LGBTs’ Struggling Pursuit of Happiness

“Happiness is a form of courage.” – Holbrook Jackson

                Each one of us has our own definitions of “happiness”, and such definitions may be according to our own feelings, thoughts, and perhaps, our experiences. Some may find it in others while some may find it within themselves – but either way, all of us would agree that achieving happiness is not an easy chase, especially if you are facing a lot of social inhibitions, discriminations and unjust judgments.  And to be more specific, the LGBT community, though stronger than ever, is struggling in pursuit of their true happiness.

                It has come to our awareness that our friends from the LGBT community (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) are facing a lot of challenges on their day to day living. Stares of malice, ruthless and unending discriminations, being called harsh names – just some of what LGBTs always deal with. And honestly, many of us may consider ourselves quite guilty of these acts of inhumanity.

                Seeing many controversies, on how the LGBTs voice out and fight for their rights and welfare, arise on TV, newspapers, radios and social networks today urged me to vent my feelings out about it as well. It’s not that I’m against nor in support of the LGBTs but, as a concerned fellow having some friends from the LGBT s, I hope I’ll be able to stretch out some points for us to ponder on. One of which is their battle for the same sex marriage. And ever since the issue poured out, it has been the talk-of-the town and has started debates among the society and even the Church.

                And as quoted from Holbrook Jackson, happiness is a form of courage. Today, the LGBTs are in all courage, fighting for their happiness.

                Marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, as simply defined by culture, the Church and the society. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State; as well-identified in the Philippine Constitution of 1987. Marriage is indeed a very sensitive matter for us here in the country. Marriage; highly-anticipated by every couple – and is also highly-desired of by the LGBTs.

                But is it just about the “marriage” or the “ceremony” itself, which the LGBTs are so keen about? Or there is more to that?

                A few weeks ago, I have watched Danton Remoto (the Chairman of the Ang Ladlad political party) on ANC being interviewed by Karen Davila about, obviously, the same sex marriage issue. Before watching that segment, I actually have no stand nor was really interested about the most-talked-about issue during those times. But after hearing Danton Remoto reason out and clarify why the LGBTs ask for the legalization of the same sex marriage, I became more open-minded about it. Some points I have heard him say is that, they are not actually after the ceremony itself because it is clear enough, that the Church would not and would never allow it; but in point of fact, the legal aspect of marriage.

                Sure there are lots of benefits when a couple is legally bonded by marriage; tax benefits, employment benefits, medical benefits, death benefits, housing benefits and estate planning benefits. But, there is this one thing Remoto said that caught my sympathy. Same sex couples think highly of having a family. These couples want to have their very own children to love and to take care of; and this would be possible through adoption. But unfortunately, LGBT adoption (which is the adoption of children by LGBT persons, may be in the form of a joint adoption by same-sex couples, adoption by one partner of a same-sex couple of the other's biological child (step-parent adoption), and adoption by a single LGBT person.) is not yet legal here in the Philippines. Hence, having a complete family or just the thought of having to raise your own children – is what every one of us yearns about, or maybe, plans of achieving throughout our lives.

                Many influential personalities have also given their thoughts and opinions regarding the said issue. Manny Pacquiao and Miriam Quiambao are to name a few. It seemed that the LGBTs’ struggle to have the same-sex marriage be legalized here in the Philippines and/or simply being LGBTs didn’t please these two relatively religious celebrities. Their opinions have largely reflected their religious attributes, thus, the LGBT community wasn’t pleased as well. These have created huge debates in the showbiz, political and sports industries. Even us, students and common people, have been utterly aware of such issues but then again all we can do is give out opinions and judge incessantly. We are not being helpful though - might as well not say anything at all.

                What this vast issue about the LGBT’s fight for their right of marriage is not just something they selfishly desire. But this is one thing that all of us may relate to, as Pinoys who have strong love and passion for our families. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people no matter how we condemn or dislike them, won’t stop them from doing what they want or have to do. If we could just live our lives the same way we could without having to give too much attention to them, then why wouldn’t we do so? Besides, if we were in their shoes would you want someone or maybe the whole world to hinder your pursuit of happiness?