Why can't we have a gay president? | Boy Abunda | TEDxADMU

Summary

In this powerful TEDx talk, Boy Abunda challenges societal norms and prejudices by questioning why a gay president is not a reality. He dismantles stereotypes and misconceptions about the LGBT community, highlighting their contributions and capabilities. Abunda draws parallels with historical movements for equality, urging society to embrace the possibility of a gay president, arguing that the presidency should be a birthright for all, regardless of sexual orientation.

Takeaways

• 🏳️‍🌈 The speaker, Boy Abunda, identifies as a proud gay man and discusses the challenges faced by the LGBT community in the pursuit of equality and acceptance.
• 🏠 Boy Abunda shares his childhood experiences in Barranca, highlighting the struggles with bullying and societal expectations that shaped his youth.
• 🤔 He poses the central question of the speech: 'Why can't we have a gay president?', challenging the audience to consider the prejudices and stereotypes that might prevent this possibility.
• 💬 Boy Abunda recounts various reactions to his provocative question, illustrating the range of misconceptions and biases that exist about the LGBT community, such as the notions of cowardice, being 'half men and half women,' and being a disease.
• 🙅‍♂️ He refutes these stereotypes by providing examples of LGBT individuals who have made significant contributions to society, like Alan Turing, and by emphasizing the bravery shown during events like the Stonewall Riots.
• 🌐 He points out that homosexuality has been removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, emphasizing that being gay is not a disease.
• 🌈 Abunda argues against the idea that promiscuity is exclusive to the gay community, stating that it is a human characteristic and not a 'gay monopoly.'
• 🙏 He shares personal anecdotes, including his mother's acceptance and love for him, to counter the belief that homosexuality is a curse or sin.
• 📜 He references legal rulings and historical precedents, such as the election of Barack Obama, to argue that the presidency should be accessible to all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation.
• 🌟 Boy Abunda outlines the qualities of a great president, as described by Karl Rove, and emphasizes that these qualities are not contingent upon one's sexual orientation.
• 💡 The speaker imagines what a gay president might do, using humor to suggest appointments and policies that would challenge existing norms and promote inclusivity.
• 📣 In conclusion, Boy Abunda reframes his question to assert that not only can we have a gay president, but we must and will, as it is a matter of human rights and equality.

Q & A

Who is Boy Abunda and what is his stance on identifying as an LGBT activist?

Boy Abunda is a proud gay man who does not identify as an LGBT activist or advocate, as he feels he may not live up to the expectations of such a label, but he is one with his community in the fight against oppression, bigotry, discrimination, and for equality.

Where was Boy Abunda born and raised?

Boy Abunda was born and raised in a small town called Barranca, in eastern Samar, which is now a small city.

What was Boy Abunda's childhood like according to the script?

Boy Abunda had a happy childhood, which he describes as not perfect but wonderful.

What societal expectations did Boy Abunda face as a young boy?

As a young boy, Boy Abunda was told to be a good boy, love Lana, his country the Philippines, and honor God above all. He was also expected to play basketball and like young normal girls, which he found challenging.

What was the significance of Royal Street in Boy Abunda's life?

Royal Street was a place of fear and bullying for Boy Abunda during his youth, where he faced discrimination and had to defend his sexuality.

Why does Boy Abunda question the possibility of having a gay president?

Boy Abunda questions the possibility of having a gay president to challenge societal prejudices and to provoke thought and discussion on the topic.

What misconceptions about the LGBT community does Boy Abunda address in the script?

Boy Abunda addresses misconceptions such as the belief that LGBT individuals are cowards, half-men/half-women, trapped in the wrong body, a disease, promiscuous, cursed, sinful, and lower than animals.

What historical movements does Boy Abunda reference to support his argument for a gay president?

Boy Abunda references the black slavery movement, the civil rights movement, the women's liberation movement, and the women's suffrage movement to illustrate progress and the potential for change.

What traits of a great president does Karl Rove's discourse mention, according to the script?

According to Karl Rove's discourse mentioned in the script, the traits of a great president include clarity of vision, consistency of purpose, emotional intelligence, a healthy respect for public opinion, and having a great team.

How does Boy Abunda envision a gay president leading the country?

Boy Abunda envisions a gay president nurturing and strengthening the Filipino family, being a servant leader, subscribing to the concept of politics being the art of the impossible, prioritizing the FOI and anti-discrimination bills, and not being afraid to be a great president.

What conclusion does Boy Abunda reach about the possibility of having a gay president?

Boy Abunda concludes that we can have a gay president, as it is the birthright of every individual, including those in the LGBT community, to aspire to the presidency.