We went to the LGBT Pride Reception of the US Embassy in Manila, and we were shocked to see no less than Jo Imbong, legal counsel of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, attending the party.
Filipino LGBT activists have faced Imbong in many congressional hearings on LGBT issues, especially in the legislative fight to enact an anti-discrimination bill. In a public hearing for an anti-discrimination ordinance in Albay, I remember her mangling an article of a gay scholar to fit her purpose – to claim that LGBTs can be converted.
We gave her a warm welcome at the party. Me and my partner approached her, had our photo taken with her. Imbong, who ran for Senator in 2010 under an ultra-right party and lost despite their claim that there’s a big Catholic vote, just smiled at us.
After that photo op, I talked to her and my partner and I came out as a couple.
Happy pride, Philippines. That sweet promise of equality – we will get there. We will.
xfullman 