I missed that Saturday encounter with BB Gandanghari. I was invited in that affair. It was to be an intimate affair, a unique interview with one of Philippine showbiz most colorful personalities.

It was my fault. I was so engrossed with what I’m doing with this Quad Media organization that I totally forgot the invitation of my good friend, Noemi. I would just ask her a transcript of their interviews.

Since my childhood days, I’ve always been with gay friends. I’m not a homosexual. I’m straight. Yet, I find these friends of mine articulate, intelligent and fun to be with. That’s why I have lots of friends from way back who chose to live like that.

When I reached college, I also have many gay friends in the university. They even helped me win council elections, both in my undergraduate and in law school. Until now, they are still communicating with me, albeit, most of them now living abroad.

When the gay rights bill was being debated upon a couple of years ago, I was one of those hundreds of souls who rushed to Congress and defended their rights. I believe in human rights, and every individual deserves respect. More than this though, homosexuals have the right to choose the life they want for themselves.

That’s why when BB GandangHari announced her beautiful transformation, from that Rustom Padilla guy to this lovely lady, I was not surprised. That “movement” of transformation started way back, with that first UP student who went to Bangkok for a sex change. And he’s a dear friend.

Many Filipino homosexuals are asserting themselves against a backdrop of a society still locked in a very traditional and extreme monochromatic gender philosophical worldview. The struggle started a few decades back and it’s blossoming into a new movement, tougher, stronger and more determined to succeed.

BB Gandanghari did’nt go all out. Yet, her courage to face her detractors is inspiring to say the least. Inspite of those damning and hurtful things her family hurled against her, BB Gandanghari symbolized a Cause. And that Cause is very simple—de gustibus non disputandum est (for likes and dislikes, there should be no disputing. Live and let live).

Some homosexual celebrity writers, and even celebrity Ricky Reyes, lambasted BB Gandanghari for what she did. Reyes said that it’s not the way to assert your homosexuality. Maybe Reyes has a point. Or maybe, he’s wrong. What BB Gandanghari symbolizes is again, very simple—the right to live and be respected by others, whatever you think, feel and believe.

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