Gays hit Dionisia over slur, RH bill

MANILA, Philippines – A gay activist group cried foul over the remarks of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, in her spat with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago over the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

The elder Pacquiao, also known as “Mommy D”, reportedly said: "Tingnan mo, mga bakla, kaiinom ng pills, hindi na bagay inumin ng mga bakla kasi lalake sila. Ginagawa sila ng Diyos na lalake. Umiinom talaga sila ng pills para magsilaki ang dede. Bawal 'yan!"

Goya Candelario, spokesperson of the Progressive Organization of Gays (ProGay Philippines), said transgenders took offense at Mommy D’s statement.

Candelario said such remarks help promote homophobia and transphobia.

"With all due respect, we want Mommy Dionisia to know that we are deeply offended and scared that her words can again revive the disease model of homosexuality and transexuality in Philippine society," Candelario said.

The ProGay official said that while it is true many low-income transgenders resort to using contraceptive pills in order to enhance their femininity, the practice should not be considered immoral, illegal or a state of mental disorder.

"Many of us have to take some form of female hormones because our livelihoods in the beauty and tourism industries depend on enhanced feminine features. However, because of expensive hormones that only high-income transgenders can afford, we urban and rural poor gays and transgenders can only access the cheaper birth control pills," Candelario said.

In favor of RH Bill

Candelario said ProGay is also in favor of the RH Bill.

He said low-income Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenders (LGBTs) in Philippines can also benefit from the measure.

Candelario said the passage of the bill can help the transgenders better understand the effects of hormones and other reproductive health technologies.

"That is why we are pleading with Ms. Pacquiao to come out with a better view of transgenders and gays. She should understand our situation in order to see how much we can benefit from the approval of the RH Bill," Candelario said.

According to a survey made by ProGay among transgender groups in the slums of Manila, many transgenders take pills in their early teens in order to work as overseas entertainers.

The group believes that the RH campaign should be extended to the LGBT sector to reduce the health risks of contraceptive pill use.



source: abs-cbn