She also featured the recent participation of the Filipino LGBT community in LA.
What is the real state of LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders) in the Philippines? That was the question Jessica Soho posted through her episode titled, "Gay pride, Effortful food, Instant fame".
US unlike the Philippines has liberal culture and respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. However, in the Philippines, people who belong to the LGBT community still struggle for their rights everyday.
The way gays are treated in this country, I think, can be very harsh. In fact, they get beaten by their parents, other family members, and even by people they don't know in the streets. People look down to them and underestimate their abilities because of their sexual orientation. Here, it's like a crime to be gay. Among most conservative Filipinos, being gay or lesbian is next to immorality.
I know I should have written this article before, but I procrastinated a bit for some reasons. Now it's time to say something. I am not gay, but I feel like I am concerned if I can see people being discriminated by their looks or gender.
I guess it's about time to be fully open minded. Sometimes, we have to forget about people's gender or sexual orientation, but look through their hearts instead.
Me, myself, I look up to people who do extraordinary things. I feel proud to those who don't just do other people did, but doing it in a better way. I like people who are liberal, but still values good tradition. Most of all, I love them who are tolerant, striving, and surviving even storms of discrimination arise.
Thanks to Ms. Sass R. Sasot for this picture. That's her third from the right.
She is one of the co-founders of STRAP, The Society of Transexual Women in the Philippines. Go girl!
