Resigning from LYC-International

This is the first time I am mentioning Long Yang Club on this blog. I have been involved in this organization for about a decade and I am now resigning as the president of the international committee.

I was 22 years old when I put up the Manila chapter. I had some help from many friends and it was a challenge getting it up and running.

The Thailand chapter in Bangkok helped me move there. It was a breeze getting an apartment and securing a job. I was able to have a very comfortable life for 2 1/2 years there.

And then the Adelaide chapter helped me move to my (hopefully) permanent home in South Australia.

There were lots of controversies and some victories. I made so many friends and a few enemies. All of these taught me how to bite my lip when I am about to say something offensive and to be generous with compliments.

This is not the end of my work in the gay community. I am looking for local gay organizations to support and I am sure I am going to face different challenges here in Adelaide.

Dexter's 31

I write this over and over again: I do not like celebrating my birthday because I just do not want to be disappointed.

But then I am always surrounded by people who appreciate who I am. Peter in Canberra and my mother sends me cards every year. Bob Chopp showered me with gifts while I was still living in Bangkok. Other friends sent me various messages online.

I think the period of having low expectations is over. I am practically married so I have to let my partner make me happy.

Steven and I went to the city and had some Asian food. It is the type that you pay some money, get a plate and shovel as much food as you can on your plate. It does not matter that they are all mixed on your plate because you will think that they will be mixed in your tummy anyway. Steven and I like eating this way.

After a heavy meal, we walked around the city.

My life right now is so much simpler but I am really happy. Thanks to all of my friends for bearing with the Scrooge in me.

Corazon Aquino (1933-2009)

My heart is aching right now. I lost someone I am very proud of.

I am a very opinionated person. I started attending rallies when I was very young. Had I gone to school before her reign, I would not be alive right now.

She ushered our country back to democracy. It was an uphill battle for her and her greatest gift to us was hope. After her presidency, I still followed her public appearances and listened to her.

I do not agree with her faith. I do not agree with what she may think of my being gay. I am sure she would not approve of my political inclinations. And yet I can make a political stance and stay alive. She made that possible.

Yesterday, she was buried and I cried for her. I felt like our hope was taken away from us. God, I hope I am wrong.

We will miss you, Tita Cory.

Adelaide National Day for Action for Same-Sex Marriage

Last Saturday (1 August 2009), Steven and I attended a gathering of gays and lesbians at our local parliament to support same sex marriage in Australia. It was a last minute decision because I thought people are not interested here. I almost forgot that South Australia is the country's leader in gay issues.

It was 11 AM and we saw around 200 people at the steps of the parliament house. There were men and women and many of them are young. In fact, I think most of them are even younger than I am. I also saw some kids who are happily enjoying the festive atmosphere.

I was disappointed that we did not see any of our gay friends. Maybe, our friends are not really interested in legal rights of gay couples. Or maybe, they do not see themselves getting married to their partners.

There were three local politicians who joined the event and one of which is a straight married man. For me, it is very strange to see straight men visibly supporting the rights of gay men and women.

Steven and I will definitely get married when given a chance.