The first
time I heard about them was back at the University when I was reading
a newspaper with my closest friends in the library. If I am not
mistaken, it was an article; a synopsis and critique of a filmed
biographical-drama of the World War II Japanese Occupation of the
Philippines. The funny side of that moment was, we were dissecting the
content of the article as we shared the newspaper and it was read by
our eyes only.
Years
have passed and nowadays, most stories about transwomen or third sex
individuals are mostly told about their successes, adventures and
their anecdotes. Of course, we can't blame people for being mainly
interested in what's 'hot' and 'in' at the moment. However, there is
always a room to open or talk about less illustrious issues, like the
Home for the Golden Gays.
In 1969,
an institution located in Pasay City, Philippines was brought into
existence and named as Home for the Golden Gays. It serves as a
special place for elderly gays and lesbians who have nowhere else to
go or have been rejected by their families. Historically, this
supportive and loving home was founded by a local official, Justo
Cagoso Justo, who has a distinguished public record for his
dedication to duty and various human rights campaigns.
The Home
for the Golden Gays is a non-profit organization and has built a
multi-residence housing facility intended for those who seek the
cordial yet familiar company of other elderly gay people. In
particular, each golden gay in the home is provided with nutritious
meals, health care (even hospice care) and is also provided with a
homely commodious room. Aside from those benefits, the Home also organizes gatherings and recreation, every now and
then, to brighten and cheer-up the days of the golden residents.
I have to
admit that if I had not seen the pictures published on facebook by
generous individuals, I would not have remembered that the Home for
the Golden Gays is still active and functioning. Looking back at it,
it was a nice feeling and even uplifting to the soul watching the
pictures of the residents. I only chanced upon their pictures and
called it a serendipitous moment which got me remembering them and then
to write about them too. Moreover, each picture also showed the innate
creativity and colourful disposition of all the senior golden gays
and the younger ones too. In my opinion, they doubtlessly enjoyed the
social gathering organized by fellow third sex individuals.
In
fact,
the kind-hearted people behind the charitable event surprised all
residents of the Home for the Golden Gays before Christmas day. There
were useful presents and the organizers had prepared, with lots of love
and affection, a yummy banquet. The giving of gifts wasn't the
highlight of the event- there was a pageant too! Participants
flaunted their sparkling and colourful gowns and interested everyone
with their scintillating stories about their lives.
The
discovery of the pictures was accidental, but the establishment of
Home for the Golden Gays wasn't! It was indeed created with one big
special purpose and that is, to welcome those who seek genuine
kindness and longing for a loving family who will be there for them
unconditionally.
*Video courtesy of
Dennis Lehmann
*Photos
courtesy of Maria Barbie Anne Arcache
No comments:
Post a Comment