Why can't we have a gay president? | Boy Abunda | TEDxADMU
Summary
TLDRIn 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
- π³οΈβπ 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.
- π Boy Abunda shares his childhood experiences in Barranca, highlighting the struggles with bullying and societal expectations that shaped his youth.
- π€ 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.
- π¬ 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.
- π ββοΈ 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.
- π 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.
- π 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.'
- π He shares personal anecdotes, including his mother's acceptance and love for him, to counter the belief that homosexuality is a curse or sin.
- π 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.
- π 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.
- π‘ The speaker imagines what a gay president might do, using humor to suggest appointments and policies that would challenge existing norms and promote inclusivity.
- π£ 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.
Outlines
π³οΈβπ Identity and Struggle for Equality
In this paragraph, Boy Abunda, a proud gay man from Barranca, shares his childhood experiences and the societal expectations placed on him. He discusses the challenges of being different in a small town, including bullying and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. He also poses a provocative question about the possibility of having a gay president, exploring various misconceptions and prejudices people hold about the LGBT community, such as stereotypes about cowardice and promiscuity. He counters these with examples of LGBT individuals who have made significant contributions to society and emphasizes that courage and capability are not exclusive to any sexual orientation.
π Challenging Prejudices and the Quest for a Gay President
This paragraph delves deeper into the question of whether a gay individual can become a president. Boy Abunda refutes common myths about homosexuality, such as it being a disease or a curse, by referencing historical and medical facts. He highlights the progress made by other marginalized groups, like women and black people, who have overcome societal barriers to achieve leadership positions. He emphasizes that the Constitution does not discriminate based on sexual orientation and calls for a new age of enlightenment where prejudice and discrimination are challenged, and where the possibility of a gay president is not just a question but a potential reality.
π Visions of a Gay Presidency and the Qualities of a Great Leader
In this section, Boy Abunda imagines what a gay president might do, using humor to suggest appointments that would challenge societal norms and promote integrity. He then discusses the qualities that make a great president, as outlined by Karl Rove, and argues that these traits are not exclusive to any particular sexual orientation. Abunda suggests that the LGBT community has many leaders who embody these qualities and are capable of leading the nation. He concludes by rephrasing his initial question, asserting that the presidency is a birthright for all, including members of the LGBT community.
πͺ The Birthright to Presidency and the Call for Progress
The final paragraph reinforces the message that the possibility of a gay president is not just a theoretical question but a real potentiality. Boy Abunda emphasizes that the presidency is a right for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. He calls for a recognition of the leadership potential within the LGBT community and a move towards a future where such a presidency is not only imaginable but achievable. He ends with a powerful statement of clarity and conviction, thanking the audience for their attention and support.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘LGBT
π‘Discrimination
π‘Activist
π‘Bigotry
π‘Equality
π‘Oppression
π‘Stereotype
π‘Homophobia
π‘President
π‘Human Rights
π‘Leadership
Highlights
The speaker Boy Abunda is a proud gay man and advocates for equality against discrimination.
Boy Abunda grew up in Barranca and had a happy childhood despite societal pressures.
As a child, he was told to conform to societal norms like playing basketball and liking girls, but he failed at these expectations.
The speaker faced bullying and discrimination on Royal Street, which made him defensive about his sexuality.
Boy questions why a gay person cannot be president and seeks answers from various people.
Some people expressed admiration for the LGBTQ+ community but still held limiting stereotypes.
The speaker refutes the stereotype that all gay people are cowards by citing examples of bravery within the community.
Boy Abunda clarifies that being gay is not a disease, as homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1973.
He counters the notion that homosexuality is a curse, stating that he and others are blessings, not curses.
The speaker argues that the presidency should be open to all, as the Constitution does not specify sexual orientation as a requirement.
Boy Abunda cites examples of other countries having LGBTQ+ leaders and argues that the Philippines should follow suit.
He draws parallels between the LGBTQ+ rights movement and past movements for racial and gender equality that have achieved success.
The speaker outlines the traits of a great president as described by Karl Rove, emphasizing that sexual orientation is not a factor.
Boy Abunda imagines what a gay president might do, using humor to envision appointments and policy changes.
He concludes by rephrasing his question to a statement of affirmation that a gay president is possible and necessary.
The speech ends with a call to recognize the potential of LGBTQ+ individuals to lead and contribute positively to society.
Transcripts
I am NOT an LGBT activist I don't
qualify
neither do I identify myself as an
advocate because I'm afraid I may not be
able to live up to the expectations of
the label I'm a proud gay man and I'm
one with my community in our fight
against oppression bigotry
discrimination and for equality yes my
name is Boy Abunda and I was born and
raised in a small town called Barranca
in eastern summer it's now a small city
it's still beautiful I had a happy
childhood not perfect but a wonderful
childhood as a child as a young boy I
was told many things I was told to be a
good boy and I was as also told to love
Lana and that I I was told to love my
country the Philippines I was also told
to love and honor God above all you know
a kapu yang I did all those as a young
boy I was also told to play basketball I
tried I tried with all the bones in my
body but I just didn't have the rhythm I
didn't have the timing the alacrity of
basketball players I was a failure as a
young boy I was also told to like a
young normal girl because young normal
boys played basketball and like young
normal girls again with bravery with a
lot of prayers I tried to like a young
normal girl again I was a failure there
was a street in my town called royal
street from where I lived
you had to go through this street to be
able to go to church to the town plaza
to the public market there was another
way but it was a longer route and there
were more stray dogs and it was darker
so we had to go through
royal street it was horrifying it's
terrifying to walk through royal street
because young normal boys would bully us
they were mean they were wretched were
obnoxious they would call us names we
would fight back I would fight back once
in a while but we would always be
outnumbered they would call us names
shout at us they would holler
byah byah byah that's the where I word
for back lap and a Royal Street broke me
in a way that I became so defensive
about my posture I became very defensive
about my sexuality in my youth royal
street was equivalent to hell as a young
boy I started to ask so many questions
some I have answered others I'm still
trying to figure out now I have another
question why can't we have a gay
president why can't we have a gay
president I wanted to test this question
so I spoke to some friends acquaintances
strangers teachers students because I
wanted to see how people react to a
provocative question like why can't we
have a gay president
somebody told me boy I have so much
respect for you I love gays you're just
so funny I can't imagine a world without
gays you're just the best comedians in
the world and you excel in the creative
endeavors you're the best hairstylist or
the best eyebrows i list s-- you're the
best fashion designers i said excuse me
we can be many and we can do anything i
told her the story about alan turing
father of computer science he was the
lead scientist that decoded the german
enigma that paved the way for the
victory of great britain in the second
world war against germany Alan Turing
was a computer scientist we are computer
scientists we are biologists we are
physicists we are basketball players we
are pool dancers we are many we can do
anything and then another one told me
but aren't gays supposed to be cowards
you you guys back off from fights
debonair arenak na hoona tiene medallas
Pegeen decal uma bond apart
buk laka anybody who backs up from the
fight is supposed to be gay I said no
we're not cowards Recker ages were brave
like the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New
York
trans women queer young people a drag
queens LGBT people who fought valiantly
fearlessly the cruel brutal violent
police of New York we are courageous
were brave we're not cowards and then
somebody said but boy I guess supposed
to be Half Men and half women and you're
supposed to be trapped in somebody
else's body
I said no we're not half half we're
whole and we're not trapped in somebody
else's Island for you to know you have
to be me
but since you cannot let me tell you
that we are not half
we're whole and then someone said after
I asked why can't we have a gay
president isn't homosexuality supposed
to be a disease a disease
I said no dibban Aravena Cunha 10 or and
Salma karin-sama Sahaba by Han
democratical McGinn back laka are you
enough more penis Arabic Lanigan baklava
Louie some time ago a father douse
boiling water on his sleeping son in
exasperation because he cannot he could
not cure the homosexuality of his
sleeping son some parents actually allow
the young lesbian daughters to be raped
because they believe that rape can cure
lesbianism in 1973 homosexuality has
been stricken out from the diagnostics
and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders we are not an ailment we're
not a disease so I called another friend
and I said why can't we have a gay
president and my friend said because
gays are supposed to be promiscuous they
salivate at the sight of flesh the
Predators they prey on young boys I said
excuse me some gays are from
skewers some women are promiscuous some
men are promiscuous promiscuity is not a
gay monopoly and then even beauty queens
drink and then somebody said but isn't
homosexuality a curse I said no we're a
blessing before my mother before Nana
was a debilitated by mild dementia she
used to tell me a narc
you're a blessing to me uh and if
naughty were strong enough it should be
here today standing beside me and she
will tell you my son is a blessing he's
not a curse if only mothers and fathers
of LGBT people can be here today they
will stand up for us and they will say
we are a blessing and we're not a curse
and then somebody said isn't
homosexuality a sin don't you commit a
sin when you express your homosexual
lava I said I'm sorry as far as I know
I'm not a sin I'm a child of God and I
was also created in the image of God why
can't we have a gay president because in
2010 the Commission and elections ruled
that gay people promote immorality
abnormality and error threats to the
youth in the same year the Supreme Court
reversed this decision this homophobic
barbaric decision why can't we have a
gay president why can't we have a gay
president let me borrow some words from
the great Martin Luther King because
sadly we are still crippled by the
manacles of homophobia transphobia
discrimination bigotry why can't we have
a gay president because some people
believe and some people preach that we
are creatures lower than animals let me
tell you we are not creatures lower than
animals we are human beings
so today on TEDx I ask you why can't we
have a gay president why can't we have a
gay president when the Constitution
allows it the Philippine Constitution
allows it natural-born Filipino
registered voter can read and write
forty years of age ten year resident
it doesn't say there that you have to be
a straight man or a straight woman to be
president of this country in my opinion
we are living in the new age of
enlightenment this is the best time for
exploration this is the best time for
discovery observation and provocation
this is also the best time to challenge
to challenge prejudicial discriminatory
cultural common beliefs this is also the
best time to correct the wrongdoings of
colonialism this is also the best time
to ask why can't we have a gay president
Belgium had a gay Prime Minister allude
Aruba Iceland had a lesbian Prime
Minister but you want a cigarette here
my argument is if Iceland and Belgium
had gay Prime Minister's I asked you why
can't we have a gay president let's go
to the black slavery movement yes there
was a certain part in our history as
human beings when blacks were treated
like beasts they were animals they were
invisible to be black was to be a sin
they were marketed they were sold in
town plazas and marketplaces they were
bartered they were given as gifts but
the black slavery movement the civil
rights movement persevered and persisted
in 1963 in Washington DC the great March
happened where dr. Martin Luther King
delivered his I have a dream speech that
dream came true
in 2008 44 years later in 2008 the
United States of
America elected its first black
president in Barack Obama my argument is
if blacks were treated like beasts like
animals in the past and today the
president of the most powerful country
in the world is black why can't we have
a gay president the black slavery
movement inspired the women's liberation
movement the women's rights movement the
women's suffrage movement there was a
time in our story as human beings when
women were nothing there were
second-class citizens
there were third-class citizens they
were invisible they had no voices they
could not participate in public debates
they could not even walk beside their
men in some cultures because women were
shadows and extensions of their men and
other fathers today women's movement
against violence continues but women
have become Presidents and Prime
Minister's you have Merkel of Germany
Thatcher tae-hwan just elected his first
woman president trying when partying hey
now is president of South Korea this
country has had two presidents President
Corazon Aquino
and President Gloria macapagal-arroyo my
argument is if women who were shadows if
women who were extensions of their men
and fathers have become presidents and
prime ministers I ask you why can't we
have a gay president I wanted to
understand what makes a great president
I researched and I found the most
insightful in size of discourse written
by Karl Rove policy advisor to George W
Bush and in that discourse he enumerated
some traits of what makes a great
president
what makes a great president clarity of
vision consistency of purpose emotional
intelligence a healthy respect for
public opinion a great team nowhere in
that discourse will you find that you
have to be a straight man or
woman or LGBT to be a great president it
just have to be a human being to be a
great president ladies and gentlemen
indulge me here a bit let's have a
little fun imagine what a gay president
of the Philippines would do he would
probably appoint somebody like big Hong
Duterte - ambassador of the Vatican he
would have a lot of fun with Pope
Francis a gay president would not be
afraid to convince Archbishop Cruz to
come out of retirement and ahead the
Bureau of Customs he will clean up that
agency in less than 24 hours
Archbishop Cruz loves trouble he loves
getting into the fray a gay president
would probably create an anti corruption
department headed by the impervious by
the incorruptible women of be CIJ a gay
president would probably appoint
somebody like Senator little Lapidus
permanent representative to the United
Nations so that people may know that as
a people we are quiet and we don't talk
a gay president who would probably
appoint somebody like Miss Universe 2015
Pia wurtzbach ambassador to Colombia so
that people may know that we don't bear
grudges and remember the table and the P
DAF are natural enemies of the badeff
seriously now a gay president will
nurture and strengthen the Filipino
family a gay president will be a servant
leader a gay president will subscribe to
the concept of politics being the art of
impossible and not the possible vaclav
havel
specially if the impossible is for the
good of all a gay president will
prioritize the FOI the freedom of
information bill the anti-discrimination
bill a gay president will not be afraid
to be a great president ladies and
gentlemen we have some of the most
passionate some of the most driven some
of the most brilliant intelligent some
of the most qualified
and some of the most inspiring some of
the most transformative leaders in the
LGBT community one of them is just
waiting in the wings waiting for his
turn to be the next president of this
country one of them
in conclusion allow me to rephrase my
question from why can't we have a gay
president so can we have a gay president
can we have a gay president yes we can
can we have a gay president yes we can
because like every woman like every man
in this theater in this country in this
world the presidency is our destiny it
is our birthright can we have a gay
president yes we can yes we will yes we
must and why do I say this with
impregnable clarity
ladies and gentlemen towards towards
history and common sense thank you
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