John Lapuz, Ladlad beauties topbill annual gay Flores de Mayo vs. bullying, homophobia

By ProGay Philippines
May 15, 2012

QUEZON CITY  –  The Metropolitan Community Church of Quezon City (MCCQC) unleashes another sizzling summer of floral fashions in its third LGBT Flores De Mayo that is timed with the global observance of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) at the Barangay Pinyahan in this city that is considered the capitol of show business.

This year, iconic gay actor and TV host John Lapuz lends his rising advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) to the annual Marian parade, a decision reached after what he felt was rising bullying from even the showbiz industry against the queer community. Lapuz comes in as the resplendent Reyna Elena, or Queen Helena, hoping to become a symbol of human rights crusaders against bullying of LGBT youth.

Bemz Benedito, lead nominee of the Ladlad Partylist and who comes in as the Reyna Emperatriz (Queen Empress), explained that the Flores feast is raising awareness of the country around the issue of homophobic and transphobic bullying by celebrities, corporate media and the internet most especially young and adolescent LGBT.

Other Reynas lined up to join are two reality TV transgender stars, former Pinoy Big Brother sister Rica Paras, and Survivor Philippines' Justine Ferrer.

"Flores de Mayo is not just a fashion and beauty statement, it is a parade of our heartfelt issues. We want the people, most especially celebrities, to know they have the responsibility to stop bullying. That hurtful words, even if wrapped in religious prayer, still kill the blossoms of our emotions, our human rights as LGBT citizens," Benedito implored.

Rev. Ceejay Agbayani, head pastor of the MCCQC, also said the Flores festivity is also raising trying to raise money for the benefit of the children with learning disabilities at the Payatas Elementary School. Agbayani is calling on generous sponsors to help the church get school and art supplies for some 50 children with Down sydrome and other disabilities before school opens in June.

The LGBT Flores De Mayo is one of the many IDAHO events that sprung up this year to coincide with both serious and raucous LGBT festivals worldwide in a renewed campaign to end violence and discrimination against LGBTs. Despite its traditional style, the festival attracts even butch lesbians and closetted gay men who join as the consorts to the queens parading in gowns, a practice that is drawing the anger of the Roman Catholic bishops who want gays to desist from joining the parade.