The month of June is now associated with the pride of LGBTQIA+ community more than ever. This is welcoming for people who value equality and repels bigotry.
Just recently, a pride event in Quezon City got rained out. Online, some people were happy about it and even said mean things about the event, using the Bible to justify their words. This reminds me of a bandmate I had who used to make fun of gay people. I was young back then and didn’t know what to say, but now I realize it was wrong. Being religious doesn’t give anyone the right to be mean. Everyone deserves respect, no matter who they love.
On the bright side, the fact that there are more LGBT pride events these days means that the ‘straight’ has generally become more embracing. There will always be people misdefining the operative word pride as purely about being proud of what one is. The pride movement is on a deeper level about the fight for equal justice. We can say that queers have transformed into a dominating force in today’s pop culture, but as long as there is injustice being done to some who are not as empowered, then the pride parade must continue walking the talk.
In showbiz, LGBT individuals often thrive. I’ve met actors, directors, journalists, and others who are openly themselves or privately so. People’s character isn’t about sexual orientation. Don’t judge based on appearances or actions. Being nonjudgmental matters; steer clear of those complicating your life.
Understanding Pride Month is key. In 1969, amid major events like the moon landing, The Beatles’ final performance, Gloria Diaz winning Miss Universe, and the Tate-La Bianca murders, the Stonewall riots on June 28 marked a turning point for gay rights.
Thanks a lot partly to social media. While this point in history is less mentioned or talked about, the month when it took place had become adorned with colors that boldly spell pride.
Living in harmony requires understanding different perspectives. Simply silencing those who pretend to be righteous isn’t enough; everyone, regardless of their orientation, must behave respectfully.
The term “Baklang parlor” became derogatory due to some hairstylists gossiping inappropriately. I once felt violated in a salon where the stylist, speaking in gay lingo, made me uncomfortable. Fast forward to today’s woke era, it’s frustrating to see a gay celebrity displaying attitude instead of gratitude for fame. LGBT celebrities should stay humble, inspiring, and fair, avoiding jokes that insult others.
As an adult I came to appreciate the LGBT community more after I met many of them in the field who are well-mannered, brainy, and pure hearted.
I don’t agree when people have bashed a TV personality for implying she won’t dream of having a child who is not straight. She had a point because it’s not going be easy for a child. But such an idea is better off unsaid.
Simply put, the best thing a parent should do is accept a child for whoever he or she is. Every father-to-be wants a baby boy then ends up loving all his daughters like he never for once thought he wanted them born with a different gender.
As the month of June ends, we’re not guaranteed that better days are ahead for a community that keeps expressing themselves in the name of justice and respect. But there is always hope for people outside of the loop to change for the better, for the good of humanity regardless of gender and orientation. That is partly why there is a need for a Pride Month, to remind everyone that the march should go on and on.