By Farah G. Decano

 

JUNE is Pride Month. The entire Philippines, not just the members of the LGBT plus community, is commemorating the years of struggle for the group’s acceptance, recognition and respect in society. It is also a month of celebration for whatever gains the equality movement has obtained.

Only more than a decade ago, sexuality was still an election issue in Pangasinan. Candidates who presented themselves to be different from the usual perception of a man or woman were made a laughing stock. They were publicly criticized as a “binabae” or “pultaki.” Those who won proved to the electorate that there was more to their appearances and sexual preferences. As public officials, they were able to deliver the service expected of them.

Also, during those times, calling a person “bading” was then synonymous to being referred to as weak or coward. Most members of the LGBT plus advocacy groups, however, have always been courageous and outspoken.

Nowadays, those who engage in homophobic slurs are considered bigots, ignoramuses, and antiquated. The use of the term “bading” to mean a scaredy-cat guy is now called-out as misuse and disrespect. The members of the LGBTQIA+ can also be comforted with the fact that no less than the Highest Court in the Philippines recently penalized lawyers who made fun of the sexuality of a judge on social media.

There is still much to be done though. While there are existing laws to protect the LGBT plus members from harassments, there should be more cases filed against violators. The gender equality offices established in some LGUs should be able to assist victims of harassment and discrimination.

In advancing the goals of the LGBTQIA+ community, the member-advocates must acknowledge that one reason for the resistance of society to the group is the inappropriate behaviors exhibited by some. While the LGBTQIA+ people exhibit a different culture of which flamboyance, outrageousness, and gaiety are part, this way of life must not include public sexual perversion, tyranny of women’s spaces and oppression of other sexes.

I cannot help but notice on FB that some gays talk about penises and sex toys most of the time. I feel for the men who hear or read them. They probably feel as agitated as women do when thugs gleefully talk about female body parts. Some lesbians or transmen even behave like male chauvinists treating women like toys to play with. I was appalled to see pictures of them engaged in activities that commodify women in night bars. I messaged two LGBTQIA+ advocates and showed to them these photos but they merely shrugged their shoulders and said they cannot yet address the issue of misbehaving members so as not to cause division in the movement.

I do not agree with their strategy. They should be able to call out or condemn these unfortunate and despicable deeds of their erring members. The LGBTQIA+ advocates must police their ranks, if they wish to enjoy continuing credibility and respect. They should be able to clarify that some of their members’ actions are unacceptable and deplorable.

Sexual perverts, extreme exhibitionists, and chauvinists among the LGBTQIA+ must not be allowed to erode the trust, recognition and respect that was earned by those who decently fought so hard to obtain them. The movement must condemn behaviors that are exploitative, offensive and reprehensible. The group must prevent these deplorable deeds being identified with the LGBTQIA+ community.

I admire Representative Geraldine Roman’s demeanor. She conducts herself as a respectable woman, and not as a sex-starved transwoman. She is unafraid to call out the drag queen who desecrated the solemn “Our Father” prayer by turning it into a disco music. The gender equality movers must follow her lead.

I hope that the LGBTQIA+ members see to it that they remain the pride of society and not the shame that pushed many to the closet.

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