Two weeks ago, I discussed the existence of a third-world within the first-world. In a more recent blog post, I explored the challenges of combating sex trafficking in the United States, more specifically, in my progressive hometown of San Francisco. While I do not profess to completely comprehend the challenges of being a victim/survivor of sex trafficking, I can relate to the experience of being commodified and labeled as "exotic." The comments made by others on my "unique" physical appearance (as a result of my multi-ethnic ancestry), has led me to question if others can appreciate my knowledge and the complexity of my identity without getting distracted by what they see. By the same token, I recognize that the current treatment of women of color, specifically of Filipina women, must be understood in a historical context. For example, in both the Spanish and American colonizations of the Philippines, conquest of the Philippines was not only defined by control of Philippine land, but also of its people, particularly women.

Nevertheless, rather than fall victim to or deny the consequences of such history, I have decided to learn from and find strength in identifying with this community. I likewise take pride in the leaders and coalitions that have formed in response to both the historical and current problems associated with inferior treatment and gender violence. As an undergraduate, I was exposed to the GABRIELA Network (http://www.gabnet.org/aboutus.php), which is a "Philippine-US women's solidarity mass organization. GABNet provides the means by which Filipinas in the US can empower themselves, functions as training ground for women's leadership, and articulates the women's point of view. GABNet effects change through organizing, educating, fundraising, networking, and advocacy."

While I am distraught by the inequalities that exists in society, I continue to be strengthened by how the various personal experiences of fellow members of the progressive movement and myself, have driven us to get up and do something about social ills (i.e. racial/gender discrimination, hate crimes, environmental injustice) and know that a better world is possible.