Overview
Boy Abunda shares his personal journey as a gay man in the Philippines and challenges the prejudices and stereotypes that hinder LGBT individuals from attaining the presidency. Through historical comparisons and constitutional arguments, he asserts the right and potential for a gay president in the Philippines.
Personal Background and Early Experiences
- Boy Abunda identifies as a proud gay man but not as an activist or advocate due to the pressure of expectations.
- He recounts his upbringing in Borongan, Eastern Samar, a supportive yet imperfect childhood.
- Faced expectations to act like a "normal" boy and attempts to conform, such as playing basketball and liking girls, both of which felt unnatural to him.
- Describes the trauma of bullying and name-calling on Royal Street, which led to defensiveness about his sexuality.
Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions
- Many people stereotype gays as only excelling in creative endeavors, being cowards, half-men/half-women, diseased, promiscuous, cursed, or sinful.
- Abunda refutes these by citing examples of LGBT courage (Stonewall riots), achievements (Alan Turing), and humanity.
- Emphasizes that promiscuity and other negative traits are not exclusive to any group.
- Reminds that homosexuality was removed from the DSM as a mental disorder in 1973.
Legal and Social Barriers
- Points out that in 2010, the Philippine Commission on Elections ruled gays âpromote immorality,â but this was reversed by the Supreme Court.
- Notes that some view LGBT people as a moral or societal threat, which persists in cultural attitudes.
Lessons from Civil Rights Movements
- Compares the LGBT struggle to the Black civil rights and womenâs liberation movements.
- Highlights that previously marginalized groups (Black people, women) have since reached the highest offices, such as Barack Obama and female heads of state.
- Argues by precedent that a gay president is possible.
What Makes a Great President
- Cites Karl Rove's list of presidential qualities: clarity of vision, consistency, emotional intelligence, respect for public opinion, and a strong teamânone of which require one to be straight or gay.
- Suggests that being a great president requires being human, not a particular gender or orientation.
Potential Impact of a Gay President
- Offers imaginative examples of how a gay president could break norms and foster inclusivity.
- Advocates that a gay president would prioritize anti-discrimination, freedom of information, and family values.
Call to Action and Conclusion
- Reframes the question to "Can we have a gay president?" and affirms that it is possible, lawful, and fitting.
- Stresses that the presidency is the birthright of every Filipino, regardless of gender or orientation.
- Concludes that history and common sense support the inevitability of a gay president.
Decisions
- Reframed advocacy: Shifts the narrative from "Why can't we have a gay president?" to "Yes, we can and we must have a gay president."
Recommendations / Advice
- Encourage challenging prejudices and discriminatory beliefs.
- Recognize the diverse capabilities and leadership potential within the LGBT community.
- Uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.