Mendoza recently went viral over a public forum where she gave a solid “NO” to same-sex marriage.
Two prominent figures in the Philippine LGBTQIA+ community, social media sensation Sassa Gurl and Drag Race Philippines champion Captivating Katkat, have publicly distanced themselves from senatorial candidate Heidi Mendoza following her controversial stance against same-sex marriage.
Their sentiments echo a broader wave of disappointment among many in the LGBTQIA+ community, who had hoped to find a steadfast ally in the former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner. However, Mendoza’s supporters argue that her proven track record against corruption outweighs her position on marriage equality and the SOGIE Bill.
Sassa Gurl, known for her outspoken advocacy for candidates who champion LGBTQIA+ rights, announced her withdrawal of support for Mendoza in a heartfelt post on X late Tuesday night.
“Iginagalang ko po ang tindig ni Mam Heidi Mendoza hingil sa usapin ng marriage equality kaya ikinalulungkot ko pong ipinapaalam na binabawi ko po ang aking suporta,” she wrote.
She added a plea for understanding, saying, “Hiling ko rin po ang inyong pang-unawa sa aking naging desisyon. Paumanhin at pasasalamat po sa inyo”.
Mendoza responded swiftly on X with a brief yet pointed message: “No problem! Maraming maraming salamat pa din,” .
The casual tone of her reply drew mixed reactions, with some dismissing it as a display of “diva attitude” and others criticizing her apparent lack of concern over losing Sassa Gurl’s endorsement. The two had previously collaborated in a vlog discussing the SOGIE Equality Bill, which seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. That interaction had initially won Sassa’s approval, making her recent reversal a notable shift.
Meanwhile, Captivating Katkat, a celebrated drag performer, expressed her own disapproval after a viral clip of Mendoza’s stance on same-sex marriage caught her attention. In a candid post on X, she revealed her unfamiliarity with the candidate prior to the controversy.
“Ah sya pala si Heidi Mendoza? Someone msg me and asked for a dinner with Heidi together with other influencers daw, and I replied ‘May i ask sino po si Heidi Mendoza?’ and that’s a genuine question kasi diko talaga sya kilala, but got no response,” she wrote.
“So now kilala ko na, and she’s against SOGIE and same sex marriage/union,” she added, her tone dripping with disappointment.
In a follow-up post, Katkat urged her followers to reconsider their votes without directly naming Mendoza: “Mga batlah vote wisely! Don’t waste your votes sa mga taong against sa vision and mission natin. She’s not an ally!” Her words struck a chord with many in the LGBTQIA+ community, amplifying the backlash against Mendoza’s position.
The latest voice in the fray is Eva Le Queen, another drag luminary, whose scathing critique on X has further fueled the controversy.
“Ang delikado pa sa statement ni h/eidi m/endoza is parang pinapalabas niya na hindi na kailangan pa ang SOGIE Equality bill kasi may mga ‘paraan’ naman para mabuhay ang ss couples which is MALI. Maling mali. Habang gamit na gamit ang mga bakla sa campaigns niya like sassa gurl. I can’t get over this heartbreak tangina. Disappointing sobra,” she tweeted.
Eva’s words accuse Mendoza of exploiting queer personalities for political mileage while dismissing the legal protections they seek.
The reaction from the community reflects a sense of betrayal among those who saw Mendoza as a potential advocate for their rights. Her “qualified no” to same-sex marriage and hesitance to fully endorse the SOGIE Bill during a recent public forum sparked the initial outcry, unraveling the goodwill she had built with queer advocates like Sassa Gurl.
However, Mendoza’s supporters have rallied to her defense, arguing that her stance on marriage equality should not overshadow her broader contributions, particularly her staunch opposition to corruption.
One X user wrote, “I think there are much pressing issues that same sex marriage. Lets go for good governance first yan ang kelangan. Sa good governance lahat ng tao may chance. E kasi kahit naman sa mga nakaupong mambabatas ngayon ayaw din sa same sex. E sila din tatakbo. Ano pa ba,” emphasizing that good governance benefits all, regardless of specific social issues.
Another supporter cautioned against prioritizing candidates based solely on their promises to the LGBTQIA+ community, referencing past disappointments.
“This was exactly how Duterte duped us in 2016 – by promising to consider legalizing same sex marriage only to backtrack after winning. The bigger fight is against corruption. Let Heidi do that for us,” they wrote, underscoring Mendoza’s reputation as a whistleblower and anti-corruption advocate during her tenure at the COA.
The divide highlights a broader tension as the May 2025 midterm elections approach: whether to prioritize identity-based advocacy or systemic reforms like anti-corruption efforts. For Sassa Gurl and Captivating Katkat, Mendoza’s stance on same-sex marriage was a dealbreaker, signaling a betrayal of their community’s vision. Yet for others, her commitment to transparency and accountability remains a compelling reason to back her candidacy.
As the debate unfolds online and in public forums, Mendoza’s campaign faces the challenge of reconciling these conflicting perspectives. Whether she can regain the trust of the LGBTQIA+ community—or convince voters that her anti-corruption platform transcends these divides—remains to be seen.
For now, the withdrawal of support from two gay icons has cast a shadow over her senatorial bid, even as her defenders stand firm.
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