As the LGBTZN continue to traverse the days of becoming more visible in the province of ZN, the need to arm its members with knowledge is critical. I have always sensed that in this part of the Philippines, the prejudice to LGBT persons is in a stage of dormancy waiting to be legitimized. It is only waiting for the right time and reasons to finally validate the status quo’s actions against the members of the lgbt community by means of institutionalizing actions supportive of those that the organization is fighting against.Others may consider this as my own pessimistic view of the situation here but like every other places all over the country, the media and even during “drinking sessions”, it is noticeable that being a L,G,B or T is still a subject dealt not only with ridicule but with shame as well. I sense that these conducts evident in our daily lives is just the tip of the iceberg. I personally interpret these actions as a manifestation of a hidden detestation due to their ignorance of the nature of being LGBT. Unfortunately, these are the ones feeding the culture of oppression and inequality at the same time. Hence, the exigency to discern an “attack”, to counter an incoming barrage of questions, and identify attempts to dismantle a controversial organization such as the LGBTZN, is vital.
But there are ways to arrest the impending combustion of these attenuated prejudicial proclivities before it becomes a direct threat and detrimental to the lives of LGBT people.
Our condition for one, unlike Iran for instance where institutionalized oppression of LGBT people are enforced, should be seen as a window of opportunity to change unfounded belief systems that hinders LGBT people to function as normal human beings without fear of getting arrested.
This opportunity can be translated by way of educating the people through immersion in communities and delivering them information about how the world outside is now moving towards a culture of respect and diversity. Provide them with a steady stream of evidences that anti-LGBT laws are being abolished and some even created laws to protect the rights of LGBT people. Guide them towards empathy by way of telling real stories of trials and tribulations of the LGBT people. Communicate to them the feeling of liberation as one leaves the fear and pretentious life inside the closet. And instill in them the fact that LGBT people have rights as mandated by both the written and unwritten law of living harmoniously.
However, all of these can become futile without the actions. The LGBT community should as well show that they are worthy of what they say they are capable of contributing. The LGBTZN, being its leading organization must show its own contribution to the society. The people should see them as productive individuals worthy of praise and respect.
Most importantly, learn the art of compromise to accommodate the needs of everybody. Intentions and actions will always be seen with malice therefore all efforts would end up in smoke if one party is not open to a meet in the middle. The LGBT as an organized force is after all something that is foreign to most people. History has shown that education is a safe way out without spilling a single blood. But it did not guarantee that no sweat from your brow will fall.
Aleksi
