"I've met a former classmate, a former co-trainee, and an officemate. Kung dati super kabog ako kapag may kakilala akong nandun sa ganung event, ngayon ako pa ang humihirit ng "Happy Pride Pareh!" Never did I experience this much pride about my preference, kahit na maraming panahon, tinatanong ko pa rin sa sarili ko kung ano ang kakauwian ko sa pagiging ganito."
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They arrived like hordes of ubiquitous costumed creatures coming from all directions. There were those who donned the formal attire - a white shirt or polo and pants as well. Others wore their typical party gear as if simply attending an event on a saturday night. Many came with their lovers and fuck-friends, while there were those who were brave enough brought their entire federation along - parading like beauty pageant contestants making their way into the crowded gay-filled area of Nakpil corner Orosa street in Malate.
They came because it was a massive annual gay event. Probably, some came to see old friends and acquaint themselves with new ones. There are a thousand and one reasons for being there that night, but as Eon puts it, do these gay people really know why such an annual party takes place every June?
Around four gay generations ago at the height of the Hippie movement the world was experiencing at that time, a typical gay party was held in a place not so different from BED, Government or even O Bar of our time. The place was called Stonewall and during those times, being gay is still considered a taboo in the western society. Typical police raids, like what they do in Alta Cinema and other sleazy places of today regularly takes place in that bar. It was probably like, an opening act every time a major get together event takes place within the confines of the place.
Things were not really pleasant for the gay people of that generation. Most of them are in hiding - raising families and keeping a very low profile while in public. Some of these men addressed their need by using boys or other men in hiding to satisfy their inner cravings. It was a closely, well kept-secret among men and society kept a blind eye on these activities. As long as these men would never consider themselves gay, they are safe from everyone. Those who accepted themselves as different were seen as an abomination. Society never saw them as people who have rights and dignities.
These out-men were almost denied of their humanity, and the only reason they existed is because they knew all along that they were different. The police raids were relentless. Arrest were given to men who were caught kissing each other, holding their hands in public and even by acting flambouyant and campy alone in a straight-dominated environment. Basically all gay men in New York were used to such raids and arrests that even Stonewall can manage to open after a raid took place. It was an enduring fight for existence until one night, weeks after the death of a celebrated gay icon of that time, Judy Garland happened.
These gay people who were stripped of their rights to exist decided to stand up and resist the abuse and torment of the police and the society once and for all.
Thus the Stonewall Rebellion took place.
The rebellion happened in a span of several consecutive nights after an initial raid that happened on June 27. History tells us that it was the effeminates and the drag queens who lead the resistance and even the lesbians, who rarely takes part on every White Parties nowadays were the first to encourage every gay person around Stonewall to take arms.
The rebellion was eventually controlled by the riot police after the fourth night, but such act of defiance spread like paper on fire across the globe that in just a matter of four decades after it happened, gay marriages are becoming legal and accepted in some parts of the world.
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Yet the story never ends there.
Still, there is much to change at how the world thinks about homosexual people. Even homosexual themselves in some cultures like ours clashed among themselves. Though, never again will the gays be silenced by ignorance, their enemies remain strong and persecution remains in most parts of the globe.
And despite different interpretations and comments about this year's white party, the fact that it was attended by a notable spectrum of the community from transvestites, to drag queens, to parloristas and gay yuppies; even the discreet and closeted ones who kept their presence in dark corners and straight bars that surrounded the area, it shows that the enduring blaze from those gay guys who made the rebellion that became a turning point still remains today.
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