In Hindsight...
Top 10 Newsmakers in GLBTQIA RP in 2009
By M.D. dela Cruz Tan
PUBLISHED: JANUARY 2010

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That he is “MARRIED (Emphasis his – Ed)” is something that Joshua F. is proud of, particularly since his partnership with his, err, partner, allowed them to “live as any other couples do,” complete with “raising a family (since we have an adopted daughter).”  “I am even afforded (the same) treatment other (heterosexual) spouses are given, from hospital visitation rights (what with, traditionally, only relatives and/or legally recognized partners allowed visits), partner’s benefits (e.g. insurance coverage), et cetera.  More than anything, the (equal treatment) validates us – and it feels (beyond) good,” Joshua F. says.

Same sex marriage (or, marriage equality), of course, remains an important issue for GLBTQIAs everywhere – but, while also discussed in the Philippines, it remains a non-priority, considering that, to begin with, Filipino GLBTQIAs are yet to legally recognized to exist (GLBTQI state is only mentioned as an excuse to legally separate from a legally bound relationship, i.e. heterosexual marriage).  Thus, while making waves elsewhere (including in the Philippines’ mother country, Spain, where same sex marriage is legal, and, only recently, pre-op transgenders are allowed to legally change their names to reflect their gender identification), the newsmakers that – only for now, hopefully – make waves in the country are , well, basic GLBTQIA concerns, as enumerated in a listing.

This is, by no means, a comprehensive listing of the highlights that happened in GLBTQIA living in the Philippines – there are others that, definitely, made (and still make) big splashes, e.g. continuing growing dominance of social networking, which, in the generally lacking coverage of GLBTQIA issues by the mainstream media, has become the main tool to disseminate/gather GLBTQIA information not just in the Philippines, but all over the world; and the acceptance of GLBTQIs in churches – well, not the Roman Catholic just yet, the dominant religious group in the Philippines, though there are denominations that now globally welcome GLBTQI leaders (not just members).

Then there are the: continuing of stupid attacks of ELECTED (read: taxpayers including GLBTQIAs pay the food they put in their mouths) leaders on GLBTQIAs, e.g. Uganda/Rwanda’s fool for politicians wanting to LEGALLY kill all homosexuals and HIV-positive people; and the Roman Catholic Church’s staying in the Dark Ages, e.g. saying the Anti-Discrimination Bill is also about gay marriages, when THAT is not even mentioned in the bill (AT ALL).

And then there’s BeBe Gandanghari, who, despite even supportive brother Robin Padilla’s good intention to support, is often referred to as a “him” – a “bakla”, when, as a TG, she has already ceased to be a “he”, as she now lives as a woman (therefore a “she”).  Globally, of course, at least the likes of Lady Gaga (out bisexual – NOT following the fad-creating attempts at bisexuality of Megan Fox or Fergie) and A.I. runner-up Adam Lambert, who bring in (in good or bad light) GLBTQI consciousness into the mainstream.

So, yes, 2009 had been a busy year for GLBTQIA Filipinos.

Outrage Magazine’s Top 10 newsmakers in GLBTQIA RP in 2009.

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