To All, A Call to Love From-LGBT Family

Attending events is but one task of a blogger.  Writing and sharing about the experience is the main task of any credible blogger.  When one encounters an event that is close to one’s heart, the task evolves to something close to being an advocate.  Such was the case when I attended the press preview of this year’s Metro Manila Pride Season celebration.

Task Force Pride (TFP), the official convener of the annual community-driven Metro Manila Pride Season launched their #ComeOutForLove campaign this October.  This is a 3-month celebration that calls to not only that part of the LGBT community but also those who supports them as well.  “Through this campaign, we want to emphasize the significant impact that coming out in support of your LGBT loved ones has on people’s lives.  This campaign tells the families, friends, teachers, co-workers and all the allies of LGBT people that because of their support, life as an LGBT person in the Philippines is a little easier, a little brighter and a little more loving.” – says Nicky H. Castillo, Campaign Head of TFP.

Nicky Castillo, Campaign Head of TFP

Being a part of the LGBT community, I do understand the need of having people around you give you love and support.  It is something that we all need, something that is common to us all - LOVE.  Regardless of gender orientation, everybody needs and deserves love.  That is why this year’s theme is #ComeOutForLove Kasi  Pag-ibig pa Rin! – a theme so applicable to all; members, supporters, families and even those who cannot tolerate us. 

Guest speakers were present during the press preview and one of them was a former stage-mate decades ago, Ms Lisa Dino – partner of Aiza Seguerra.  In all honestly, it was a surprise for me to see one another during the said event.  I am not one to follow showbiz happenings and seeing her and knowing there that her partner is a known personality, was a pleasant shock for me.  Knowing part of her story and seeing her now; it only shows that love knows no boundaries.

Guess speaker: Lisa Dino

After hearing part of her story about her present relationship, I just have to ask myself about my life.  I guess my mother tolerated me but I am please to say that my father accepted me for what I am long before he passed away.  It was not a spoken thing but his actions showed his acceptance.  A story shared by an uncle came to mind – it was in a clan gathering and I decided to join in by hosting what was happening then.  Holding the stage were me, an uncle and a cousin and we were all gays.  An uncle of mine teased my father of the set-up and his response was simply a smile and a laugh.  

When we talk about love, we talk about not only the feeling but also the need of every one.  Love is universal thus it is present in each and every one of us.  When love is used to hurt someone deliberately, that is not love but selfishness.  When we love, we give, we share we nurture.  When we become self-centered, we can hurt others, think of simply of one self and reject others.  There is no “I” in love nor “U” but there is always:

 L – Laughter

 O –Obedience

            V – Values

 E – Empathy

This November an exhibit is to be made by noted photographer, Niccolo Cosme, based on selected stories and subjects from the online submission.  An All Families Day and a Solidarity Soiree are to be held this November too!   All this is to come to a peak in December with the annual Pride March and street party – now back in Malate, Manila!

Come and show your support as we celebrate the life of Lesbians, Gays, Bi and Transgender/Sexual and the people around them.  Join in this 3-months celebration by being part of the activities, donating or simply smiling at the sidelines but if you truly love us, then there is no reason to fear but fear itself.  It is about time that your voice joins ours as we call for love.    

TFP