This is part of #KaraniwangLGBTQIA, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBTQIA+ people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called “everyday people” – in this case, the common LGBTQIA+ people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: “All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the ‘big shots’. And it’s high time we start telling all our stories.”
Bryan-Lord Baton, 25, from Barangay Pilar in Las Piñas City, always knew he’s gay. Even before he was born, for instance, the baby stuff prepared for him were for girls, handovers from an older female sibling who, sadly, passed away.
“Since I was a kid, all my stuff were for girls,” he said in Filipinos, “since a girl preceded me.”
The eldest of two living kids, he finished a BS Business Administration (majoring in financial management) degree from Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas. Bryan was lucky because he was embraced by his family.
“Unlike other gay men or those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community who experienced discrimination, harassment or bullying within their own families, me, I am so blessed because my parents, my family are supportive,” he said.
Nonetheless, Bryan still experienced discrimination. And this is, according to him, because LGBTQIA+ people still aren’t fully accepted.
“I experienced physical abuses, though more on emotional abuses,” he said, adding that there were times when people referred to him as a pest, or bad luck, and so on. But for him, “as long as you have a good circle of friends or a supportive family, you can just ignore these bashers.”
Currently working with a telecommunication company, Bryan is in a relationship now. But he thinks finding love is difficult for LGBTQIA+ people due to stigma and discrimination.
“Many people continue to think that a girl is only for a boy,” he said. But “if you have a heart that has good intentions, then you will achieve the love that you deserve.”
As a local LGBTQIA+ community leader, Bryan believes the LGBTQIA+ community needs to give attention to HIV. This is because, he noted, the infection rates have been increasing, including in Las Piñas City. To date, the Department of Health (DOH) documents over 60 new HIV infections every day, mainly among younger men who have sex with men (MSM), including gay and bisexual men.
Bryan believes people should be taught to let LGBTQIA+ people be; let them live their lives.
“Stop the hatred. Stop spreading negativity. You don’t know how that person you’re taunting feels, or what his story is. Let them be. As long as they are not doing anything wrong,” he said.
And for other LGBTQIA+ people, Bryan’s tip is to be strong, though also know that other LGBTQIA+ people will support you.
“You will encounter a lot of trials, many discriminations. But if you have the courage, if you have a strong persona, you’d get through it all. You are not alone. We are here, ready to guide you in your journey,” Bryan ended.
