A Punch to the Moon: Dreams, Love, and SOGIE Equality

written by Johann Leonero and Russel Clint Francis So

Photo from freepik.com

As a child, growing up it was always been a dream of mine to find true love. As I enter my formative years, I’ve always been eager to have a partner, the one. But I knew too well that it was going to be a punch to the moon considering that I am a transgender woman growing up in an environment with conservative social norms and with the fear of being discriminated and judged for my ability to live my truth isn’t far from life’s truth. what his family might think of him once they meet me. We flew to Zamboanga and the moment we stepped out of the plane he’d always look at me while holding my hand which made me at ease. As soon as I was introduced, I was welcomed with open arms and treated me like family immediately. I hope my story inspires the trans community to keep believing. I want to send a message of hope and a love filled future. A future wherein we’ll have legal rights with your interests fearlessly, and be relentless in finding what suits you. Also, remember to learn restraint and acknowledge your limitations. Nurture and prioritize yourself, that will lead to success. As long as I live, I will go above and beyond the advocacy to champion for change. Let’s not be silenced by fear. At the end of the day, what keeps us winning is how we live our lives. Regardless of what the general public might say, it is our overall well-being that’s important. They don’t own us or our

Now, as an adult it became more apparent that finding true love is just a fleeting delusion. I was in my thirties and losing hope more than ever. It wasn’t until I spoke to a colleague of mine wherein, I was reminded to believe in love, to believe that someone is capable of loving all of me, and my truth. Then I finally met someone, my beau. He saw me as me and loved me truly. In all asthe person we choose to spend the rest of our lives with, the rights to take care of our partners if they are in medically compromised state, the opportunity to serve the country with the armed forces for the trans community, and the ability to pursue higher education without negotiating one’s gender expression is something to be hopeful about. It is time and it is now. lives. pects, he made me feel safe and secured. He was faithful to me and I was faithful to him. I started believing again, that there are people that’s capable of loving me, a transgender woman. Some people may label our relationship as a sin but if you’re not stepping on other people’s lives and pursuing a purpose driven life then you’re able embody your fate by sharing love and kindness to the world. After being together for several months he told me that he wanted to introduce me to his family. I was nervous, not because I was hesitant to meet his family but for I’d like to emphasize the importance of SOGIE education and equality. It will initiate dialogues about human rights that’ll ultimately lead to change. Is it about time? Yes. We need to be acknowledged. We must have the rights we rightfully deserve. To my trans sisters and brothers, do not be afraid to express yourself, move forward, and one day we’ll achieve true acceptance. Remember, let’s also be thankful for the efforts of our predecessors who have fought to achieve what we have now. To the LGBTQIA+ youth, cherish your youth, pursue Don't go through life. Grow through life. Eric Butterworth 12 12