The elderly members of the LGBTQ+ community in Quezon City recently enjoyed a warm Christmas surprise of essentials, groceries, and lively drag performances that cheered them up.
Google Philippines, in partnership with LGBTQ+ partylist Ladlad and the local government units of Brgys. Central and Pinyahan in Quezon City, hosted a special outreach program for local indigent LGBTQIA+ seniors.
Staying true to the company’s core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, this program follows a similarly successful event held for the Golden Gays and Bekis last December in Baseco, Manila.
With LGBTQIA+ stand-up comedian and content creator Baus Rufo hosting the program, volunteers from Google distributed essential groceries to the attendees, ensuring a joyous Christmas celebration this season. Meanwhile, Drag Race Philippines queens Marina Summers and Bernie thrilled the crowd with captivating performances.
“We hope that our program this afternoon serves as an inspiration to all to love and take care of each other through unity, compassion, and a society that thrives on equality. We at Ladlad thank our brothers and sisters from Google Philippines,” said Ladlad chairperson Dexter Macaldo.
Free to be themselves
The elderly gays truly enjoyed the brief program as they felt free as ever to simply be themselves, even if only for an hour.
“I really liked the chance to express ourselves and our feelings thanks to our allies at Google Philippines,” said “Mama Rey,” who felt festive and bright on that afternoon with a Santa Claus hat, especially when they received the Christmas gift boxes. “Because of this program, we’re able to show our true selves and spread our wings!”
“We thank everyone who celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community today,” said Christy Lara, a local who was confident in a simple dress and smooth long hair. “We hope that you don’t just help the gays of Quezon City—we hope you also reach out to all cities and all barangays.”
“Sometimes, we gays, when we’re alone and lacking friends, we feel the fear of not knowing what to do by ourselves,” said Conrad Carola, the representative of Brgy. Pinyahan and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community themselves.
“But now we don’t have to be afraid because we’re no longer alone,” they continued. “We now have allies, we now have Ladlad. I hope that we all support this because the rights and the future that we LGBTQIA+ deserve depend on them.”
“We’re glad to continue bringing the Christmas warmth and cheer to our LGBTQIA+ seniors who need all the love they could receive this holiday season and beyond. Our brothers and sisters can rest assured that we will keep going around and doing what we could for as many of them as possible, especially during times when we should all be joyful, happy, and celebrating,” said Mervin Wenke, Communications and Public Affairs Head for Google Philippines.
