It’s been four months since I came out, and I thought it would be interesting to note the changes that occurred, if at all there were any. Like a bright-eyed sophomore, I anticipated that my move would change the way people would see me, and how they perceive gay people in general.
For the first two months of the present semester I was met by a variety of reactions, from shock, to disgust, to indifference, and eventually acceptance. The word about my blog reached the ears of some of the faculty members; this bit of information I learned from my Anatomy teacher (after which I hurried home and removed my risqué hot men pictures). I was even indulged in a discourse with my Theology professor who insisted in seeing me, partly because she wanted to know how I was doing, and partly because she was curious of how I felt last semester during her discussions on books like Leviticus which denounce homosexuality.
After some objectionable episodes happened in the classroom, I was hoping that my articles about gay life that were published would make an impact to people. The question remains: were there any changes in people’s perceptions at all?
Just yesterday this happened: Instructor 1 was discussing the mechanics of the next PRS (bed bathing and effleurage). Instructor 2 asks: “Sir, what about those people who belong to the third sex? Are they going to be partnered with their other classmates?
At any other time I would have raised my objections, but I thought: What’s the point? I have tried to convince practically anyone who would listen that sexual orientation should not be an issue, but apparently the culture here is stronger. I simply turned back to my readings, not out of contempt or resignation, but simply of my decision to do better things with my time.
Third sex, bayot- the words meant to refer to and debase gay people no longer conjure any feelings of indignation in me. Though I still believe people’s attitudes may change- I also know it won’t happen overnight. The say you can’t control how other people would feel or act; you can only control yourself. I guess I did change, I’ve learned to focus my energies on doing something constructive, instead of engaging in pointless debates and discussions. For now, that will do.
For the first two months of the present semester I was met by a variety of reactions, from shock, to disgust, to indifference, and eventually acceptance. The word about my blog reached the ears of some of the faculty members; this bit of information I learned from my Anatomy teacher (after which I hurried home and removed my risqué hot men pictures). I was even indulged in a discourse with my Theology professor who insisted in seeing me, partly because she wanted to know how I was doing, and partly because she was curious of how I felt last semester during her discussions on books like Leviticus which denounce homosexuality.
After some objectionable episodes happened in the classroom, I was hoping that my articles about gay life that were published would make an impact to people. The question remains: were there any changes in people’s perceptions at all?
Just yesterday this happened: Instructor 1 was discussing the mechanics of the next PRS (bed bathing and effleurage). Instructor 2 asks: “Sir, what about those people who belong to the third sex? Are they going to be partnered with their other classmates?
At any other time I would have raised my objections, but I thought: What’s the point? I have tried to convince practically anyone who would listen that sexual orientation should not be an issue, but apparently the culture here is stronger. I simply turned back to my readings, not out of contempt or resignation, but simply of my decision to do better things with my time.
Third sex, bayot- the words meant to refer to and debase gay people no longer conjure any feelings of indignation in me. Though I still believe people’s attitudes may change- I also know it won’t happen overnight. The say you can’t control how other people would feel or act; you can only control yourself. I guess I did change, I’ve learned to focus my energies on doing something constructive, instead of engaging in pointless debates and discussions. For now, that will do.
3 comments:
i really admire your courage to come out thad.
i will also do that when the time comes. maybe next year. hehe.
i would love to hear more about these kind of stories.
stories of reaction from people who just know who you really truly are.
@ chase: coming out.. that's a really personal matter- you really have to determine if you want it for yourself. others naman are just comfortable with the way things are, but personally i think its better on the other side. now i don't have to hide anything = ) and now it's not an issue or a big deal anymore
correct. i'm already tired of hiding na nga
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