COME OUT FOR LOVE

[comeoutforlove]

“Before I didn't have the guts to even think about making it official ‘cause I always thought I'm not good enough for her. I doubted myself so much ‘cause I was terrified of being rejected. I would imagine her saying  ‘it's not you, it's me’ ‘I'm not ready.’ ‘I can't commit to you right now, I wanna have more fun." ‘I'm busy.’ ‘Are you kidding? LOL’ or like just plain  ‘NO, sorry.’ We all have darker days from time to time and mine consists of sleepless nights causing me to over think those stuff. And on the nights that I got lucky enough for my thoughts to rest, nightmares of losing her would wake me up in the middle of the night with an excruciating pain in the chest.  Then I would look to my side and see the most precious thing in the world just right beside me. Then I lean in for a hug. She hugs back. Suddenly everything is right again.  Ang sakit na ang sarap.  If you think about it, the safer option for me here is just enjoy it while it last. That would be a good idea if she's just any other girl.  Thing with her is, she made me a different person. Like standing my ground about something I'm right or passionate about. I've never had passion for anything. I only understood what it meant when I was looking at myself passionately in love with her.  Today is her birthday. The day that gave my life a meaning. And this same day last year, I'm carrying the same love burning in my chest. But terrified that she might not be lesbian enough for this. But I don't know. She's the one. I just have to know if she's up for that.  So today it's different.  Today, I come out for your love.” - Ninja de la Banda is a Social Media Coordinator at GLS. Born and lived in Iloilo City all her life till she moved to Manila 2 years ago with a couple of clothes, a backpack and a spur of the moment decision but now finally believing that everything happens for a reason.

[comeoutforlove]

“I woke up one day having my second account on Facebook and there, finding people like me who can understand me and feels the same way. I'm into my third year of being part of what they called "Exclusive world for bisexual females". There I have learned that we have our own world far from the "real world". It just started as finding text friends to what they called “clan”. Joining eyeballs every month and meeting bisexuals like me. After my first clan disbanded, I began joining groups to belong to but to my disappointment, everyone was like bad mouthing each other. Then I formed my group which is Premier and Elite Girls Group. And I came to realize why wouldn't I come out? Why should I hide? Why should I be afraid of coming out? I want to #Comeoutfor MYSELF. They say that if you want change in everything that you do, you should start with yourself. And I'm starting with myself now. I wanna be a spark to ignite the hearts of every bisexual - be it man or woman. Some may be confused with what they see but the important thing is what you believe in, what you think you are and what can you do to make a stand for what you really believe in. I am a bisexual and I’m proud of it! This is for every closeted, discreet bisexual females out there. I dare you to come out too.”  - Danica Joyce Dinglasan is a Business Management graduate, soon-to-be Law Enforcer and a proud bisexual.

[comeoutforlove]

“Love, I asked myself why am I different from the so-called normal and right relationship according to the society and that's the first time I heard and learned the meaning of it. There's this point in my life where me and my parents are judged because of my relationship and gender preference. At first my parents didn't really like when I came out as a lesbian and had a relationship with one. ‘Twas the time that I am longing for support and acceptance, the time that I felt the world is nothing but a world full of hate and anger and everything I held just crumbles. The grief is with me every single day and it feels like it weighs more than myself.  I never imagined that one day they'll accept me but I also thank the Lord for giving me strength on defeating my depression - after all, #pagibigparin ang nangingibaw. Love and acceptance of family, friends and yourself. I salute every parent, sibling, and friend for being so understanding and loving. Even when sometimes there are struggles, at least the change is spontaneous. I will never be ashamed of the community that I belong in or the partner that I am with. It takes a lot of courage and time to come out, but never be afraid of it. I will never get tired of fighting for what is right and equal for everyone else. I just hope that one day no one will suffer whether it's in our family, government, body or the people around us, Let's go out and enjoy the freedom that life is giving us. Because we all know that the best thing that we can do is be who we are.” - Kathrina Devika is a tattooed makeup artist and head of a new beauty group, Painting Faces Manila. She’s also a cupcake lover, and a child of God and nature. #ComeOutForLove #metromanilapride

[comeoutforlove]

"Lumalaban para sa isang lipunang mapanghusga at pantay na karapatan sa lahat, hindi lamang sa LGBT. Lahat ng naabuso at nasaktan at namayapa dahil sa brutal na pagpatay sa TAO dahil sa galit. Tumatayo at sumisigaw kami para sa EQUALITY! Anu man ang stado, pinagmulan at sexual orientation.#standforabused" - Carl and Chris are partners for 4 years and are active members of Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City 

[comeoutforlove]

“Come out for TRUTH cos it will set you free. If you like girls, so what? If you like guys, so what? If you like both, so what? That doesn't make you less normal cos love is love and that is what it should be. Come out for truth because it is dark in there, and outside that pitch-black closet is a rainbow… and I tell you, it’s wonderful.” - Kace, 25, graphic artist, LGBT advocate

[comeoutforlove]

“Acceptance is something that builds bridges rather than burns them, by accepting others as they are you are not only showing them the courtesy they deserve but also showing to them that you honor their personal beliefs/practices/ways of life.

  As an occultist I ask for acceptance on an everyday basis. It is only proper that I show it to everyone I meet. I have accepted many LGBT loved ones into my life and have made them as important to my life as my own family. And in return I was given the same courtesy :) And I have seen to it that acceptance is something that is practiced in the halls of Mysterium Philippines.”

  - Robert Rubin: Founder of Mysterium Philippines

[comeoutforlove]

“Isa ako sa mga babaeng hindi natatakot ipaalam sa buong mundo na ang taong mahal ko ay isang transgender man. Ni minsan hindi ako natakot o nahiya ipaalam sa pamilya, kaibigan at sa ibang tao na nagmamahal ako ng trans man. Bakit? Dahil alam kong hindi dapat sila ikahiya bagkus dapat ipagmalaki, suportahan at mahalin.  Gusto kong makita ng iba na hindi dapat nila itago kung ano ang kasarian ng taong mahal nila. Ni minsan hindi sumagi sa isip ko kung tanggap ba kami ng lipunan o hindi. Bakit? Dahil alam kong gumagawa kami ng tama bilang isang indibidwal.  Maraming tao ang nagtatanong, nagtataka at walang ideya kung ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng "trans man" kaya narito ako para bigyan sila ng kaalaman: Hindi kahibangan, hindi kalokohan, hindi biro at higit sa lahat hindi madali ang pagdadaanan, pinagdadaanan, pinagdaanan ng isang trans man. Maraming magtatanong, mambubully at manghuhusga. Hindi madali pero alam kong walang mahirap gawin, walang mahirap panindigan kung mahal mo ang isang tao. Kaya narito ako para ipaalam sa lgbt community na sinusuportahan, tanggap at mahal ko kayo. Nasimulan na natin ang Equalidad na pagtingin ng buong mundo sa LGBT people. Na makita din sila bilang Tao at hindi Salot o iba sa lipunan. Na kahit anong Gender Identity nila, tao rin sila at may karapatan para irespeto, mahalin at maging kahit anong gustuhin nila. Huwag tayong matakot kung ano ang sasabihin ng iba.  Magmahal lang tayo ng walang pagaalinlangan.” - Krizia Orazon is a 23 year old tourism graduate of san sebastian college. She currently works as a marine personnel assistant. She loves to travel and to cook. Together with her boyfriend of three years, they support the fight for the same sex marriage and equality.

[comeoutforlove]

Tatay: "Sakin kasi importante itong mga ganitong bagay na suportahan ang LGBT kasi marami sa mga parents o magulang at relatives, marami dyan na ikinakahiya ung mga LGBT. Madalas dito kasi samin lalo nung bata pa sya (Ana), dito tatambay yung mga kabarkada niyang mga lesbian. Pati bading. Pupunta dito, tatambay tapos sasabihin, 'Ana, kaswerto mo. Naiintindihan ka ng mga magulang mo. Kami pinapalokami. Ikinakahiya kami.' Yun kaya gusto ko mainterview para dito. Para sa mga parents. Kasi dapat suportahan niyo din, lesbians o ano man." Nanay: “Bakit mahalagang suportahan? Kasi sabi nga dyan o, empowerment. Mahalagang makikilala ng lahat na bawat isang tao, including ang mga lesbyana at mga bading, ay may kanya-kanyang kakayahan at kinakailangan nating idevelop ang kanilang mga kakayahan para lalo silang maging mahusay na kontributor sa lipunan." - Teofilo Jose Geaga is 66 years of age and a Freelance Printing Agent. Monina Geaga is 62 years of age, and is the outgoing Secretary General of SARILAYA (Kasarian-Kalayaan), a National Women's Organization focusing on health and environment. Teofilo and Monina are the proud parents of lesbian daughter Ana Geaga.

[comeoutforlove]

"I remember myself being afraid of coming out to my family because of REJECTION. I had that feeling of Hatred for being who I am because they don't fully understand what being TRANSGENDER means. It took me a lot of Courage to explain and educate them on what I'm going through. From Gender Identity to Transitioning or HRT. It is hard that those people you wanted to accept you are those people who can hardly understand you for being who you are. So, I decided to come out to my family and relatives in public and appear on TV in one of the segments of Bandila. They watched it and said : We accept and love you for who you are and we're so proud of you for being brave. Those words made me FREE. I'm participating in this campaign to inspire people and help other transgender men like me as well as the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Queers that coming out will take a lot of PATIENCE: to wait for them to accept you, COURAGE: to tell them everything about who you really are and DEDICATION: to help them to understand you and what you're going through. Do not be afraid, take it as a challenge and be brave. " - Aiju AJ Lardizabal, a musician, an artist and a member of PinoyFTM. Their advocacy is to reach out to their brothers, help them and educate other Transgender Men here in the Philippines.

[comeoutforlove]

“Hindi naman nagsabi sa akin ang mga anak ko na bading sila, nakikita ko ang mga kilos nila, ako ang nagtanong at sinagot nila. Yakap yung unang reaksyon ko, at nuon ko rin nakita ang ngiti nila, nawala ang hirap ng loob at takot nila s pagkubli ng pagiging bading. Sa mga nang-aabusong ama, marami ang nawawala sa inyo: ang pagiging ama sa anak, pagmamahal ng anak, respeto ng anak at sa inyong anak [mawawala ang kanilang] dignidad ng pagkatao. Mula nung una ko silang makita pagkaluwal sa kanila, tinanggap ko na sila, bilang isang anak, minahal at inaruga, kahit hindi ko alam na magiging bading sila. Ang alam ko lang mahal ko sila dahil mga anak ko sila, bigay sila sa akin ng Diyos. Sa mga anak ko, wag n'yong kalimutan anuman ang inyong kahaharapin sa buhay, nandito ako palagi sa tabi n'yo, laging magpasalamat sa Diyos at sa inyong ina na nagluwal sa inyo. Magmahalan kayong magkakapatid. Tumulong sa kapwa. Laging magdasal. Lagi n'yong tandaan na ang Diyos ay laging nasa puso n'yo. Magsumikap kayo para umunlad at ipakita n'yo sa mga taong mapanghusga kung paano maging mabuting nilalang sa mundo.” - Rodante Acoba, Administrative Aide III at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital

[comeoutforlove]

"I just started my first job a month ago, and I'm lucky enough to be in an environment where gender, sexuality and sexual preferences aren't an issue nor a hindrance to work. I'm also lucky enough to be working with my best friend who has taught me so much about LGBTQI-- from struggling to come out, to writing about her experiences, to her thesis topic tackling internalized homophobia, to interacting with different people. Recently, a resolution authored by Quezon City councilor Mayen Juico was passed to expand the ordinance on eliminating discrimination against LGBT. This is a big development, considering how conservative the Philippines can be. And although we may be working for a company that is open to diversity, a lot more people aren't. Discrimination in the workplace isn't uncommon, but it's more difficult for LGBTQI. I hope this development translates to the rest of the country so we don't dismiss gay men to the parlor (not that many of them aren't good at their trade), [butch] lesbians to tricycles, and transgenders and transexuals to comedy bars. Sexual orientation should not be as much a measure of efficiency at work or opportunities for employment as much as experience and expertise." - Jay is a scrawney, Baguio-girl who believes in equality and diversity. She is currently a cog in the corporate clockwork, but hopes to be in development work eventually.

[comeoutforlove]

"I came from a super religious and conservative family. On top of that, I'm the eldest among my two sisters. I was scared to come out. Only my friends knew about my sexuality. I didn't wanna be disowned by my family. But just recently, I had the courage to come out. Well thanks to my ex boyfriend. He was a big part of it. I envied his "outness" to his whole family. The mere fact that he can introduce a bf to his family. I wanted that. But now, I can. My family accepted me and they even loved me more. I'm now free. No more secrets. Ang sarap at gaan sa pakiramdam. Kailangan lang nating tanggapin at mahalin kung ano at sino tayo para tanggapin at mahalin din tayo ng iba." - Gian is a writer-slash-frustrated fashion designer. He is a hopeless romantic who dreams to marry his future husband here in the Philippines.

[comeoutforlove]

"The years I've spent searching for myself were the loneliest. I had family, friends and my then partner. But how can you explain to somebody the logic behind feeling that you are not in the right body? How can you ignore the fear of being judged and told that you are crazy? I was scared. I was alone.  But coming out taught me that there are people willing to listen, people who are in the same shadows, and people who will lead you to answers. I discovered friends, rekindled relationships and for the first time, I realized I had a voice. Do not be afraid, you are not different. My story may be the same as yours. And together, we will find who you are. Together, we will discover that you are unique and the world will not be the same without someone like you." - Nick Fernandez is the current chairman of PinoyFTM and has been transitioning since 2011. He is a big LGBT advocate, specifically towards other transgender men wanting to go through the process. He is also a brand ambassador of the LGBT clothing brand QueerStud.

[comeoutforlove]

“Ang pag-out bilang lesbyana ay isa sa mga bagay na mahirap gawin lalo na sa mga taong hindi bukas ang pagiisip. Na kapag nalaman ng mga taong lesbyana ako, parang isang malaking pagkakamali ang magmahal ng kapwa ko babae, makasalanan, at parang may malubhang sakit kung pandirihan. Kaya nakiki-isa ako sa campaign ng Metro Manila Pride para sa karapatan ng mga babae na nagmamahal sa kapwa babae at lalaki na para sa kapwa ding lalaki. Para sa pagtanggap ng bawat Pilipino sa LGBT community at kalayaang mamuhay sa bansang ito ng pantay-pantay at walang pagdidiscriminate.  "Come Out for Marriage" ang sinulat ko dahil naniniwala ako na hindi lang babae at lalaki lang ang may karapatan ng pag-iisang dibdib kundi pati ang babae na nagmamahal ng babae at lalaki na nagmamahal din ng lalaki. Ang pag-recognize ng dalawang babae o lalaki bilang mag-asawa o pamilya para sa'kin ay isang pagsuporta sa campaign na ito. Bilang babae na nagmamahal ng kapwa ding babae, naniniwala akong importante ito para sa pagmulat ng isipan ng bawat isa ang pagkakapantay pantay.” - Janessa Maquirang/ 23/ Athlete/ Investment Operations Specialist

[comeoutforlove]

"Coming out of the closet was the most difficult decision I ever had in my life. More so, living in a Christ-centered family aggravated the situation and made me sense like I was in an classic state of despair and hopelessness; I once thought of committing suicide, because I was too afraid to come out, but thank God, I did not. My Pastor, who happened to be my “Ninong,” kept on telling me that being myself would send me straight to hell, he also shoved the story of Sodom and Gomorra deep down my throat. I felt murdered, but he never heard anything from me that would abolish his barbaric belief system.  Also, I was frightened by the fact that I would lose all my friends, but through time I realized: it’s good to lose people during the process, because those who really matter would stay; now, I have an uncountable list of people whom I deleted out of my life, and it feels so much better.  Aside from the Diversity that I am fighting for, I also strive for freedom--REAL FREEDOM. I am a transwoman, but I refuse to undergo hormonal changes and gender reassignment--for I believe that these are not what define womanhood. Nevertheless, one should respect other people’s choices if they choose to undergo HRT and whatnots. I have dark underarms, Asian eyes, not a very good skin and I am overweight, but to hell with that! Something so natural and undamaging should not be a ground for embarrassment. I don’t allow any discriminating standards be put between me and the happiness I wrestled for.  Everybody can and should wear whatever fits best in their own identity. My decisions do not make me any less of a woman. No social convention should have a say in my identity. IT IS MY BODY, IT IS MY CHOICE! IT'S NOT MY JOB TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE FEEL HAPPY BY FOLLOWING THEIR NORMS. Finally, for those who are still in the closet, let me just say this: Outing is never a requirement, the choice is all yours. Stop explaining and justifying, live free, YOU DON’T OWE ANYONE ANYTHING AT ALL.” - Jean is a Communication Arts graduate of Letran-Manila, a frustrated Scientist and Historian who travels a lot with her camera. She considers herself a freedom advocate and a critic of all things irrational. Jean dreams of becoming a film director/writer to use her art as an eye-opener to change the society for the better.

[comeoutforlove]

TV host, model, sports buff, and LGBT rights supporter Marc Nelson invites you to join the #ComeOutForLovephoto campaign.  Share your story. Share the love!

[comeoutforlove]

"At some point in your life, you know when it's about time you take a little step further from where you stand and get out there and tell people who you really are and this might be a tiny step but that's how we make it.  Others need to know that they don't have to hide. They don't have to lock themselves up from fear of being rejected because they don't deserve to. They need to know that love and support is out there if they reach out for it." - Alyssa and Erka are artists who have spent three years together seeking justice, hoarding books, and trying news things with extreme fanaticism. And on Fridays and special occasions, they dress up.