actual reaction from Zach and Mom and others :)
sources:
Showing posts with label coming out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coming out. Show all posts
9.07.2013
Out and Super Loved!
modern day coming out - via facebook - matched with modern day acceptance of a busy mom. yet the effect is as deep and resonating as any other coming out. it will leave you sighing, welling (I did!), smiling and very happy to be gay and loved.
8.23.2013
what went through Wentworth
Let us all welcome the newest celebrity to come out or announce he's gay - Prison Break lead star Wentworth Miller.
And everyone was like, WE KNOW!!! :) Yey! *group hug!*
The world was so shocked at his unexpected revelation! They all said, he didn't look 41 at all! :D
Russians creep me out somehow. They have their unique way of taking out the fun in things.
June 16 - it was announced that Miss Universe 2013 will be held in Moscow, Russia.
June 30 - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed anti-gay propaganda law!
Aug. 15 - Andy Cohen, the lovable, frequent Miss Universe award winning host begged off the job for fear of his own.
Miss Universe is the Oscar's/Pulitzer for gay people! Gays skip work, check-in a hotel for this major, major annual event! Gays used to sweat with glitters as the top 10 finalists are announced. Now, we may just be sweating with fear for our LGBT sisters/brothers in Russia. :o
On a serious note, here's how hot stuff Wentworth Miller came out or made it public-
--------------------
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I’ll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The Mankind Project
Member, Ladlad (unofficial)
Member, Task Force Pride (unofficial)
Member, UP Babaylan (unofficial)
The Russian organizers were very disappointed with Michael Scofield's rejection of their offer. After all they always bragged they have better prisons than US. *insert evil, sinister laugh* Hehehe.
He is finally free and liberated indeed when he made that firm stand to not support the country with the anti-gay law. *group hug again!* :)
Now onto the rumors =)
ever since hot stuff anderson cooper, matt bomer and now wentworth miller came out, the bar for gays has been set soo high! soo high that straights are joining the bandwagon and playing the role! :) yipee!
So why did Wentworth came out? He went out because it's worth his freedom. - this joke was generously donated by a friend in Twitter, D. :)
Russia's Putin signs anti-gay measures into law
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a measure that stigmatizes gay people and bans giving children any information about homosexuality.
The lower house of Russia's parliament unanimously passed the Kremlin-backed bill on June 11 and the upper house approved it last week.
The ban on "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values over Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church see as corrupting Russian youth and contributing to the protests against Putin's rule.
Hefty fines can now be imposed on those who provide information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to minors or hold gay pride rallies.
The Kremlin announced Sunday that Putin has signed the legislation into law.
And everyone was like, WE KNOW!!! :) Yey! *group hug!*
###
"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes," the 41-year-old Wentworth Miller wrote in a letter to the festival's director.The world was so shocked at his unexpected revelation! They all said, he didn't look 41 at all! :D
###
Russians creep me out somehow. They have their unique way of taking out the fun in things.
June 16 - it was announced that Miss Universe 2013 will be held in Moscow, Russia.
June 30 - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed anti-gay propaganda law!
Aug. 15 - Andy Cohen, the lovable, frequent Miss Universe award winning host begged off the job for fear of his own.
Miss Universe is the Oscar's/Pulitzer for gay people! Gays skip work, check-in a hotel for this major, major annual event! Gays used to sweat with glitters as the top 10 finalists are announced. Now, we may just be sweating with fear for our LGBT sisters/brothers in Russia. :o
###
On a serious note, here's how hot stuff Wentworth Miller came out or made it public-
--------------------
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The ManKind Project
- See more at: http://perezhilton.com/2013-08-21-wentworth-miller-russian-smack-down-anti-lgbt-laws-st-petersburg-film-festival-gay/?from=blogroll_perezhilton#sthash.CaR3Dunu.dpuf
Dear Ms. Averbakh:Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The ManKind Project
- See more at: http://perezhilton.com/2013-08-21-wentworth-miller-russian-smack-down-anti-lgbt-laws-st-petersburg-film-festival-gay/?from=blogroll_perezhilton#sthash.CaR3Dunu.dpuf
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I’ll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The Mankind Project
Member, Ladlad (unofficial)
Member, Task Force Pride (unofficial)
Member, UP Babaylan (unofficial)
August 21, 2013
Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The ManKind Project
- See more at: http://perezhilton.com/2013-08-21-wentworth-miller-russian-smack-down-anti-lgbt-laws-st-petersburg-film-festival-gay/?from=blogroll_perezhilton#sthash.CaR3Dunu.dpuf
--------------------Re: St. Petersburg International Film Festival / "Guest of Honor" Invitation
Dear Ms. Averbakh:
Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes.
However, as a gay man, I must decline.
I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.
Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice.
Until then.
Wentworth Miller
Member, HRC
Member, GLAAD
Member, The ManKind Project
- See more at: http://perezhilton.com/2013-08-21-wentworth-miller-russian-smack-down-anti-lgbt-laws-st-petersburg-film-festival-gay/?from=blogroll_perezhilton#sthash.CaR3Dunu.dpuf
The Russian organizers were very disappointed with Michael Scofield's rejection of their offer. After all they always bragged they have better prisons than US.
He is finally free and liberated indeed when he made that firm stand to not support the country with the anti-gay law. *group hug again!* :)
###
Now onto the rumors =)
the couple (rumored)
his boyfriend (rumored)
ever since hot stuff anderson cooper, matt bomer and now wentworth miller came out, the bar for gays has been set soo high! soo high that straights are joining the bandwagon and playing the role! :) yipee!
###
So why did Wentworth came out? He went out because it's worth his freedom. - this joke was generously donated by a friend in Twitter, D. :)
###
Russia's Putin signs anti-gay measures into law
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a measure that stigmatizes gay people and bans giving children any information about homosexuality.
The lower house of Russia's parliament unanimously passed the Kremlin-backed bill on June 11 and the upper house approved it last week.
The ban on "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values over Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church see as corrupting Russian youth and contributing to the protests against Putin's rule.
Hefty fines can now be imposed on those who provide information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to minors or hold gay pride rallies.
The Kremlin announced Sunday that Putin has signed the legislation into law.
2.24.2013
Batwoman will propose to ... gf!
Batwoman might be getting married!
News of Batwoman's lesbian marriage proposal was first announced Wednesday on Bleeding Cool, a popular comic book blog. Rich Johnston reported that "Batwoman" #17 concludes with the heorine proposing to her girlfriend, Maggie Sawyer.
Via Bleeding Cool:
Because in Batwoman #17, published today, Kathy Kane, the Batwoman, DC’s leading lesbian lady asks Maggie Sawyer, Captain Sawyer, her secret girlfriend to ... be her wife. No idea how well that’s going to go down. And you have to read the build up to this – and the rather dangerous epilogue. There’s no guarantee we’re going to hear wedding bells. But I think that’s a story. I’ve been talking about how much I love this comic for some time, I think it’s DC’s best. Now I’ve just been given another reason.
ComicBookResources.com also confirmed the proposal. After emerging victorious from a recent crusade, Kane reveals her identity to Sawyer. "Marry me, Mags," she says, planting a kiss on Sawyer before the police captain can react.
"Batwoman" artist J. H. Williams had even hinted that big things were in store for Wednesday's release.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2013/02/20/batwoman-gay-marriage-proposal-girlfriend-photo_n_2724732.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
News of Batwoman's lesbian marriage proposal was first announced Wednesday on Bleeding Cool, a popular comic book blog. Rich Johnston reported that "Batwoman" #17 concludes with the heorine proposing to her girlfriend, Maggie Sawyer.
Via Bleeding Cool:
Because in Batwoman #17, published today, Kathy Kane, the Batwoman, DC’s leading lesbian lady asks Maggie Sawyer, Captain Sawyer, her secret girlfriend to ... be her wife. No idea how well that’s going to go down. And you have to read the build up to this – and the rather dangerous epilogue. There’s no guarantee we’re going to hear wedding bells. But I think that’s a story. I’ve been talking about how much I love this comic for some time, I think it’s DC’s best. Now I’ve just been given another reason.
ComicBookResources.com also confirmed the proposal. After emerging victorious from a recent crusade, Kane reveals her identity to Sawyer. "Marry me, Mags," she says, planting a kiss on Sawyer before the police captain can react.
"Batwoman" artist J. H. Williams had even hinted that big things were in store for Wednesday's release.
Williams also expressed just why this character's story means so much to him and comic book readers alike.
"Batwoman is an important character, and a socially important one that has meaning that extends well beyond the printed pages of the world she lives in, reaching out into ours possibly affecting those who encounter her story," he wrote on his official website Tuesday.
Williams was not immediately available to give a comment to The Huffington Post.
Batwoman's proposal, the first lesbian engagement to be included in a mainstream comic, comes on the heels of DC Comics tapping anti-gay author Orson Scott Card topen a portion of an upcoming issue of Superman release.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2013/02/20/batwoman-gay-marriage-proposal-girlfriend-photo_n_2724732.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
11.27.2012
Monique Wilson is a lesbian and we are happy :)
I was overseas for a
week, freezing my butt off while working. In an Asian country where lesbian
couples freely roam the busy streets,
holding each other's hands. Where the first buddhist lesbian wedding took place.
When I came back Sunday afternoon, sweating the moment I landed the Philippine airport, I was greeted by the big gay news! Monique Wilson came out as a lesbian! Yey! But in the same breath also revealed that she has chronic blood cancer. I am greatly happy that Monique FINALLY made all those hush hush stuff official. But I am also saddened that she is ill.
STILL, it is worth celebrating that a well known Filipina theatre celebrity and a feminist at that, in no nonsense fashion came out. This is so Anderson Cooper.
I know so many news report already came out of Monique's coming out (paulit ulit? hehe). So let me just share the full interview transcript which I got a hold of from a press friend. :)
Iv’e always been out in my theatre work. And at the back of my head I used to think also hello lahat naman ng tao alam na, hello ako nagproduce ng Angels in America, kung ano anong shows na homosexuality in a time na nobody was producing it.
Ang assumption ko lahat naman ng tao alam na eh so bakit ko pa sasabihin? Until one day I realized the young ones, they’re searching for mentors, guidance, they’re searching for like positive role models who they can look at and say you know what I can be like that. I don’t have to hide who I am and fight for who I am because there are other people who paved the way for me.
I’ve been in a relationship for 14 years. Taga dito siya pero didn’t grow up here. Pinoy. In London we have a civil partnership na kasi London recognizes it so it’s no big deal there. In fact all the rights are accorded to us na.
Kinasal na kayo?
Hindi naman, pero the visa situation is attached. Parang domestic partners. Kasi UK is very liberal. So to me it’s accepted. Especially in theatre, my gosh, it’s no big deal.
Maraming matutuwang mga lgbt group.
In fact sa gay pride I’ll be giving a speech there and in fact hindi nga ako makaka-march kasi meron akong dalawang show na King and I. Pero ang promise ko after my King and I performance I will run to give a speech.
There are so many discriminatory things that go against us, that we are still fighting for, basic civil rights.
When did you know that you’re gay?
My gosh, maybe when I was 18, 19. (Miss Saigon days) yah actually.
Anong reaction ng people sa paligid mo?
Wala lang. Kasi you know I grew up in repertoire eh halos lahat naman ng tao sa theatre is such an open culture so to me it was not a big deal and my family is also supportive.
Actually sa totoo lang it’s so not a big deal to my family and friends that we never even talk about it. Hahaha.
To them, as long as you’re happy, that’s the most important thing. And also I think yung fear naman palagi ng parents, oh they won’t have children, ay if you’re gay you can’t have children but actually you can. You can adopt. To my family it wasn’t really a big deal.
That’s what made me feel even grateful, kasi my family was so supportive. We never even talked about it. There are so many others, gunigulpi sila ng parents.
So everyday my gratitude has been deepening. I’ve been so lucky in my life, even with my illness , even in London with all the medications, it's free. I’ve been lucky with my career to have gotten in Miss Saigon.
I’m 42 na now. It’s really time to give back, and we shouldn’t give back when were in our 70s, so kelangan it has to be now.
Alam din ni Lea Salonga?
Alam na niya from Miss Saigon days pa. Alam mo sa teatro, hindi namin pinaguusapan kasi siyempre you just socialize with each other, spend Christmases together, visit each other’s house. And mababait din kasi theatre friends ko eh, na siyempre they’re not naman gonna tell other people unless you want to say it yourself. It’s not a big deal talaga.
How did you introduce your partner to Lea
I just say this is my partner, ganun lang. It’s so simple and straight forward.
Anong feeling now you’ve come out in front of the camera?
I’m really happy. I just hope that it will not eclipse the one with the rising campaign promise because syempre that advocacy is so important to me but on that aspect I’m very happy.
I never lied, alam n’yo naman yun. I never denied it except that naku baka yun ng yun ang pagusapan hindi yung work.
The media, grabe ang Philippine media, saludo ako sa inyo. You just gave me so much respect that I now have to return it also to you and come out and thank you also for allowing me all the time and space to figure out who I am and also to keep doing my work without any obstructions.
Kamusta ang sakit mo?
I’m managing kasi what I have is a type of blood cancer that’s chronic so you have it for all your life. So I take a chemo tablets each day. So wala pa syang cure, but if you manage it, you can extend your life or prolong it. Pero I have a lot of side effects.
It’s part of my gratitude. Hindi ko na iko-complain pa yan ‘cause to me I’m so lucky to be alive, to be well, to be on medication.
I got stronger nga when I got cancer kasi ang feeling ko why waste my life? I’m so lucky to be given this chance and also to be diagnosed of it early.
Message to Miss Saigon hopefuls
My message to them, you just have to work hard talaga. If you remember nakuha namin yung Miss Saigon pero 10 years kaming nasa Repertory Philippines group, so ilan taon din kaming naghone ng aming talents and skills.
So I’ll tell all aspiring Miss Saigons, magtrain kayo, mag-singing lessons kayo, acting workshops. Kasi hindi biro ang Miss Saigon na show. It’s very demanding, requires a lot of your stamina and discipline. Tough life. Siguro hindi naman sya glamorous. Tough life siya, nakakapagod siya.
But more than that, you should really love your craft and love the industry you’re coming from. Kasi yun din ang awakening ng Miss Saigon eh. Kailangan kong maibalik sa Philippines ang natutunan ko dun.
I’ve been so lucky to work with the best of theatre people, so ang feeling ko I have to bring it back to the Philippines. So I hope that all who will be chosen in Miss Saigon will also not forget the Philippine theatre. Where they come from and come back and share what they learn there.
here's a long online article about Monique's coming out which you can also read.
When I came back Sunday afternoon, sweating the moment I landed the Philippine airport, I was greeted by the big gay news! Monique Wilson came out as a lesbian! Yey! But in the same breath also revealed that she has chronic blood cancer. I am greatly happy that Monique FINALLY made all those hush hush stuff official. But I am also saddened that she is ill.
STILL, it is worth celebrating that a well known Filipina theatre celebrity and a feminist at that, in no nonsense fashion came out. This is so Anderson Cooper.
I know so many news report already came out of Monique's coming out (paulit ulit? hehe). So let me just share the full interview transcript which I got a hold of from a press friend. :)
Monique Wilson
Promo of one billion rising, strike, dance, rise. A streetdance on feb 14 2013 to stop violence against women.
Two years ago, may isang pangyayari sa akin, I was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago, so until now i still have blood cancer. And in that moment two years ago inisip ko, you know what, life is so short it demands na we need to do something meaningful to our life hindi lang para sa sarili.
Promo of one billion rising, strike, dance, rise. A streetdance on feb 14 2013 to stop violence against women.
Two years ago, may isang pangyayari sa akin, I was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago, so until now i still have blood cancer. And in that moment two years ago inisip ko, you know what, life is so short it demands na we need to do something meaningful to our life hindi lang para sa sarili.
All the doubts and fear you have anything not just about
my sexuality but even about my advocacies about my life choices parang it all
became very clear parang ganun pala yun, when you face mortality or life and
death experiences parang you get clarity.
So to me it’s very important to break those silences and stigma
because people need to love with freedom, dignity and respect.
Tungkol sa
sexuality mo, never mo inamin.
You know I never said it kasi I always think naku that’s
going to be the issue even now ha, Promise me na one billion rising ito ha
hahaha
To me naman, I never wanted to divert the issue from my theatre advocacy.Iv’e always been out in my theatre work. And at the back of my head I used to think also hello lahat naman ng tao alam na, hello ako nagproduce ng Angels in America, kung ano anong shows na homosexuality in a time na nobody was producing it.
Ang assumption ko lahat naman ng tao alam na eh so bakit ko pa sasabihin? Until one day I realized the young ones, they’re searching for mentors, guidance, they’re searching for like positive role models who they can look at and say you know what I can be like that. I don’t have to hide who I am and fight for who I am because there are other people who paved the way for me.
I’ve been in a relationship for 14 years. Taga dito siya pero didn’t grow up here. Pinoy. In London we have a civil partnership na kasi London recognizes it so it’s no big deal there. In fact all the rights are accorded to us na.
Kinasal na kayo?
Hindi naman, pero the visa situation is attached. Parang domestic partners. Kasi UK is very liberal. So to me it’s accepted. Especially in theatre, my gosh, it’s no big deal.
Maraming matutuwang mga lgbt group.
In fact sa gay pride I’ll be giving a speech there and in fact hindi nga ako makaka-march kasi meron akong dalawang show na King and I. Pero ang promise ko after my King and I performance I will run to give a speech.
There are so many discriminatory things that go against us, that we are still fighting for, basic civil rights.
When did you know that you’re gay?
My gosh, maybe when I was 18, 19. (Miss Saigon days) yah actually.
Anong reaction ng people sa paligid mo?
Wala lang. Kasi you know I grew up in repertoire eh halos lahat naman ng tao sa theatre is such an open culture so to me it was not a big deal and my family is also supportive.
Actually sa totoo lang it’s so not a big deal to my family and friends that we never even talk about it. Hahaha.
To them, as long as you’re happy, that’s the most important thing. And also I think yung fear naman palagi ng parents, oh they won’t have children, ay if you’re gay you can’t have children but actually you can. You can adopt. To my family it wasn’t really a big deal.
That’s what made me feel even grateful, kasi my family was so supportive. We never even talked about it. There are so many others, gunigulpi sila ng parents.
So everyday my gratitude has been deepening. I’ve been so lucky in my life, even with my illness , even in London with all the medications, it's free. I’ve been lucky with my career to have gotten in Miss Saigon.
I’m 42 na now. It’s really time to give back, and we shouldn’t give back when were in our 70s, so kelangan it has to be now.
Alam din ni Lea Salonga?
Alam na niya from Miss Saigon days pa. Alam mo sa teatro, hindi namin pinaguusapan kasi siyempre you just socialize with each other, spend Christmases together, visit each other’s house. And mababait din kasi theatre friends ko eh, na siyempre they’re not naman gonna tell other people unless you want to say it yourself. It’s not a big deal talaga.
How did you introduce your partner to Lea
I just say this is my partner, ganun lang. It’s so simple and straight forward.
Anong feeling now you’ve come out in front of the camera?
I’m really happy. I just hope that it will not eclipse the one with the rising campaign promise because syempre that advocacy is so important to me but on that aspect I’m very happy.
I never lied, alam n’yo naman yun. I never denied it except that naku baka yun ng yun ang pagusapan hindi yung work.
The media, grabe ang Philippine media, saludo ako sa inyo. You just gave me so much respect that I now have to return it also to you and come out and thank you also for allowing me all the time and space to figure out who I am and also to keep doing my work without any obstructions.
Kamusta ang sakit mo?
I’m managing kasi what I have is a type of blood cancer that’s chronic so you have it for all your life. So I take a chemo tablets each day. So wala pa syang cure, but if you manage it, you can extend your life or prolong it. Pero I have a lot of side effects.
It’s part of my gratitude. Hindi ko na iko-complain pa yan ‘cause to me I’m so lucky to be alive, to be well, to be on medication.
I got stronger nga when I got cancer kasi ang feeling ko why waste my life? I’m so lucky to be given this chance and also to be diagnosed of it early.
Message to Miss Saigon hopefuls
My message to them, you just have to work hard talaga. If you remember nakuha namin yung Miss Saigon pero 10 years kaming nasa Repertory Philippines group, so ilan taon din kaming naghone ng aming talents and skills.
So I’ll tell all aspiring Miss Saigons, magtrain kayo, mag-singing lessons kayo, acting workshops. Kasi hindi biro ang Miss Saigon na show. It’s very demanding, requires a lot of your stamina and discipline. Tough life. Siguro hindi naman sya glamorous. Tough life siya, nakakapagod siya.
But more than that, you should really love your craft and love the industry you’re coming from. Kasi yun din ang awakening ng Miss Saigon eh. Kailangan kong maibalik sa Philippines ang natutunan ko dun.
I’ve been so lucky to work with the best of theatre people, so ang feeling ko I have to bring it back to the Philippines. So I hope that all who will be chosen in Miss Saigon will also not forget the Philippine theatre. Where they come from and come back and share what they learn there.
here's a long online article about Monique's coming out which you can also read.
7.20.2012
Celebrities who came OUT so far in 2012
i would like to start this list with the most important person for me, the charming and admirable, Matt Bomer, aka, Neal Caffrey of White Collar. I have glimpsed of him in Chuck, then White Collar. I was heavily attracted to him that is confusing for someone who's into womyn. This February, the stars have aligned and am confused no more. My beloved Matt came out gay. He did this in a romantic fashion by thanking the love of his life and their kids. See the clip below. Of course! i can only heavily desire a man who is gay! whew! am i glad. :) and i know i am not the only lesbian enamored with him. he is yummy, good, and smart. did i mention he graduated at Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Fina Arts degree? yes, he is soo unbelievably delicious you'd think he's bad for you and make you fat. Gush. i love Neal Caffrey, but now i love Matt Bomer more. :)
Matt Bomer, 2012
The 34-year-old "White Collar" hunk thanked his partner Simon Halls and his three children during Saturday's Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, where he received the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," he told the crowd.
"Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."
Anderson Cooper, 2012
Long rumored to be gay, CNN news anchor and talk show host Anderson Cooper came out in July of 2012 via an email to the 'Daily Beast''s Andrew Sullivan.
Cooper wrote in part:
"The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud..."
Jim Parsons, 2012
New York Times scribe Patrick Healy confirmed "The Big Bang Theory" star's sexuality as part of a profile.
The revelation came late in the article, when Healy describes the 39-year-old actor's role in the 2011 revival of Larry Kramer's HIV/AIDS crisis drama, "The Normal Heart."
Wrote Healy: '"The Normal Heart" resonated with him on a few levels: Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and working with an ensemble again onstage was like nourishment, he said."
Though the Times didn't identify Parsons' partner, he has been romantically liked with art director Todd Spiewak (pictured).
Anne Burrell, 2012
"Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" host Anne Burrell confirmed she's a lesbian and in a committed relationship with a woman, just days after just days after "Chopped" host Ted Allen made a reference to her sexuality in a radio interview.
"Anne doesn't feel she was outed," Burrell's rep told Page Six. "She has made no secret of her relationship."
The rep went on to note, "Her significant other is a very private woman. They have been together for a couple of years and spend a lot of time together."
Gillian Anderson, 2012
The "X-Files" actress revealed she's had numerous relationships with women in a 2012 interview with Out magazine.
The 43-year-old mother of three, who's long enjoyed a sizable lesbian fanbase, told Out that she first had a relationship with a woman while still in high school, after moving from her native England to suburban Michigan.
"If I had thought I was 100 percent gay, would it have been a different experience for me?" Anderson, who was voted "Most Bizarre" and "Most Likely to Be Arrested" in high school, ponders. "Would it have been a bigger deal if shame had been attached to it and all those things that become huge life-altering issues for youngsters in that situation? It's possible that my attitude around it came, on some level, from knowing that I still liked boys."
Matt Bomer, 2012
The 34-year-old "White Collar" hunk thanked his partner Simon Halls and his three children during Saturday's Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, where he received the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," he told the crowd.
"Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."
watch 1:45 onwards :)
Anderson Cooper, 2012
Long rumored to be gay, CNN news anchor and talk show host Anderson Cooper came out in July of 2012 via an email to the 'Daily Beast''s Andrew Sullivan.
Cooper wrote in part:
"The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud..."
New York Times scribe Patrick Healy confirmed "The Big Bang Theory" star's sexuality as part of a profile.
The revelation came late in the article, when Healy describes the 39-year-old actor's role in the 2011 revival of Larry Kramer's HIV/AIDS crisis drama, "The Normal Heart."
Wrote Healy: '"The Normal Heart" resonated with him on a few levels: Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and working with an ensemble again onstage was like nourishment, he said."
Though the Times didn't identify Parsons' partner, he has been romantically liked with art director Todd Spiewak (pictured).
"Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" host Anne Burrell confirmed she's a lesbian and in a committed relationship with a woman, just days after just days after "Chopped" host Ted Allen made a reference to her sexuality in a radio interview.
"Anne doesn't feel she was outed," Burrell's rep told Page Six. "She has made no secret of her relationship."
The rep went on to note, "Her significant other is a very private woman. They have been together for a couple of years and spend a lot of time together."
The "X-Files" actress revealed she's had numerous relationships with women in a 2012 interview with Out magazine.
The 43-year-old mother of three, who's long enjoyed a sizable lesbian fanbase, told Out that she first had a relationship with a woman while still in high school, after moving from her native England to suburban Michigan.
"If I had thought I was 100 percent gay, would it have been a different experience for me?" Anderson, who was voted "Most Bizarre" and "Most Likely to Be Arrested" in high school, ponders. "Would it have been a bigger deal if shame had been attached to it and all those things that become huge life-altering issues for youngsters in that situation? It's possible that my attitude around it came, on some level, from knowing that I still liked boys."
7.11.2012
The Queer Guide to Surviving
a few minutes of net access
The Queer Guide to Surviving Middle and High School
I grew up in the middle-of-nowhere outskirts of Cincinnati, OH. This combined Ohio's love of xenophobia, racism and rivers catching on fire with the vernacular and dental work of Indiana and Kentucky. Don't get me wrong. I've got mad love for my hometown and get a little misty-eyed when anyone mentions Skyline or 98 Degrees, but it was also a terrible place to grow up sometimes, especially for an awkward-looking queer kid who was really into Agatha Christie and Drew Barrymore. I didn't really have the luxury of hiding my sexuality, because my giant lisp kind of spread the word for me, and I learned a lot from being the only Super Out guy around. Thus, if you plan on packing your Britney or Tegan and Sara CDs with you to school, this is how to deal.
1. Immerse Yourself in Your Interests and Study Your A** Off
1. Immerse Yourself in Your Interests and Study Your A** Off
When I was 12, I couldn't really talk to other people at school without it ending in being mocked or having my backpack thrown in the garbage. I had one real friend -- who did the morning announcements -- and Beanie Babies to stand in for the rest of a friend group. Sometimes, I found fleeting friendships with people, and I made up for a lack of community by finding that in books and movies, learning to inhabit other worlds where I could experience what love was like. And when I got to high school, I read almost every book our teacher recommended; I was that kid who asked for more homework.
I wasn't so into math at the time, but I got obsessed with what I was interested in, and it paid off come college application time. It also helped that I enrolled in almost every school organization I could, which meant that I didn't have to have that many friends and could cherish the few real friends I did have. Who even had the time to be popular?
**i totally agree with this. i think people will find it hard to mock /discriminate an A student or a high performer professional. **
2. Work on Your Coping Mechanisms
Queer kid, ice cream and reruns of Gilmore Girls are about to become your best friend for six years. When life, school and everything gets you down, you need to find those special places you can go to, those things that always make you feel good no matter what. Although other people can be great and helpful, learn to rely on yourself for your own happiness now.
**even on the straight world, disappointment, failed expectations are common so learning the best way to cope for you will breeze you through tough times**
3. Find Supportive Friend Groups
If you live in a Queer Narnia -- like that boarding school in Glee -- where everyone loves you, awesome! Be thankful for how lucky you are, because middle-school me would totally hate your guts.
For everyone else, don't make the mistake I did: Don't try too hard to be liked by everyone. If you are queer or read as queer, not everyone in your school is going to be cool with it, and even if you don't like that, respect their space. It's actually good life training, because out in the real world, not everyone is going to be totally cool with your identity. (Hi, Dad!) You'll want to learn how to start handling that now.
Everyone in existence might not accept you, but you can always fit right in with the Band Kids, the Drama Kids, the Art Nerds, AP English Geeks, the Academic Team or, if you're me, the Intellectual Metal Heads. (Not only are the latter supportive but also they usually have the best parties and -- because of that -- are surprisingly well-connected at school.) All of these groups of people end up becoming the cool kids when you get out of high school anyway, and so it's best to get in with them now.
On that note, if there's no one accepting at school, find the closest hippie-friendly coffeehouse and hang out there as much as possible. You'll meet cool people older than yourself, and if you live close to a university, you'll get the hook-up on college parties. This is the best thing that will ever happen to you.
**support groups can be outside work, school, family. my lgbt support group are the people i met here and from a forum before. **
4. Develop Online Networks
Because I came of queer in the early aughts, we had this thing called AOL, and their M4M chat rooms were helpful for me in coming to terms with myself. I was able to talk to a lot of older guys who weren't looking for sex but looking for what I craved: connection. The Internet isn't just about porn anymore, and talking to people you only know online is a really low-stakes way to open up about what you are going through, as long as you are careful. Don't be me and try to move to the middle of Texas just because a cute guy says "hey, a/s/l?" and you are 14 and have never gotten attention before. Do not respond "13/m/your future."
I came out to my first person on the internet, had my first sexual experience on the Internet (which kind of counts) and made some of my best friends through Xanga. In fact, some of the people I met on the Internet meant more to me than the people I knew in real life. (I still talk to a few of them today.)
**lgbt social network can be a good source of virtual support group too :)**
5. Talk to a Therapist or Counselor
Even if your family is supportive about what you are going through, you can't talk to them about everything, especially if those things are sex things. If they aren't supportive, it's important to talk to someone whose job it is to be supportive and help you through this time. Having someone to confide in is so important, and a therapist, counselor, mentor or other sage individual can help you not only open up about what your dealing with but also equip you with some of the language to verbalize it.
**i didnt know any lgbts when i started so twas really challenging and i felt lost. but now that i know more, i can share and help others in need. just holler! :) **
6. Learn How to Protect Yourself
6. Learn How to Protect Yourself
For some, taking community classes in taekwondo or karate could be a useful way to vent your anger and frustrations and a means to even channel it into something healthy. The goal of these traditions to learn how to protect yourself without harming another person, which will be helpful for you. Learn how to stand up to bullies, but don't become one yourself.
However, for the pacifists in the audience, you can also defend yourself by just trying to avoid bad situations. Stay out of danger as best as possible -- because, for some, it's the difference between life and death. Don't antagonize people who look like they watch a lot of Wrestlemania, and it's just best not to antagonize people ever. Getting picked on sucks sometimes and retaliating might feel nice in the short run, but nothing sucks worse than not taking the high road and getting jumped in the parking lot.
Also, it's good to have friends who have your back, especially if those friends are on the football team. In my case, I was friends with our school's gossip queen -- who had dirt on everyone, even some of the teachers. (My nickname in high school was, I'm not kidding, Gretchen Weiners.) I couldn't throw a punch to save my life, but I could absolutely destroy you by letting everyone in school know about that time you masturbated during Biology class. Fear is a very powerful weapon.
7. Stay True to Yourself
This doesn't mean you have to be out, because that's not an option for everyone. However, don't be like the token gay character in Easy A and go down the beard route, which is just painful for everyone. If you are gay, don't make up a Canadian girlfriend, because that's been done. If you are a lesbian, don't go steady with any of the drama guys, even if they are good kissers.
For those who do go down the beard route, pick someone you really like. I once had a beard in Middle School whose only interest was the music of Da Brat and making fun of my "fancy" hobbies. Try to pick a best friend or someone who gets you, someone you can sit at home with on a Friday night and watch Mean Girls.
Also, while you are secretly making out with girls under the bleachers, figure out how to express yourself in ways socially acceptable at your school. Channel your queerness into punk music and pink hair dye. Join a band and drum your rage away. Become a gaymer. Start your own zine or art project. Embrace your future power queer and run for student body president. High school may be all about blending in, but that doesn't mean you have to hide what makes you special.
8. Make an Impact
8. Make an Impact
If being out and proud is an option at your school, don't wait for it to get better later, when you move to a big city and get out of dodge. See what you can do to make your town a better environment for other LGBT and marginalized people, especially the ones who don't have the option to leave. If you can start a GSA without getting beat up for it, do so. While you're at it, be a mentor to other kids you know who aren't out or come from bad family environments. Try to make your culture more accepting and safer than the one you inherited. Because it's not just important that you survive, it's important to help others to survive, too.
Follow Nico Lang on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nico_Lang
7.03.2012
thankful and hopeful
whenever i learn of new people coming out or LGBT folks making it big or doing something really cool/great, i get energized. it gives me comfort. makes me cry. gives me hope. makes me proud. :)
no matter how far away these wonderful LGBT-related news are, they still feel close to my heart. it's like their reality can soon be a reality in my own backward world. like me saying, look people. look at how advance countries practice/define equality. how can all these countries, states, good, respectable, credible people be wrong and bad???
it's a global, networked, connected world now. i am thankful to be living in this age where distance no longer matters that much and communication happens instantaneously, in multiple instances and channels (and am not referring to tv :D). the only barrier left really is in ignorance.
maybe in time people here will understand. they will later on catch up. it sure does feel like snail-crawling pace! but the same way many people are now into twitter, fb, instagram, in emails, apple products, android, wider acceptance, real equality will soon be common and basic.
while many out and prominent lgbts are overseas, i feel strong affinity with them. as i don't see them as citizens of other countries, but more like my sisters/brothers in this tight-knit lgbt community. which makes bullied gay kids' anguish my pain, ellen degeneres' success my hope and Anderson Cooper's strength my strength. his pride, my pride. he is after all my newest great big gay brother. and i love him =) *hugs*
no matter how far away these wonderful LGBT-related news are, they still feel close to my heart. it's like their reality can soon be a reality in my own backward world. like me saying, look people. look at how advance countries practice/define equality. how can all these countries, states, good, respectable, credible people be wrong and bad???
it's a global, networked, connected world now. i am thankful to be living in this age where distance no longer matters that much and communication happens instantaneously, in multiple instances and channels (and am not referring to tv :D). the only barrier left really is in ignorance.
maybe in time people here will understand. they will later on catch up. it sure does feel like snail-crawling pace! but the same way many people are now into twitter, fb, instagram, in emails, apple products, android, wider acceptance, real equality will soon be common and basic.
while many out and prominent lgbts are overseas, i feel strong affinity with them. as i don't see them as citizens of other countries, but more like my sisters/brothers in this tight-knit lgbt community. which makes bullied gay kids' anguish my pain, ellen degeneres' success my hope and Anderson Cooper's strength my strength. his pride, my pride. he is after all my newest great big gay brother. and i love him =) *hugs*
6.08.2012
book launch by a gay man author
an lgbt book! yey! :) friends, sisters, everyone. let us support the book launch of "Of God and Men, a life in the closet" by Raymond Alikpala. His blog is in here. jim paredes said he has personally read it and recommends it. book is less than P500. there aren't a lot of lgbt literature in the philippines by filipinos. so let's show some love to our lgbt community. =) i will definitely buy this book! :) and also buy some to give to friends to help educate people about us. will post some more once i've read the book. see you at the launch! :)
from the author:
from the author:
I believe that people’s prejudices against gay men and women stem largely from their ignorance about our real day-to-day lives. If we can bring our hidden lives out of the closet and into the light, people will realize that we are not much different from everyone else, and that we deserve the same rights and treatment as everyone else. Change has come in many parts of the Western world, and I hope to do my part to foster change in the country of my birth.
“If you build it, he will come.”
6.06.2012
Another Coming Out
everybody's coming out these days, even a car joined the bandwagon! this ad is funny and witty and very relevant.
It looks like the Chevrolet Volt has officially "come out" -- and just in time for Motor City Pride.
At least that's the gist of a new advertisement for the eco-friendly car that appeared in Between the Lines, a Detroit-based newspaper that targets the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
The tongue-in-cheek new ad depicts the silver Chevy Volt as "coming out" to his older-model "parents," along with the text: "Volt runs on an electric battery and a gas generator. So, whatever revs your engine, we support you 100 percent. Happy Motor City Pride from the entire Chevrolet family.”
Detroit's Pride celebration took place last weekend after the ad appeared.
Targeting that community with the humorous Volt ad is being hailed as a particularly strategic move for the car manufacturer. Noting that LGBT shoppers tend to be "significantly more eco-friendly than the rest of the population," The Car Connection believes it's smart for Chevy to promote the hybrid electric vehicle to "a predominately sympathetic audience."
"Chevrolet has managed to find an interesting parallel between one of its "outsider" products and a population that, in some ways, still resides on the margins of society," the report states. "That's not just clever, but it makes for good advertising."
news source here.
Chevrolet Volt 'Comes Out' In New Ad
For Detroit's Motor City Gay Pride Celebration
It looks like the Chevrolet Volt has officially "come out" -- and just in time for Motor City Pride.
At least that's the gist of a new advertisement for the eco-friendly car that appeared in Between the Lines, a Detroit-based newspaper that targets the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
The tongue-in-cheek new ad depicts the silver Chevy Volt as "coming out" to his older-model "parents," along with the text: "Volt runs on an electric battery and a gas generator. So, whatever revs your engine, we support you 100 percent. Happy Motor City Pride from the entire Chevrolet family.”
Detroit's Pride celebration took place last weekend after the ad appeared.
Targeting that community with the humorous Volt ad is being hailed as a particularly strategic move for the car manufacturer. Noting that LGBT shoppers tend to be "significantly more eco-friendly than the rest of the population," The Car Connection believes it's smart for Chevy to promote the hybrid electric vehicle to "a predominately sympathetic audience."
"Chevrolet has managed to find an interesting parallel between one of its "outsider" products and a population that, in some ways, still resides on the margins of society," the report states. "That's not just clever, but it makes for good advertising."
news source here.
6.04.2012
closet heterosexual?
ok, it seems our DSL/LAN card at home won't get fixed anytime sooner. it's been two weeks. and my planned posts are piling up and getting outdated everyday. so might as well forego lunch and blog in the ofc while firewall's up.
here goes. tambak labada #1.
-------------
When big LGBT news happens over a holiday weekend, we want to make sure you don't miss it — even if the news is worth missing.
That brings us to Australian basketball player Melissa Marsh, captain of the West Coast Waves (Tully Bevilaqua's team).
Marsh wrote a column for PerthNow, website of The Sunday Times, to make a huge announcement about her sexual orientation: She's not gay.
"Hi, my name is Melissa Marsh," she wrote. "I am 27 and I'm an elite female athlete. And, no, I'm not a lesbian."
Lest you think she is homophobic, she clearly states her reason for making this fascinating news public.
It is a sad reality that for some people, the first thing that pops into their head about female athletes is their sexual orientation.
Oh my. That is sad.
While Marsh acknowledges that yes, some sports pros are gay, "very few athletes come out, and the media tends to shy away from reporting innuendo and rumors."
Of course they do. No innuendo and rumors about who's LGBT. Ever.
And, believe it or not, Marsh has actually "played with or against" gay/bisexual women. In 11 years as a pro baller, Marsh estimates that she has "played with 15 teammates who would identify as gay, and 20 who were bisexual or experimented with their sexuality at some point."
Marsh did not give the details of her research.
Honestly, the column is so elegantly written and inspiring that I am tempted to quote every sentence. I encourage you to read it and share your feelings with her. Marsh obviously is heartsick, feeling the "sheer disappointment of people's perception of the female athlete." Think about it. The many hours of "pain, sweat, blood and tears" required for athletes to be in top form only lead to despair.
When a female athlete is at their best physically, they can often be labelled 'too muscly' or 'butch' looking but in fact they are doing everything in their power to be the best athlete they can to ensure that they perform at their best in their sport.
I hear ya', girl. No wonder you're sad. All that training — and people think you're a lesbian or bisexual or someone who experimented with sexuality at some point. We understand your firm stance against being objectified.
We're also happy to report that Marsh starts a regular Sunday column for PerthNow this week. I'm sure she'd love to hear your ideas for topics; perhaps next week will be "I have light hair, but I am not actually blonde."
Meanwhile, let us know how Melissa's thoughtful column affected you.
source here
----------------
something new yeah? someone felt compelled to come out as straight. :) who would have thought you could do that. hehe. that was original i admit. and i must also admit i am one of those who kinda stereotype muscular looking female athletes as lgbt candidates. it's largelt just my wishful thinking. but she is right. one closet heterosexual out in the open. cheers to you! :)
here goes. tambak labada #1.
-------------
Australian pro baller Melissa Marsh
comes out as straight
When big LGBT news happens over a holiday weekend, we want to make sure you don't miss it — even if the news is worth missing.
That brings us to Australian basketball player Melissa Marsh, captain of the West Coast Waves (Tully Bevilaqua's team).
Marsh wrote a column for PerthNow, website of The Sunday Times, to make a huge announcement about her sexual orientation: She's not gay.
"Hi, my name is Melissa Marsh," she wrote. "I am 27 and I'm an elite female athlete. And, no, I'm not a lesbian."
Lest you think she is homophobic, she clearly states her reason for making this fascinating news public.
It is a sad reality that for some people, the first thing that pops into their head about female athletes is their sexual orientation.
Oh my. That is sad.
While Marsh acknowledges that yes, some sports pros are gay, "very few athletes come out, and the media tends to shy away from reporting innuendo and rumors."
Of course they do. No innuendo and rumors about who's LGBT. Ever.
And, believe it or not, Marsh has actually "played with or against" gay/bisexual women. In 11 years as a pro baller, Marsh estimates that she has "played with 15 teammates who would identify as gay, and 20 who were bisexual or experimented with their sexuality at some point."
Marsh did not give the details of her research.
Honestly, the column is so elegantly written and inspiring that I am tempted to quote every sentence. I encourage you to read it and share your feelings with her. Marsh obviously is heartsick, feeling the "sheer disappointment of people's perception of the female athlete." Think about it. The many hours of "pain, sweat, blood and tears" required for athletes to be in top form only lead to despair.
When a female athlete is at their best physically, they can often be labelled 'too muscly' or 'butch' looking but in fact they are doing everything in their power to be the best athlete they can to ensure that they perform at their best in their sport.
I hear ya', girl. No wonder you're sad. All that training — and people think you're a lesbian or bisexual or someone who experimented with sexuality at some point. We understand your firm stance against being objectified.
We're also happy to report that Marsh starts a regular Sunday column for PerthNow this week. I'm sure she'd love to hear your ideas for topics; perhaps next week will be "I have light hair, but I am not actually blonde."
Meanwhile, let us know how Melissa's thoughtful column affected you.
source here
----------------
something new yeah? someone felt compelled to come out as straight. :) who would have thought you could do that. hehe. that was original i admit. and i must also admit i am one of those who kinda stereotype muscular looking female athletes as lgbt candidates. it's largelt just my wishful thinking. but she is right. one closet heterosexual out in the open. cheers to you! :)
5.10.2012
from Tom Gabel to Laura Jane Grace
let's welcome the newest celebrity transgender to come out, Tom Gabel, now Laura Jane Grace. *group hug* =)
Tom Gabel, the lead singer of punk rock band Against Me!, in an interview with Rolling Stone, says he's becoming a woman.
The 31-year-old further tells Rolling Stone that as a kid he felt disconnected from his body and has a condition called gender dysphoria (unhappiness with one's biological sex or its usual gender role, with the desire for the body and role of the opposite sex). He plans to begin the complex transition process from the male to female gender. Will take hormones and undergo electrolysis. He also is considering gender reassignment surgery.
Says Gabel: "Growing up, my experience with transsexualism was nothing but shame."
Gabel says his new name will be Laura Jane Grace. He says he's not attracted to men and will still be married to his wife. They have a 2-year-old daughter.
The hardest part for anyone revealing a major, life-changing ‘secret’ is the reaction of their loved ones, but fortunately for Laura, her wife Heather is an understanding pillar of support.
Like many questioning their sexual identities, Laura has dealt with body dysmorphic order for years, and any Against Me! super fan will know that she immortalized her struggle in the 2007 song The Ocean.
The troubadour sings:
"If I could have chosen, I would have been born a woman / My mother once told me she would have named me Laura / I would grow up to be strong and beautiful like her."
Per PerezHilton.com, "Our heart has SWELLED at this news! It’s wonderful when a person can finally feel comfortable in his/her own skin.
We only hope the transformation will go smoothly and the journey will be chock-filled with love and positivity!"
Against Me! is best known for the song "Thrash Unreal." The group will hit the road for its tour with The Cult later this month.
..
sources here:
perezhilton
yahoo news
huffington post
Tom Gabel, the lead singer of punk rock band Against Me!, in an interview with Rolling Stone, says he's becoming a woman.
The 31-year-old further tells Rolling Stone that as a kid he felt disconnected from his body and has a condition called gender dysphoria (unhappiness with one's biological sex or its usual gender role, with the desire for the body and role of the opposite sex). He plans to begin the complex transition process from the male to female gender. Will take hormones and undergo electrolysis. He also is considering gender reassignment surgery.
Says Gabel: "Growing up, my experience with transsexualism was nothing but shame."
Gabel says his new name will be Laura Jane Grace. He says he's not attracted to men and will still be married to his wife. They have a 2-year-old daughter.
The hardest part for anyone revealing a major, life-changing ‘secret’ is the reaction of their loved ones, but fortunately for Laura, her wife Heather is an understanding pillar of support.
Like many questioning their sexual identities, Laura has dealt with body dysmorphic order for years, and any Against Me! super fan will know that she immortalized her struggle in the 2007 song The Ocean.
The troubadour sings:
"If I could have chosen, I would have been born a woman / My mother once told me she would have named me Laura / I would grow up to be strong and beautiful like her."
Per PerezHilton.com, "Our heart has SWELLED at this news! It’s wonderful when a person can finally feel comfortable in his/her own skin.
We only hope the transformation will go smoothly and the journey will be chock-filled with love and positivity!"
Against Me! is best known for the song "Thrash Unreal." The group will hit the road for its tour with The Cult later this month.
the look of a happy wo/man :)
..
sources here:
perezhilton
yahoo news
huffington post
1.21.2012
my coming out story
in my Diaspora post last year, i shared that my family's shrinking. not because we have midget genes, *ehem, 5'6 ang bunso namin* but because my sisters are leaving.
last dec.28, my sister from US arrived with her fil-am kids. i was meaning to come out to her first because first, her American sister-in-law is a lesbian lawyer with a partner of, gasp! 20yrs!. second, she's the most liberated among us. i think she's seen it all but my being gay. and third, two years ago, in her high school reunion, we learned with shock from her fb pix that she mostly had butch friends then. when we asked her of it, she simply said, "e medyo totomboy tomboy ako nung high school." mygawd! and we didnt have the tiniest clue of her dark past. haha. i guess gay secrets run in our blood too. i then planned to come out next to my sister who's going to migrate to Italy in the summer.
attempt #1
we were slouching on my bed, talking about various stuff while waiting for a sister to finish in the cr. since she's into lace and sexy stuff, i decided to give her the hides-nothing lingerie given to me by a friend from this blog. i would have kept it had it not been one size bigger. anyhoo, i started,
fw: this lingerie, it's a gift to me by a fan.
US sis: fan?
fw: oo, madami akong fans *not looking at her*
US sis: fan saan?
fw: sa blog.
US sis: give me the link, para may mabasa naman ako.
fw: err, *tension building on my throat* secret sya e.
US sis: *gave me the puzzled look*
fw: basta.
my other sister suddenly opened the door with a bang and announced, "am done, cr is free." US sis quickly stood up and left. and i was left hanging, cussing to myself for being such a coward.
attempt #2
last day of 2011, i asked my US sis and Italy sis to go out malling. i was imagining us three in a resto, the two of them on one side and i opposite them as i do the big reveal over pasta and wine. what happened was, US sis went to the salon to get her hair done, Italy sis to the other end of the mall to find kiddie clothes. and i was left in the middle, my cloud of a plan pffft! i just went shopping for clothes. when both sisters finally finished, i urged them that we eat, even though my tummy's full with tension already.
as we were eating, i kept practicing in my head what i will say -
am glad the three of us are together like this. it's been a while. *getting teary eyed* you two being the eldest of my sisters, i want to tell you something important. you see, *drumroll* i have come to fall for ... women. i did not plan for this. but i realized that i am happiest with women. i hope you don't think differently or lowly of me because i love you both...
with each bite and gulp, i stared at them looking for the perfect timing. they shared stories, kwentos of our childhood, laughter, picture taking here and there. i just laughed and nodded with them, the stories not really sinking in because i have a different story brewing in my mind. i look at them and they were happy, not a clue how uneasy i was in my seat. my nervousness eating away the words i wanted to tell them. i wasn't able to enjoy the food i paid for. i was quiet on our way home. partly mad at myself for another wasted opportunity. why is it so hard?
attempt #3
first week of January, a promo fare to Italy was released. it will save my sister around P70k. the catch is, the flight is Jan. 14!!! it's barely two-weeks preparation for a migration!
Jan.6 i asked US and Italy sisters for us to spa. US sis went to a party with friends. Italy sis was tired. And i am in panic. hay.
Jan. 7, I said to Italy sis that we go ahead with the spa sans US sis. I got home early, went to my room, texted her that she just wake me up once she's ready to spa. I woke up 10ish and went to her, but she's already asleep. :( The next day I asked her what happened. she said she was too tired already. :((
attempt #4
Jan. 8, Italy sis left to go to her home already to start prepping. :( US sis flew to Cebu and will come back Feb already.
outlook is getting bleak. sigh.
Jan. 9-10 i texted Italy sis frequently, almost begging for a spa. she finally agreed! :) She said she has some errands in Manila and we can spa after.
Jan. 11 night, we went to Wensha. did the shower, jacuzzi, sauna, massage and then finally the shabu shabu dinner. i figured we'd be soo relaxed that coming out would just steam off from me like vapor. an hour later, no steam still other than that from the stew. each food i bite felt like a boulder being trapped in my throat. i felt soo heavy and my chest congested. totally not relaxed. dinner ended and still nothing. *frantic*
we took a cab. tension reached my head and it's pulsating, screaming, "JUST LET IT OUT!!!*
dang! no traffic. just when you want to slow down the ride. past the mall, it's just 10min away from our house. my heart felt like it's about to jump out of my chest and just strangle me for my stupidity.
5min away from home, left with no time and choice, i finally faced her.
fw: since aalis na kayo and five years ka pa makakabalik, may gusto sana akong sabihin sa yo.
Italy sis: *looking worried* ano yon?
fw: uhm, *pause* nagkaroon na ko ng relationships sa babae.
*fireworks! it's like new year's eve all over again*
Italy sis: babae?
fw: yes.*long explanation of lack of men to admire beginning with my father, relatives, the ex-bfs*
Italy sis: tama ka dyan.
..
..
..
*walking to our house *
Italy sis: hindi ka na ba magkakagusto sa lalake?
fw: i dunno. i fall for the person, not the gender. i am not closing my doors, but it is something i don't see or feel now.
last dec.28, my sister from US arrived with her fil-am kids. i was meaning to come out to her first because first, her American sister-in-law is a lesbian lawyer with a partner of, gasp! 20yrs!. second, she's the most liberated among us. i think she's seen it all but my being gay. and third, two years ago, in her high school reunion, we learned with shock from her fb pix that she mostly had butch friends then. when we asked her of it, she simply said, "e medyo totomboy tomboy ako nung high school." mygawd! and we didnt have the tiniest clue of her dark past. haha. i guess gay secrets run in our blood too. i then planned to come out next to my sister who's going to migrate to Italy in the summer.
attempt #1
we were slouching on my bed, talking about various stuff while waiting for a sister to finish in the cr. since she's into lace and sexy stuff, i decided to give her the hides-nothing lingerie given to me by a friend from this blog. i would have kept it had it not been one size bigger. anyhoo, i started,
fw: this lingerie, it's a gift to me by a fan.
US sis: fan?
fw: oo, madami akong fans *not looking at her*
US sis: fan saan?
fw: sa blog.
US sis: give me the link, para may mabasa naman ako.
fw: err, *tension building on my throat* secret sya e.
US sis: *gave me the puzzled look*
fw: basta.
my other sister suddenly opened the door with a bang and announced, "am done, cr is free." US sis quickly stood up and left. and i was left hanging, cussing to myself for being such a coward.
attempt #2
last day of 2011, i asked my US sis and Italy sis to go out malling. i was imagining us three in a resto, the two of them on one side and i opposite them as i do the big reveal over pasta and wine. what happened was, US sis went to the salon to get her hair done, Italy sis to the other end of the mall to find kiddie clothes. and i was left in the middle, my cloud of a plan pffft! i just went shopping for clothes. when both sisters finally finished, i urged them that we eat, even though my tummy's full with tension already.
as we were eating, i kept practicing in my head what i will say -
am glad the three of us are together like this. it's been a while. *getting teary eyed* you two being the eldest of my sisters, i want to tell you something important. you see, *drumroll* i have come to fall for ... women. i did not plan for this. but i realized that i am happiest with women. i hope you don't think differently or lowly of me because i love you both...
with each bite and gulp, i stared at them looking for the perfect timing. they shared stories, kwentos of our childhood, laughter, picture taking here and there. i just laughed and nodded with them, the stories not really sinking in because i have a different story brewing in my mind. i look at them and they were happy, not a clue how uneasy i was in my seat. my nervousness eating away the words i wanted to tell them. i wasn't able to enjoy the food i paid for. i was quiet on our way home. partly mad at myself for another wasted opportunity. why is it so hard?
attempt #3
first week of January, a promo fare to Italy was released. it will save my sister around P70k. the catch is, the flight is Jan. 14!!! it's barely two-weeks preparation for a migration!
Jan.6 i asked US and Italy sisters for us to spa. US sis went to a party with friends. Italy sis was tired. And i am in panic. hay.
Jan. 7, I said to Italy sis that we go ahead with the spa sans US sis. I got home early, went to my room, texted her that she just wake me up once she's ready to spa. I woke up 10ish and went to her, but she's already asleep. :( The next day I asked her what happened. she said she was too tired already. :((
attempt #4
Jan. 8, Italy sis left to go to her home already to start prepping. :( US sis flew to Cebu and will come back Feb already.
outlook is getting bleak. sigh.
Jan. 9-10 i texted Italy sis frequently, almost begging for a spa. she finally agreed! :) She said she has some errands in Manila and we can spa after.
Jan. 11 night, we went to Wensha. did the shower, jacuzzi, sauna, massage and then finally the shabu shabu dinner. i figured we'd be soo relaxed that coming out would just steam off from me like vapor. an hour later, no steam still other than that from the stew. each food i bite felt like a boulder being trapped in my throat. i felt soo heavy and my chest congested. totally not relaxed. dinner ended and still nothing. *frantic*
we took a cab. tension reached my head and it's pulsating, screaming, "JUST LET IT OUT!!!*
dang! no traffic. just when you want to slow down the ride. past the mall, it's just 10min away from our house. my heart felt like it's about to jump out of my chest and just strangle me for my stupidity.
5min away from home, left with no time and choice, i finally faced her.
fw: since aalis na kayo and five years ka pa makakabalik, may gusto sana akong sabihin sa yo.
Italy sis: *looking worried* ano yon?
fw: uhm, *pause* nagkaroon na ko ng relationships sa babae.
*fireworks! it's like new year's eve all over again*
Italy sis: babae?
fw: yes.*long explanation of lack of men to admire beginning with my father, relatives, the ex-bfs*
Italy sis: tama ka dyan.
..
..
..
*walking to our house *
Italy sis: hindi ka na ba magkakagusto sa lalake?
fw: i dunno. i fall for the person, not the gender. i am not closing my doors, but it is something i don't see or feel now.
****
at past 12mn on Jan.12, 2012, after several failed attempts, i finally came out to one of my sisters. what joyful and defining moment when she said, "ang mas mahalaga ang happiness mo."1.12.2012
happy moment 2
news flash! i just came out to one of my sisters and it was a success! :) ang saya lang! kumakabog pa rin ang dibdib ko as i type this. hehe. saka na ang full kwento at magtata-talon pa ko sa tuwa! hehehehe.
10.08.2011
9.26.2011
i had a dream and it is round
There's
something about being a minority that makes me want all lgbt peeps to
succeed in their/our respective fields. I want us to be in a position of
power and influence, not to demean anyone, but so that others
won't/can't easily discriminate us.
An Anonymous reader sent this comment about the Crime and Prejudice post.
...
if there's anything that struck me then as profoundly true, it's that
tolerance is a far cry from acceptance. The Philippines may be
progressing in that aspect, but at what rate? :/ There's still a long
way before the majority would ever be purged clean of the cringing and
name-calling and prejudice.
i haven't experienced this so-called acceptance yet, but the way Anonymous painted it makes me want to stretch my arms, catch a falling star, and kiss a dream. i have been so used with wearing my closet shoes and its matching closet dress because it safely but cautiously allowed me to navigate my way, to secretly co-exist in the straight world. it sure does feel like a lifetime ago when i fit like a T in the straight world. until i discovered that the world is not straight, but round! as round as the curve of a woman's hips that bore the generation before us. as round and firm as a woman's buttocks extending to round and strong limbs. twice as round as a woman's pair of nurturing breasts. as round as a woman's face that is second to nature to cup. as round as a woman's personality that rolls with the times and necessity.
the world is round and there's no turning back.
9.10.2011
crime and prejudice
do you think lgbt is already accepted in the philippines?
do you think there's still prejudice against lgbt in the philippines?
do you think there's hate crime in the philippines?
those were the questions posted in the Filipino Free Thinkers meet up end of August which i attended to for the first time.
i think accepted is not the word, but more like tolerated, at least in manila. is tolerance a form of acceptance? maybe. the workforce now welcomes diversity and promotes equal rights. it's becoming common to see cross-dressers and some lgbt couples in public places, doing couple stuff. hehe. for the next question, prejudice. i think there is prejudice, but not to a point that will physically harm any one. there may be snide remarks or hush hush talks behind our back, sometimes, on our face, often in the form of a joke for those who are subtle. there are soo many lgbt jokes that there'd be volumes if we compile them into a book! so is being joked about prejudice? well, are there gender/sexuality-specific jokes about the heteros? thus i feel that it's a form of prejudice.
am thinking that maybe we are so hungry for acceptance that to be talked/ridiculed in the form of jokes is good enough for us. we sort of think that to be ridiculed or be the butt of joke is a form of acceptance because at least we are now being talked about and acknowledged as existing. now the jokes don't seem that funny to me anymore.
there are hate crimes as the data shown to us proves. but these were under the blanket category of crime and not specified as hate crime. and it seems to me that the prejudice and hate are directed towards the extreme types of the lgbt spectrum. like those distinctly/stereotypical lgbt - butch, drags/cross-dressers. because in the haters' mind, those are the only kind of lgbt. maybe this is reason to come out, to make it known that we do look like the straights too, only more fabulous. hehe. that we are in all industries in various positions, even the influential stature too. hello, tim cook! new ceo of apple.
i will post some more about this maybe later. i just want to prelude the event later.
i joined this sub group in Filipino Free Thinkers: THE PHILIPPINE LGBT HATE CRIME WATCH.
It is a diverse, inclusive, and non-partisan community of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending anti-LGBT prejudice and the hate crimes born from it.
There's a meet up later. sorry for the late post.
Saturday, 10 SEPTEMBER 2011, 1PM - TODAY!
at Cafe Mo inside TREEHOUSE in Matalino Street,
Barangay Central, Quezon City
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