Pride Month concluded yesterday. Historically, the Stonewall Riots that happened in New York City in 1969 was the mother event and reason for this annual celebration. The first Pride Month celebration in the Philippines and the whole of Asia happened in Quezon City on 26 June 1994.

Thirty-two years since Pride Month crept and became an ‘in’ and ‘woke’ thing in Manila and in the consciousness of militant and progressive gay groups, I cannot help but wonder, as I sip my pink lemonade, what positive changes have been achieved and reaped by the entire rainbow community.

Does the general public care for real? And for all the many battlecries, gatherings, meetings, rallies, literature, traditional and new media support, bigotry, hatred and prejudice continue to exist? How come divisiveness, hatred and prejudice, that ugly kind of pride, are not only perceptions but make up a community so easy to corrode and shake?

‘Some Nights I Feel Like Walking’

My birthday is 26 June. I was barely two years old when the Stonewall Riots happened and was in my late 20s when the Pride Month celebration reached our shores.

On my birthday this year, I attended the Philippine premiere of Petersen Vargas’ Some Nights I Feel Like Walking. So many “How?” and “But why?” came to mind. I am not sure if these men who work as flesh peddlers and street hustlers and their clients were the best representations of the modern LGBTQIA+ members.

Nevertheless, what left a truly impressive mark from the Vargas motion picture were the emotional truth and vulnerability that Jomari Angeles, Gold Aceron, Tommy Alejandrino, Argel Saycon and Miguel Odron gave their respective characters. .

These lost and wild boys, the manner these actors gave life and heart to their roles, made me feel that their bond is stronger than love and friendship. They have become family. They march together, come hell or high water, and as they face the devil and the deep blue sea.

In my book, Odron’s actor star rises to stellar heights with his depiction of Zion. With all his angst and ambiguity, he slayed it with grace and subtlety.

Saycon gave buff a more massive meaning, brawny yet all heart. He is more than ready for bida/kontrabida roles.

Angeles deserves this leading man role. His portrayal of Uno is delightful watch.

It was most delightful to finally meet Odron personally. We exchanged direct messages via X (formerly Twitter).

He told me during our short chit-chat after the premiere that the he framed the feature I wrote about him, after his coming out, and it made him feel safe and protected. He said he considered me an ally of his though we did not know each other.

More music that makes the heart bounce and movies that matter is what I wished for Miguel knowing the fact that his songs evokes not only feelings, but the many ups and downs of a young gay man. As an actor, subtlety, sincerity and eyes that speak volumes are his best assets.

Delia D

My dear friend Floyd Tena gave me a ticket to watch the Delia D musical during its encore performance last 28 June.

Directed by Dexter Santos, playwright was Dolly Dulu, musical direction by Vince Lim and produced by Full House Theater Company of New World Resorts. It was, without a doubt, “all that jazz,” “razzle dazzle” and “spectacular, spectacular” — from the costumes, set design, lighting and the A game and emotional truth the cast gave to their respective roles.

Delia D played like one part commentary on the obsession to quick fame and the shenanigans involved in a singing search. Another part was a loud cry of a gay man, who despite of his talent and popularity will forever be looked as a “clown” with no real substance and talent. One part of it showed how success corrupts and that fame, especially the ones manufactured by the gods, are fleeting and shallow. Love is what truly saves the day — love from a friend, partner and family.

Mother Ricky and Mama Renee

Seasoned gay personalities Mother Ricky Reyes and beauty queen maker and fashion designer Mama Renee Salud stirred the hornet’s nest after they expressed dissenting opinions about same sex marriage, the SOGIE BILL and so much more in a YouTube program.

Since it was aired on the Toni Talk YT show. It is now nearing a million views, more than 20K likes. The comments section is filled with hilarious, callous and over-the-top reactions, proving that Reyes and Salud are relevant and indeed icons.

Much of the ire and wrath that the duo received came from their negation to same sex marriage, SOGIE Bill, and their “backward attitude” on the hows, whys and wherefores of a same sex relationship.

Mother Ricky is in a 49-year-old relationship with Cris Aquino. Salud did not reveal the identity of the partner who ghosted.

The last time I checked, we are in a democracy, and that is why Reyes and Salud deserve the democratic space given to them by Gonzaga. There was wisdom and genuine care in their statements and opinions.

The ball is now in the court of the militant, progressive and woke. They must prove that not only are the opinions of the duo of “mothers” dated, but are outrageous and no longer hold water in these politically correct times.

And how must they prove it? If the answers are not being blown by the wind, may the moon be their guide.