Jigs Mayuga, makeup artist
MANILA, Philippines - When and how did you come out: I came out at age 20 (12 years ago) to my first boyfriend back when I was in college in UP. It was and still is the most liberating rite of passage in my entire life.
Your LGBT hero: My cousin, Victor Fusilero. He is 10 years older than me and is based in the States. He is responsible for instilling the LGBT activism I still have to this day. He brought me my first set of books on coming out and the evils of homophobia.
Your gay proverb: If God is love, then the only religion I believe in is the religion of love.
Your becky word of choice: Charing, because you can use it to end almost any sentence. LOL.
What are you marching for: I am marching with Amnesty International Pilipinas (my org in UP). As an individual, I am marching to celebrate the diversity of the gay community; to show the country that each gay person is unique and that we come in a myriad of forms just like straight people.
Xtina Superstar, DJ
When and how did you come out: When I was still in my mother’s womb. But seriously, all I know was I started wearing dresses and heels back in high school and it gave my parents and colleagues a clearer perspective of my sexuality. I never talked to them and said, “Hey, I’m gay! I’ll start wearing a hot pink dress tomorrow.” It’s more of an open understanding between my parents and the people who surround me. I never explained it. What you see is what you get.
Your LGBT hero: Amanda Lepore and Christina Aguilera
Your gay proverb: I don’t care much about clothes, but my hair looks fierce.
Your becky word of choice: Trudiz means “Yes.”
What are you marching for: I’m marching for equality and the never-ending issue of discrimination in this country.
Puey Quinones, fashion designer
When and how did you come out: Ever since I was a child I knew I was something else (laughs). I see my cousins doing normal things, but at that time, I didn’t know the proper term to use for my gender. I expressed it through dancing. My parents then realized that I’m a “special” child haha!
Your LGBT hero: Harvey Milk.
Your gay proverb: I love being gay! I don’t imagine myself being straight! Gays are the happiest creatures!
Your becky word of choice: PAKKK!!
What are you marching for: To show the world that gays are great human beings.
The Manila LGBT Pride March happens tomorrow, 2 p.m. onwards, on Scout Lozano corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Log on to http://taskforcepride.blog-spot.com for more details.