THE SEX ADVISOR By Eppy Halili Gochangco (The Philippine Star) | Updated March 4, 2014 - 12:00am
I decided to forego the usual question-and-answer format this time as I was invited by Dean Amado Valdez of the College of Law of the University of the East to attend a symposium on same-sex marriage. The title of the symposium was “Same-sex marriage: Is it right?” It was sponsored by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), and the University of the East College of Law and held last Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, at the JBL Reyes Hall of the IBP Bldg., Ortigas Center.
I found this symposium interesting and would like to share the experience with all of you.
Reactors present were from different fields — there were lawyers, religious leaders from different beliefs, and a guidance counselor presenting data from psychological researchers. The way I understood it was that the religious leaders were very much against same-sex marriage. However, some were explaining that the person should not be condemned for being a homosexual. What must be condemned is the act of homosexuality.
One of the participants reacted aggressively to this statement. I was not able to catch the name of this person and his religious affiliation. But he was wearing a pastor’s outfit. He is gay married to a man. He could not understand how people could separate the act of homosexuality from the person who is a homosexual. He believes that the homosexual is one with his actions.
One male member of the audience came forward and introduced himself as a productive citizen, earning for himself. He later admitted that he’s gay and married to a male. Both he and his partner are productive and financially stable. This man added that he had tried marrying a female but had failed. He insisted that there was nothing much he could do but accept that he is gay and that he is meant to love another man. This man became very emotional.
References: Main article: Swardspeak This article may be confusing or unclear to readers. Please help us clarify the article; suggestions may be found on the talk page. (October 2013)