QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – In celebration of Pride Month, a non-profit gay group shared their desire for a permanent “home” and called for the passage of the SOGIE Bill to benefit the entire LGBTQIA+ community. This was discussed on Wednesday’s “Impormasyon at Aksyon” radio show with PIA Director-General Jose Torres Jr.
“Sa amin dahil kasi eh ang aming organization ay talagang nag-wi-wish na sana magkaroon kami ng sarili naming tahanan o isang permanenteng residence na matatawag naming home for the Golden Gays para sa mga matatandang bading ‘yan ang aming number 1 wish,” said Ramon “Monique” Busa, president of The Home for the Golden Gays, Inc., when he shared his dream over the livestreamed teleradyo program over Radyo Pilipinas 1 DZRB (738 AM).
(It’s for us, because our organization really wishes that we could have our own home or a permanent residence that we can call home for the Golden Gays, for the elderly gays, and that is our number 1 wish)
The Home for the Golden Gays, or simply The Golden Gays, is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that provides support and care facilities for elderly members of the LGBTQ community.
Busa also expressed his hope for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, which he mentioned they have been advocating for over 23 years, noting that it would greatly benefit the entire LGBTQIA+ community.
“Pangalawa, para naman sa LGBTQ community, wish din po namin maipasa rin ang tinatawag na SOGIE Bill, na isinusulong ng mga kasama namin sa community nang sa ganon, ma-avail naman namin ‘yung equality, na lahat ng mga benepisyo na tinatanggap ng mga normal na babae saka lalaki,” he said.
(Secondly, for the LGBTQ community, we also wish to pass the so-called SOGIE Bill, which is being promoted by our colleagues in the community, so that we can avail of equality, which are all the benefits currently being enjoyed by heterosexual females and males.)
The leader of the Golden Gays mentioned that if the SOGIE Bill is passed, it would help them gain greater recognition, allowing them to access various government benefits such as housing, financial assistance, and educational opportunities.
While waiting for the law to pass, the Golden Gays continue to bravely face each day. They sustain their daily needs by performing at various private events.
Busa, the group’s leader, often shares the experiences of their elderly members when they are invited to perform at an event.
“Talaga pong pinagbubuti namin maski na sa make-up namin, sa aming mga wigs, mga gowns, heels, pilikmata, kailangan ho namin ma-convince na ang mga lolas ay puwede pa rin maghatid ng isang matagumpay na performance kung sino man gustong kumuha ng aming serbisyo para maghatid saya.”
(We really put a lot of effort into our makeup, wigs, gowns, heels, and eyelashes. We need to convince people that our lolas can still deliver a fantastic performance for anyone who wants to hire us to bring joy.)
He added that with each performance, they strive to improve and “level up” their shows to ensure they deliver a memorable experience. This helps the performer lolas receive referrals from audiences and friends for future events.
Established in 1975, The Golden Gays was founded by Justo Justo, a Filipino columnist, Pasay City councilor, and LGBTQ activist. Justo recognized the unique challenges faced by aging LGBTQ individuals, who often lack familial support or face discrimination in their later years.
The organization’s mission is to offer a welcoming, affirming environment where elderly LGBTQ Filipinos can live with dignity and access the services they need. The Golden Gays operates residential care homes, provides social programs, and advocates for the rights and inclusion of this marginalized population.
Over the past four decades, The Golden Gays has grown to become a vital resource and community hub, supporting hundreds of seniors and giving them a place to call home. Its pioneering work has inspired similar initiatives across the Philippines, helping to ensure no LGBTQ elder is left behind. (PIA-NCR)
