JOSE NARCISO MELCHOR SESCON, M.D., FPOGS
Executive Director, Remedios AIDS Foundation Inc.
Achieving Some Progress

How would you rate the status of the GLBT community in the Philippines (are we better off now, or just as problematic)?

The GLBT community in the Philippines has achieved some progress through the years.  On a personal note, I have seen GLBT participation in various advocacy issues (anti-discrimination bills, fight for GLBT rights, et cetera) and have had seen accomplished individuals (GLBT members) and representations, so to speak, having meaningful participations in our society. GLBTs have gained the respect of members of the Philippine community through the years.

What, for you, remain as the challenges that the community faces?  How, do you think, should the community face these challenges?

Well, I guess the challenges that the GLBT community needs to sustain is to fight for all the advocacies it has started. Sustaining, as well as continuing to  raise the level of awareness of Philippine society on what true and meaningful GLBT participation is all about. 

There are plans to form a partylist for GLBTs for the next elections – do you think the community, at this point in time, is united enough to make this happen?  Why/Why not?  If any, what efforts have you been taking to unify the members of the community?

It’s part of the learning curve, that as GLBT groups mature through the years, there is need to synergize and learn from the past on the challenges GLBT communities face, and then move on from there. A partylist GLBT… well, when that day (elected into office) comes, then we may just see synergism in the community.  So let us see and hope for the best.
Currently, as I am working in an agency sympathetic for GLBT rights, we are focused more on provision of GLBT friendly clinic services and participate through preventive promotive health education 

The Anti-Discrimination Bill is pending in both Houses of Congress – but, aside from the more politically aware GLBTs, other members of the community couldn’t seem to care less, with, among others, partying, picking up (online, especially), et cetera their more pronounced activities (instead of lobbying, or at least helping).  Do you think that, generally, Filipino GLBTs are apathetic to the bigger cause/s of the community?  Why do you say so?

Well I would say that Filipino GLBTs are unique in their diversity.  We can only influence as much, and it is very challenging making people take action. What we could do is make Filipino GLBTs realize the real issues that confront our lives.  For some, it has always been a reactionary thing.  If only I am the only concerned party affected by the issue, then I’d say that this is the time to take an affirmative action.   

Where do you want to see our community headed?

I always see it on an affirmative side.  The GLBT community would always learn from the process and experiences it has experienced through the years, and this is the only way to move forward. Experience will bring the best in the GLBT community at the right time, when a "critical mass" of influential GLBTs are already out there.  And I guess that will come soon!