Proud Ally: The story of how I came to be one.

Yes, I am a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and whenever I get a chance to show my support I always do. However, I wasn't always this supportive. 

I grew up in a fairly conservative and macho family. Like any typical filipino family, we are in great support of the patriarchy, and the head of our household was my lovable Grandfather. We are also devout Catholics and we all know the stance of the Catholic Church when it comes to the community. 

I grew up with stories of how my grandpa chased my cousin-uncle with a belt because he was gay. (I know im sorry this is awful.) He (my grandpa, bless his soul) wasn't supportive of the lifestyle, I couldn't really blame him, he was from a different time.

I didn't have any real exposure with gay people because my cousin-uncle left us and went to the province, and he stayed there for (I think) 20 years. There wasn't any show or write ups that talked about the LGBTQIA+ community in 90's Philippines at that time (at least not anything that I could get my hands on, I was like what, 10?) There are also very few gay people in the media that was out and proud and was actually accepted by the masses except for maybe Allan K and/or Ogie Diaz. 

The next time I actually met a gay person was in a form of our "plantsadora" Sharon, she was actually a Transwoman (I didnt know the term at the time). I like her and would always talk to her while she irons our clothes. She was always ready to tell me stories of her life, her struggles even her boyfriends, which clearly flew right over my head. 

I enjoyed her company until - we had to eat. You see, I dont know what happened to me, or honestly i dont even remember why, but I always gagged when I see her eat. When its time for us to eat lunch, I couldnt for the life of me eat with her on the table. I let her finish first or ill eat earlier so i dont have to eat with her. 

I was awful, I feel awful, even today, when I look back at those days - I still dont know why I did that or even felt that. I didnt dare tell her why I couldnt eat with her and thankfully she didnt ask, bless her heart. 

When I got a little bit older, I started to research about the LGBTQIA+, what "makes" them, who they are, "what" they are. I watched documentaries, read magazines and different publications - the internet was of great help and the Humanities section in the UST Library. I opened my eyes to a whole new world and I loved it. 

I love learning about this community and how they progress and their addition to our culture. The LGBTQIA+ Community is more than just a "phase". It's a cultural reset and an asset. 

The LGBTQIA+ community gave us great singers/musicians, amazing artists, movers and shakers in science and math, politicians and humanitarians, athletes and so much more. 

They broke barriers and social norms, they are just like you and me. Normal human beings. NOTHING is wrong with them. 

If I could, I would turn back time and apologize to Sharon for how I reacted towards her and would listen to her stories. I tried to find her via social media - but I cant seem to, I also forgot her last name. 

People are more than just their gender and who they identify as. Love is Love.