Recently what seemed like the whole world rejoiced when the US legalized same-sex marriage. While America is not the first country to promote marriage equality among genders, netizens celebrated this milestone by layering rainbow colors on their Facebook profile pictures.

Trending worldwide were the use of FB’s Celebrate Pride app, Twitter hashtags such as #LoveWins and tear-jerker videos from YouTube. Indeed, the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US is a milestone for LGBT communities and their supporters.

Even so, the groundbreaking law drew mixed reactions, as expected, from the religious sector and other conservative communities. Heated debates on the morality of same-sex marriages are ongoing online.

This time we asked friends about their thoughts on the subject and the possibility of having a similar law in the country.

‘Coming of a new age’

“The legalization of same-sex marriage in the US is the coming of a new age. It sets people free from old traditions and gives more room for freedom to express one’s rights. The law is for the people and if the people need something like this, the government should legislate it. —Francis Mamaril, 17, UP Diliman

“I was more than thrilled when I heard the news. I fully support same-sex marriages because I believe that everyone should have the right to marry whoever they want to marry. Love is love. —Rain Bartolome, 17, UP Diliman

“I am not against the law for same-sex marriage because everyone deserves to be happy and loved for who and what they are.” —Maggy Rey, 12, Manresa School

“I’m pro-same-sex marriage because ‘gay rights’ are simply human rights. And anyone with the capacity to love should be free to marry.” —Zyrus Soriano, UP Diliman

“I’m proud to say that I’m bisexual and a member of the LGBT community… The Bible didn’t say that God condemned the third gender, so it is only right for the LGBT community to experience the sacrament of marriage.” —Joseph Acero, 19, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

“I am 100 percent for it… There are couples who have never gotten a chance to officially tie the knot… It’s not only about making it official with a wedding, it’s also about the rights that come with it. Married couples can file income tax together, get inheritance, be granted visitation rights and do much more when their relationship is legally recognized by the country.” —Ge Lorraine Yang, 21, De La Salle University

Potential backlash

“As of now, I don’t think the Philippines should follow the example of the US. The society we live in is highly traditional and more homophobic than we think it is. In reality, we are just tolerant… because they are the people we see in media, such as comedian Vice Ganda or singer Charice Pempengco. We tolerate gay and lesbian people as a whole but we don’t necessarily accept them. An example of our homophobia can be seen when locals use the term ‘bading’ or ‘tomboy’ in a derogatory manner… Before implementing such a change in the marriage system, we must take into consideration the ones who will be affected as well as the potential backlash.” —David Sia, 20, De La Salle University

“I really want same-sex marriage to be legal in the Philippines in our lifetime. The problem is that even the marriage rights of straight couples are not that good because our culture focuses on obsolete, conservative views such as victim blaming and strict gender roles. People’s view of the LGBT community is rather skewed since they associate sexuality with gender. Many people still consider the book of Leviticus the law. If we were to have a bill supporting same-sex marriage, I would suggest that it include education regarding sexuality and
gender.” —Yang

Towards equality

“I think these rainbow-tinted profile pictures are just part of a fad that will eventually fizzle out. But just because you didn’t jump on the bandwagon doesn‘t mean you lack enthusiasm about the issue.” —Mamaril

“I think it’s an admirable way to celebrate humanity.” —Marbille Juntado, 17, UP Diliman

“I love all these rainbow profile pictures but I find it a bit sad that it’s only now that people are showing their support for the LGBT community. But I don’t blame them. Supporting the LGBT community in the past was a brave act that often led to backlash. I just hope they’re not doing this for show and that they will support the community in the next few steps towards equality.” —Yang

“Adding color to one’s profile picture is a simple act of showing support for the LGBT community, as it proves that #LoveWins, no matter what.” —John Rigor O. Perez, 19, UP Los Baños

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