Spirit Day : A Call To Stop Homophobia

It’s been decided. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and at their schools. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools. RIP Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas. You are loved. (Source: Manila Gay Guy).

Today is the Spirit Day. And just to make things clear, this is not an early pre-halloween celebration but a special day to mourn and ruminate the death of 6 gay boys who recently committed suicide due to the harsh ripple effect of homophobia. When will this cruelty finally take its bow and just make this world a better place? Perhaps most people don't have the slightest idea of how unfair life is for the LGBT community. Discrimination is their daily breakfast and verbal abuse is their ticket for societal tolerance most of the time. Is this the right way to condemn gays for their 'lifestyle choice'? Well, let me tell you something: being gay is not a choice. If I had my choice then maybe I already conditioned myself to be straight even before I was born. This is the reality where we live in: a idealistic society which always favors straight men over intelligent and hard-working faggots. No wonder many gays are taking their own lives nowadays because of the unfavorable environment that surrounds them. Have you experienced how to be alone in the dark while your heart is savoring the bitter taste of isolation and rejection? Maybe not, because you're not gay. But if you try to put your feet in our own shoes for just a couple of minutes, you will realize that homosexuality is more of a curse than a blessing; more of a burden than a pleasure. I've experienced depression and suicidal ideations before because of the recurring conflicts in my sexuality. Being gay is not a crime but societal norms dictate people that homosexuality is this and that. And this phenomenon only breeds one thing: inequality. It pains me a lot that gay people should die first to earn respect and love from the society. This is not the way it's supposed to be. We all deserve to love and be loved regardless of our race or sexual orientation. I hope that this day will not only awaken the LGBT about their place in society but also those straight people who are concerned about this issue. We have to spread love because it is through love that we can find the path for a better world and a better tomorrow. For the thousands of gay people who committed suicide due to the crippling effects of discrimination and homophobia, may your souls rest in peace.

"Shelter" (2008): Movie Pick of the Month

Just to satisfy my craving for gay-themed movies, I pulled Shelter out of my growing torrent movie collection and gave it a try. Although a bit predictable, an opinion which I share with other bloggers who already put their eyes on this film, the story and the acting are both compelling and remarkable indeed. Set in Southern California, Shelter is the story of Zack (Trevor Wright), an artist who is torn between his family responsibilities and  his dream of entering an art school to hone his skills. After his mother died, he decided to take control of his family by supporting his ill father and her sister, who is a single mom to his nephew, Cody, financially through working on low-paying jobs. But everything changed when he was reunited with his bestfriend's gay brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe), who came in to find remedy to a witer's block. As the story goes, the two protagonists developed their relationship from surfing buddies to a romantic relationship that put Zack's predicament to a different level. He have to deal not only with his domestic anxieties but also to the reality that surrounds his sexuality. Compared to Brokeback Mountain's "gay cowboy lovers", Zack and Shaun left a different kind of impression to me: sweet yet compelling story of two gay lovers who have brought the audience the perpetual value of personal choice, liberty, family, independence, love, and happiness. Furthermore, the light and relaxing backdrop of the movie allows closet gays (like me) to come into terms with reality while watching the film and eventually realize that genuine happiness can really be achieved by following our hearts' desires no matter how absurd they are in the eyes of the public. This movie has provided a 'shelter' for those confused guys like me who feel as if the world, still in the bondage of homosexual discrimination, is not the best place to come out and show our real identity. Without a doubt, this is one of the most unforgettable and inspiring pink movies I have ever watched so far. To all Trevor Wright fans out there, count me in! I couldn't get enough of Shelter until now. Perhaps this is the "aftertaste" of a good movie but Shelter is not a flawless one. However, its simplicity is what strikes me the most and that is enough to give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

"Orosa-Nakpil, Malate: Gem of the Gay Subculture"

It was my first time to read a book that bravely touches one controversial aspect of our society. This book tells a story that deals with issues such as unconventional love, homosexuality, anal sex, and AIDS, all at the same time. But I didn't regret buying the book as far as the knowledge and eye-opening reality that I've gained from "Orosa-Nakpil, Malate" are concerned. Actually, the book's Tagalog version was first published last 2007 but it was only recently that I had the courage to take it out of the bookstore shelf, this time in it's new English version. I don't have the prerogative to make comparisons because I haven't read the Tagalog version yet, but based on Gangcuangco's recent version, I could say that his book can be regarded as a modern gem of pink literature. It's a story that will make you cry and will teach essential information about AIDS at the same time. I could say that the execution of the story was done in such a way that the readers will feel for the characters and eventually, will heed the author's call to stay safe against the infection which  has been linked to the BPO industry these days. Although some may sense a bit of predictability on the first few pages of the book, the story would eventually reveal certain twists and turns that makes "Orosa-Nakpil, Malate" a different kind of gay love story. This book has a captivating story that will make anyone cry and ask for more, regardless of sexual orientation. And like Brokeback Mountain, "Orosa-Nakpil, Malate" provides readers a simple glimpse to the bittersweet life of homosexuals, showing all the struggles, sorrows, and tragedies of a typical Filipino gay living within a harshly conservative society. For your convenience, I included some book infos from the author itself courtesy of one of my favorite Filipino blogs, Manila Gay Guy:


Synopsis: Dave is a young medical student who frequently goes to Malate. In Barn, a bar that houses a dark room, he meets the men who entangle him in a web of love, vengeance, and sex.

Louie Mar Gangcuangco, the author

        From the author, Louie Mar Gangcuangco: I wrote the story two years ago, when I was just seventeen. What inspired me to write the novel? It’s a monosyllabic word many people fail to understand – love.
         This is a tough confession. At sixteen, I have been splurging my extra  cash inside Malate’s premiere gay places. For more than half a year, I have had whirlwind love affairs that most lasted for barely two weeks. But things changed when I met him.
       We met at Bath. Ooh… I still remember how gorgeous he was. His eyes were hazelbrown. The way he looked at me was tempting. His physique was really sexy. But what hit me was his personality. His was unique. His was matchless wit. Best of all… He knows how to speak French.
       I loved him with all my heart. Twice we went out on dates that went more than the casual chitchat and dinner. We ate a lot. So much that even our souls took part in the banquet. I sacrificed so much for him, but after he grew tired of my youth, all he did was to brand me a “nuisance.
      That December afternoon, I cried over the phone, telling him how rude it was of him to treat me like trash. We met and he apologized. But the pain he caused me made me sit in front of my laptop. And words kept flowing on and on. The keyboard ticked… lagatakatak… for three long months until the third draft of the then-called “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate: Isang Kasaysayan ng Pag-Ibig, was created.
      Nine months seem like batting an eyelash. “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate:Isang Kasaysayan ng Pag-ibig matured into “Orosa-Nakpil,Malate Pagkagat ng Dilim and is finally released with a shorter title, “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate.
     “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate was evaluated by Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, the former Secretary of Health; Dr. Valenzuela from PGH; Prof Leano from UP College of Medicine; and Dr. Destura from the National Institues of Health.

Will Gays go to Hell?

They say people nowadays are more lenient in terms of sexuality. For me, this idea pertains only to a portion of the vast population especially here in the Philippines, where the party list "Ladlad" has recently been denied of accreditation for the upcoming 2010 elections. One bishop voiced out his support to this decision by clarifying that the church acknowledges the existence of gays, lesbians, and transgenders but totally against their "immoral acts". On the other hand, Danton Remoto, Ateneo de Manila University professor and co-founder of "Ladlad", is still determined to apply a motion for reconsideration in spite of the fact that Comelec has junked their application not only once for grounds I'm really unsure if they have sufficient basis on. Comelec emphasized that they dismissed the group based on "moral grounds", but I don't think they're really getting the main point of this issue. What this group and everyone else in the country or in the world who are members of the so-called "third sex" want is an equal human rights and privileges. I don't know, but many people are still closed-minded in terms of homosexuality. This is the main reason why I'm still terrified to come out of my shell and tell my family and the whole world that I'm gay. If biblical testimonies are purely true, then homosexuals are condemned to go to hell if will not change their ways. No wonder a lot of gays are selfishly indulging in same-sex relationship, oral, and anal sex without any clear concern on the possible outcomes of these "imoral" actions. This brought me back to the conversation I had with a gentleman across the globe about the question I posted on a christian networking site about a year and a half ago. I wondered during that time if there's any hope for homosexuality and the corresponding punishments for those who have sinned sexually. These are the written conversation that took place afterwards:
----- Original Message ----
From: LUISITO BATONGBAKAL
To: davidabc13@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:56:31 PM
Subject: my answer to the question you posted in christianster advice segment

hi!just to clarify some things about me that you think is unclear. First of all, I would like to thank you for giving sound advice to the ordeal that I've been going through. You sound very willing to help me have a clearer perspective about the things that bother me. I think I'm already saved, as far as I'm concerned, because I have a personal relationship with God and continually growing since I accepted Him as my personal Savior. But I still consider myself a "baby christian" taking "baby steps" for a complete spiritual growth and enlightenment. You know, I'm still at the point of struggling to let go of the past and of the old ways and habits that have been part of my daily life. Spiritual growth cannot be achieved overnight......it takes time and I believe that with proper guidance and training I can finally let go of this sinful feelings and be emancipated from the evil bondage. It's a struggle every time the evil sets some temptations to trap me but I'm willing to change my ways. I'm tired of it already. Like an alcoholic willing to go to a program that will extinguish his cravings for alcohol, I'm willing to go to any 'rehab' whatever to be free from this feelings. I didn't chose to be like this, I think it's there since birth. So, if you are asking that how assured I am that I'm saved, I could say with conviction that I am. But if you are implying that I would not be saved just because I still have some issues regarding my sexuality, then it's up to you.......you don't know what I'm going through, in the first place. Thank you and God bless you!

Full MessageRe: my answer to the question you posted n christianster advice segment,
From: david chan View Contact
To: LUISITO BATONGBAKAL


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first of all, thank you for clarifying this.



i just want you to know that praying a sinner's prayer and accepting Jesus as a personal savior is NOT how the Bible says a person is saved. i sure hope that you are not relying on a prayer and a decision for your salvation. that is a common tragedy of modern evangelicalism today. a person to be saved will show signs of godly sorrow, counting the cost, and NEW desires. the NEW desires come from a NEW heart which God gives.



yes, sancitification is a process. spiritual growth is a process that is not overnight. that is true. but that spiritual growth is in terms of maturity, character, and priorities. the DESIRES are overnight. i'm glad that you are in church though, receiving guidance and counseling. that is very good. in fact, my advice would be for you to you talk to your pastor about this, or someone in church who you have a personal relationship with, someone you can trust, and someone who will NOT gossip and NOT spread what you would talk about. pray about who it is in your church that you can talk to for counselling because it is very crucial that accountability be taken in your growth regarding your faith.



remember john3:19-21 and ephesians 5:11. be encouraged to take that step to expose this so that the enemy cannot condemn you :)