An Act of Vandalism

Before the Dumaguete Pride March in December 2011, Michael from Ladlad NOrSU (Negros Oriental State University) posted some pictures in his facebook account. I was not only offended by it, but I felt like my whole being was being stepped on.  The pictures showed how some people vandalized the LADLAD Partylist logo which was painted on their (NOrSU) school wall. Being a Ladlad member and an LGBT rights advocate, I felt humiliated and my dignity ripped off of me.  I just couldn’t believe how people could do such things.

The Ladlad NOrSU Guild vandalized by some "homophobes" putting "Social Pests" and "AIDS Carrier" 

So in response to the vandals’ message, I am writing this blog. I have scribbled some notes before as to my thoughts about the said vandalism, and I found the time just now to finally put it in this blog.

We are not AIDS carriers.... Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, is prone to this disease if we continue to have risky behaviors. It is sad to know that the general public even some people in the government, think it is the homosexuals who carry this sickness. They have associated the word “Homosexuality” with HIV/ AIDS, and blame the gays for spreading it. Well, just a piece of reminder:  Whether heterosexual or homosexual, this disease can be acquired by everyone who is not cautious of their sexual activities. Young or old, poor or rich, may be infected with HIV/AIDS so long as they remain uneducated about it and continue being promiscuous. And mind them, not all people living with HIV/AIDS got this infection through sexual intercourse and not all of them are gay. So to the vandals: educate yourselves first before giving a conclusion. Your act just shows how ignorant and stupid you are.

We are not Social pests... If people would just notice, we are more productive than the heterosexuals, as we can do what males and females do, altogether. There are members of the community who are renowned artists, famous  fashion designers, and prominent public servants. There are also ordinary LGBTs who, because of their hard work and proficiency, were able to lift their families from poverty. We can be as productive as they are and become more efficient than they, only if, we are not discriminated against and given the chance to prove our worth.  And my message to the vandals: We in the LGBT community contribute to the progress of this country. How about you guys? Got nothing to do so you are targeting the minorities? Or you are just unemployed parasites who hide your insecurities by vandalizing other people’s properties?

To the “straight” people, remember: We are not just gays/queers/lesbians/transgender/bisexuals… we are people. As human beings, we are also entitled with rights equal to your rights. Our sexual orientation and gender identity may not be confirmative with the norms of the society still; it doesn’t make us less humans.  We do believe that as you guys yearn for respect, so do we.

And to the LGBT community: Let’s not just be passive and silent to the abuses some people are doing. Let’s not just be satisfied and contented with the stigma the society has tagged us. As individuals and as a people, we need to move, act, and shout for our rights. However, if we just remain quiet and get used to what some people are doing to us, then it is like saying that we are indeed less like them. Our rights as LGBT people will not be realized unless we ourselves understand them and decide within ourselves that yes, we have to fight for them.