Beaming with pride: 5 stories of hope from the queer community

MANILA, Philippines — Exactly 30 years ago, the Philippines held its first Pride March Parade in Quezon City, marking the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in the US in June 1969. Despite this milestone, the queer community in our country has struggled for acceptance and equality.

This Pride Month, we compiled inspiring stories of our brothers and sisters from the LGBTQIA+ community to learn about their stories of living authentically and fighting for their rights. After all, gay rights are human rights.

Quezon Province-based litigation lawyer Atty. Charm Tan confided that growing up as a lesbian, she thought she had to act like a man, cross-dress and get a short haircut. Only during college did she learn that lesbians, too, have different gender preferences.

This led to her path toward self-acceptance. “So far, my self-acceptance (of my own gender preference) created a world that reciprocates acceptance, too. I can definitely feel that I am more accepted easily now than before. Be your own inspiration.”

She’s also thankful for the strong support system of her family and people who genuinely love her.

Finally, she reminds everyone that “it is essential to understand and acknowledge the importance of equality and acceptance to build a better world where everyone is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or any other personal characteristic. We are all human beings after all.”

Ian Lising, 30, a gaming enthusiast and a media company employee, has embarked on his transition journey as a transman with the proper guidance of his endocrinologist, as well friends who are also taking testosterone.

But even before this, he was married. “I was married to a gay. We were one of those gay-les marriages who proudly took the chance that it could work.”

“Unfortunately, the marriage lasted for three years only and it did not work for certain circumstances. After the break up, that’s when I realized I want to be with a woman because I am a man.”

And so he transitioned. However, he struggled in the beginning because his family was not aware. But he gathered courage to tell his mom.

“Contrary to what I was thinking, she