Running for a seat in the senate this May 2025 elections, Heidi Mendoza – a former commissioner in the Commission of Audit (COA) – packaged herself as pro-LGBTQIA+… until she wasn’t, when she said it’s a “qualified no” for her when it comes to the anti-discrimination bill and marriage equality.
Now… I think what’s often missed and overlooked by supporters of Heidi (including queer people) is that when queer people withdraw their support or express discomfort, is that this decision often doesn’t come from anger or hate. It comes from a place of heartbreak – from a history of being excluded. Lagi na lang na-leleft-out. Palagi na lang second class citizen ang trato.
Hindi naman galit kay Heidi eh, they’re hurt. They believed she would be an ally, someone who not only upholds the rights of all Filipinos, but who includes queer people in her vision of good governance.
That belief came with hope. And when actions or affiliations start to feel unsafe or dismissive of that hope, it’s understandable that some would pull back.
So instead of coercing or gaslighting LGBTQIA+ people (like Sassa Gurl) for choosing to disengage, I hope we can approach this with compassion and accountability. And let’s also remember that supporting good governance doesn’t end with one candidate… there are other senatoriables to consider. Andiyan ang Makabayan.
Choosing differently, or choosing to walk away, doesn’t mean being divisive. It means looking for SAFETY, dignity, and a place where one’s full self is acknowledged and respected. That’s not something we should shame anyone for.
