive Director beginning 2019 and successfully set up the legal registration of the organization in the Philippines under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Since then, he has been leading the organization in various programs and projects centered around LGBTIQ children, adolescents, and youth. Outside Youth Voices Count, Inc., Justin is active in other initiatives in the field of research and law. He was a law student fellow of the Legal Education Advancement Program (LEAP) of the Legal Education Board and the UP Law Center in 2022.

    As an aspiring lawyer, he hopes to one day be instrumental in providing legal support for marginalized populations. Justin has also published reports, journal articles, commentaries, and book articles in the fields of law, HIV/AIDS, LGBTIQ, and Human Rights.

    In 2018, he was awarded the Young Achiever HERO Award by APCOM Foundation during the HERO Awards reception at the Royal British Embassy in Thailand for his outstanding work on equality and human rights. He is one of the Youth Council members of the Global Fund, an international financing and partnership organization that aims to “attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria”, and a Board Member of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia Committee.

    ANTHONY DE VICENTE LOPEZ

    Philippines
    He/Him, They/Them
    Deputy Executive Director

    Mx. Toni graduated with a bachelor’s degree of secondary education majoring in English at the Capiz State University back in 2021. Aside from this, they sought out other educational opportunities such as Advocacy and Project Management at the Women Deliver Digital University (2015), International Women’s Health and Human Rights at Stanford University (2014), and Global Health and Humanitarianism at the University of Manchester (2013).

    An advocate of many causes, they are members of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and Y-PEER Pilipinas, founder of the Y-Cap for SRHR, founder of United Colours of CapSU, and Alumnus of Women Deliver Young Leaders Program. Back in 2018, they were awarded as the SDG 5 Youth Champion due to the amiable service they have rendered for gender equality.

    JOHNMEL ESTIMAR

    Philippines
    They/Them
    Finance Manager

    Johnmel M. Estimar is the founder and senior adviser of La Villa Pride, a grassroots-level organization for LGBTQI in Villa, Iloilo. They are also a member of the Iloilo Pride team, a Community Based Screening motivator for HIV and an LGBTQI Rights Activist. Miles, as they like to be called, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc. They also hold an Associate Degree in Cruise Ship Management in the same University.

    They have ample experience in clerk and accounting work for nine years from their previous employer, they are currently employed with Youth Voices Count as Finance Manager since 2019.

    THARINDI DEVASURENDRA

    Sri Lanka
    They/Them
    Project Manager

    Tharindi is currently a feminist activist and researcher based in Sri Lanka, and has worked with the Youth Advocacy Network Sri Lanka (YANSL). They are a trainer on advocating for comprehensive sexuality education and providing knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) where they actively advocate for safe abortion and bodily autonomy for women.

    One of Tharindi’s brainchild initiatives is an Instagram page which mainly focuses on the process of reaching out to queer women in Sri Lanka, a platform that helps in providing them visibility and strategy direction on programming through social media and other means.

    They have completed their Bachelors (BA Honors) in English and Linguistics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

    ANFERNEE NENOL KAMINAGA

    Marshall Islands
    He/Him, They/Them
    Project Officer for IGNITE! Empowerment Grants Program

    Having done some activism for the Marshall Islands both locally and regionally with climate change, youth empowerment, LGBTQI rights, and nuclear injustice, Nenol takes pride in being an advocate for the causes he is passionate in, being a part of Youth Voices Count and taking a step in amplifying young LGBTQI+ voices. This also inspired him to co-found the first Marshallese LGBTQI Youth Support called Brighten the Rainbow. He is featured in “We Have a Dream” which is a collection of stories from young leaders around the world.

    RONAN JAMES B. PENUELA, RN

    Philippines
    He/Him
    Project Officer

    Ronan passed the Philippines nursing licensure exam in 2022 immediately after graduating his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of San Agustin. While juggling his academics, he was elected governor of his college’s student council (Nursing Student Council) in 2021 and board member in 2019 where he was awarded the leadership award and Agustino para sa Tao award due to his excellence in service. He is also a certified Safety Officer (SO1) after completing his training.

    He is currently a dialysis nurse in training. He handles the Intersex projects of YVC.

    LOUELA MARIE PRADO

    Philippines
    He/She/They
    Admin Officer

    An advocate at heart, Louela is a part of several youth-led organizations in the Philippines with various advocacies ranging from climate justice, environmental protection, gender equality, human rights, SRHR, mental health prioritization, youth empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness. She is currently the Interim Chairperson of Iloilo Pride Team after serving the organization for 4 years as the Admin Officer, Executive Secretary at Proyekto Philippines, Member of Team Dugong Bughaw, and more.

    She graduated as Summa Cum Laude at West Visayas State University majoring in English Language Studies and is currently taking up her Masters in English Language Studies at the same institution. During her stay at the university, she served as the Vice Chairperson at the University Student Council and Federated Student Council where she organized programs and initiatives that advocated for student involvement in societal causes and being the voice of the students that lobbies their concerns to the administration.

    In July 2022, she was awarded by JCI Regatta as one of the Top Outstanding Students in Iloilo and a Top Circle Awardee which is the most prestigious recognition given by the award-giving body.

    ATTY. RONIFELLE L. BARRIOS

    Philippines
    She/Her
    Legal Counsel

    She is a graduate of AB Political Science from West Visayas State University (WVSU), in Iloilo City. In her days in college, she was the founding Prime Minister of WVSU Debate Circle, the ROTC Corps Commander and later a Volunteer Instructor in the Air Force Reserve Command. When she ran for the first time in their University Student Council, she was elected number one councilor. Her interest in leadership grew when she joined the 10th National Youth Parliament, organized by the National Youth Commission in 2014, where she later on became the Regional Convener for Western Visayas.

    She then pursued her studies to take up law in San Beda University in Mendiola, Manila. As a law student, she was still active in student organizations: She joined moot court competitions, she served as layout artist in 2 of San Beda Law’s Official Publications: The Barrister and San Beda Law Journal. In her last year in law school, she was the President of San Beda Law Human Rights Advocate (HRA), where she was later conferred Leadership Award by the Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP) and her organization, HRA was awarded top advocacy organization.

    She passed the 2019 Bar Examinations and became a full-fledged lawyer by 2020.

    She worked as Associate of Javier Santiago Torres & Panghulan Law Offices. She now runs her own RLB Law Office as a solo practitioner and serves as Notary Public for and in Quezon City. She serves as legal consultant to MSMEs and Non-profit organizations. At present, she is the Vice President for Communications of the National Society of Parliamentarians, Inc., the Chief Legislative Staff of Councilor Quin Cruz of Pasig City Council and part-time law instructor in Malayan Colleges Laguna – a Mapua School. Interestingly, she is the creator and blogger of The Young Lawyer PH. Recently, she served as Resident Parliamentarian during the Bangsamoro Youth Parliament held last Nov. 7-11, 2022 at Cotabato City.

    A lawyer by profession and an artist by heart.

    MARION REA CAMEROS

    Philippines
    She/Her
    Accounting Associate

    Marion graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting Technology which has made her suitable for being the Accounting Associate of Youth Voices Count. She lists watching movies as one of her hobbies that helps her wind down during her leisure time.

    JE-ANN PALMAIRA

    Philippines
    She/Her
    Project Finance Officer

    Je-ann is the current Project Finance Officer under the Finance Department. She graduated from the University of San Agustin with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major
    in Marketing Management.

    Her involvement in her University’s Little Theater organization led her to find an interest in theater, films and the arts. Aside from theater arts, she also partakes in the company’s production work including stage management and most notably, heading the organization’s marketing team.

    JAN ELLA BRILLANTES

    Philippines
    She/They
    Social Media Officer

    Jan Ella is currently taking up her undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Visayas and has been a consistent academic awardee since 2019. She is involved in various organizations such as the Catalyst UPV as the Volunteer Director in 2021, former Publications Committee Head for UP Lipad and former member of Iloilo Pride Team.

    PATRICK JUANICO

    Philippines
    He/Them
    Graphic Designer

    Currently, Nico is a college student studying in the Philippines and is simultaneously working for Youth Voices Count as one of the graphic designers for the organization. He lists producing the brand logo and look of HRPlus Asia as one of his significant achievements. His interests in literature and creating films have also honed and continued to improve his skills in graphic designing.

    ALEX BERNAL