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A LIFELONG JOURNEY Philippine Copyright 2019 by Roy Mark Azanza Corrales and RMAC BLOOMING PUBLISHING All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below. RMAC BLOOMING PUBLISHING
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Printed in the Republic of the Philippines
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Dedicated to humanity who accepts , lives out the experience and makes the world a better place for everyone
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Table of Contents Page Copyright page
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Dedication Page
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Table of Contents
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Introduction
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Identity Discovery
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Daily Pressures
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Internalized Homophobia
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Integration and Acceptance
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Call to Action
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Social Support System
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Minority Stress Model
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Interventions based Minority Stress
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Coming Out
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Collective Action
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Alternative Course for Change
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Toward a Legislation Progress
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Embracing the “Pride�
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Resilience outlook midst the life pressures as a human being
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A Lifelong Journey
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References
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Acknowledgements
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About the Author
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“ …A Lifelong Journey Coming out as LGBTQ does not happen just once. It is a lifelong process of discovering, accepting, and sharing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity with others. In our society, we usually assume that everyone is heterosexual and lives in their birth gender. LGBTQ people must continually decide under what circumstances and to whom they will disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. Coming out is an important step in self-acceptance and in fostering emotional, physical, and spiritual health. For LGBTQ people, coming out helps end the pain of secrecy and isolation…..”
“The Stages of Coming Out “Strong Family Alliance (https: strongfamilyalliance.org)
Introduction The movement of humanity in its understanding one may always yield in the dynamics of every endeavor withstanding the tremors of every event happening though it may experience to conform to the valiant ways for the possibilities with encountering selves into the peaceful coexistence. Though it may come to its decision made withstanding situations agitating that led into a period of isolation as well as denial modality which one lead into an undertaking to embrace a closeted life in its rubbles. It is the process of “coming out”. Furthermore, it is much embedded in the nature how one may perceive things in a life decision that a psychologist counselor once said that Coming out is commonly conceptualized as a one-time experience. The stereotype is often of a young LGBTQ+ individual coming to terms with their own identity, achieving self-acceptance, and deciding to disclose to everyone in their lives. In the best cases, they are met with love and acceptance, nowadays there may even be a party involved. This simplified view minimizes the complexity of coming out, which in reality is a series of coming out processes than encompass the lifespan. (“The Coming Out Cycle “ A Modern Mentality Psychology Today Ali 2018) The coming cycle (Ali, 2018) discussed numerous factors to consider in making a decision from its own awareness including its own assessment see Figure 1 Coming Out Cycle
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Ali, 2018 Psychology Today Figure 1 Coming Out Cycle
The cyclic momentum thrilling the mental health of a LGB in its everyday existing always doing in the cyclic loop in day to day existence. To come out indeed is indeed a series of coming out in different scenarios or different situations allaying the three times possibilities on mental health of concerned LGB which the coming cycle comes to interplay in the lives of concerned individual in everyday decision making as “proud and out “embracing “pride” fully (Ali, 2018)
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IDENTITY DISCOVERY Immediate steps for a person in the flow of its own identification Surely the birth assignment written in its certification of an existence Marking into the individuality salient in one’s own mark up Gathering into the harnessing into the passage of its own path
Pattern of own closure including in the passage of harvesting life lessons Forging the intimacy from its own childhood rearing for avenue Swapping among the filial members implementation unto a life Gathering in the core experiences of being a human person
Working out the internal affairs in the hype of things Transpiring undergoing the substantial collective arranging Going into the heart of exchanges garnering Lucid thoughts of a past accumulating
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DAILY PRESSURES Seeing everyday activities in day to day living Matching out human’s stubbornness in every possible way Far fetching exchanges engraving in the nature of things assimilating Doing what is essentially withstanding daily routine
Agitation from all surrounding seemingly endless cycle Pointing to direction where the person going through Whisking always the inner pressure to see beyond the self-concept Clarifying the end of every means in grown unto life lessons
Generating interference how life one makes Extracting the known corners still not enough to consider Imitating expanding the angle of life passage in different settings Evaluating immensely on each coarser so lovely
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Internalized Homophobia Facing the daily basis of existence Seeing the basic family set up as a heteronormative setup Seen how people truly discriminate in any possibility Such sexuality in its rigors on restraint in numbered times unmonitored Promoting self-harm immensely be curbed at its thought level Encountering the internalized homophobia within The immensity of human lives at stake Seen in the highway of living to a new turnaround Seen to be the heartened effect on the lives of very person transforming Homophobia still existing outside the human person as well as within happening A reality to embrace and turnaround at its end
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INTEGRATION AND ACCEPTANCE The acknowledgement of Self-acceptance in a lifetime Manifesting in every word every thought and every action Realizing immensely into the core being of a well-adjusted individual Duality of inner sanctum as well as outside world relation seen as a reality Filial ties as well as professional roundabout It is evolving in the praxis of Awareness Embedding in the Decision with partaking the Assessment of all situation It is cyclic mechanism one may engaging in its life crossing over Of a person undergoing in its lifetime matrix
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CALL TO ACTION The Normative collective action plan seen in the steps for human endeavors Surely the nominal step for every person seen in the latent stages Merely passing in the heart for every attempt seen futile in lack of support Seen in great spirit for the humankind understanding in the depth of a humanity
Moving beyond the means in the heart of human adventure Pursuit of human spirit unquenched in its expansion In evoking its core elements seen in far greater action Lucid thought lingering in its horizon for change in action
Moving far the latent stages in the gender expression as well as gender identity Expanded as for sexual orientation lingers deep in one soul Humanity still ignore the plain language of self-identification For development of advancing humanity in this Aegean age
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SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM A double edge sword existing in making into a normative norm Seeing the things eye to eye meeting on the jet plane of an existence Clearly it is the timing for the integration how one may take into consideration Surely it is an endeavor worthy to live by the rationale of an existence in filial set up
Taking the issue in varied ways to see the thing through Maintaining the perspective how everything is being dealt with Discussing for the better dialogue in the undertaking Surely the uphill struggle as well as the downhill struggle
Enacting at times in merely voicing out the inner tidings of a person Shared in the abode or simply called home in the making of bond Earmarking the event for discussion in relation for betterment of family ties Enacting the health wellbeing for the familial spirit sharpening
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MINORITY STRESS MODEL Realizing one’s identity as well as its own expression salient in an undertaking of a human being Salient passages of life triggers assimilate in its understanding for the minority group Encompassing population distinguishing factors of high-level proportion alienated a person In its self-identification what having to its own characterization on high concentration
Such stressors always present in the heteronormative societal status quo Allaying the minority seeking sense of belonginess as well as sense of community Building an inclusive society in the dynamisms of its own diversity Pursuing such pursuits for great good for all concerned persons
Such effects on lives of the minority group seen in its allied cases for health concerns Meeting the demand for it which is a collective effort for one to realize Maintaining the need for various parts of society in achieving its blissful peacefully Deterrent means always seen in various ways to allay the sense of peaceful coexistence
Maintain the want to address the same grounds for every person Addressing the essential be seen in all levels of human strata Existing is plain speaking just mere jargon to state with Falling over the need of other for other be seen in them
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INTERVENTIONS BASED ON MINORITY STRESS Circumstances leading to its own allayed health concerns Meeting the impact on its level for its own interventions Consequently, the concerned parties always regarded to its own Reducing its effect on its concerned not to be ridicule deepens
Figuring out a coping mechanism addressed in its consultation session Allaying the predominated stressors on its lives affected Meeting the demands how one may coexist predominately the culture of a society Motivating and understanding the concerned party
Prevalence the recurring incidences transpiring in their lives All concerned effort seen in addressing the same incident be clarified and addressed Meeting the heart and the well of concerned seen be a future light Attending the need of concerned party for making a difference in a lifetime
Focused endeavors how lives changed and coped with the interventions Meeting the heart and the mind of a human being enlivening in a society Matching the concerted effort for one and another basically collectively happening Arriving a peaceful world making indeed a difference of human being
Intervention Sites “Minority Stress and the Health of Sexual Minorities� Meyer and Frost. Handbook of Psychology and Sexual Orientation APA 18, 259 APA Copyright 2013
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COMING OUT Pretest and pretext on event happening Totally need be assessed at all cost center Weighing options on its eventualities discreetly Seeing beyond the peripherals of all sorties Divulge the engagement on “process� way Right timing so it seems a clincher Seen to see the scene a skylark pigeon fly An indulgence to be seen majority of humanity A come-out story elaborating as a lifelong journey
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COLLECTIVE ACTION Withstanding situations that aggravates people affected for mere discrimination Collective connected to make course of action seen in the lives of other people per se Meeting the individuals truly involved in this endeavor happening in the time of its element Moving far beyond the cornerstone of each identification in latent stages
Forging in the headway of its own existence happening in its course of an avenue Motivating further in the deep seeded encounter how one may live to be a shade of tree Seen in the lives change for the engaging division in relation to other selves Moving immensely to the heart of tenement seen growth
Manifesting in the gathering for humanity Endeavors seen in the jargon of exchanges Highlighted in the pleasantries of human existence Seen in collective action for human race
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ALTERNATIVE COURSE FOR CHANGE To change is something different yet yielding innumerable results Seen in the heart for existence life changing moments clearly manifested May the development of human development have gotten an engagement For it necessitates more immensity for the course of human race
The sincere heart of human development for collective action Manifesting in the alternative course action for change Seen in the modest elements for the human attempt Clashing in the shared section in human race
Seeking approval in the regard lining for human being Seeing the sliver lining in lives affected affectionately Enduring in the concerted endeavor sighted Colors in the highway of lifetime
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TOWARD A LEGISLATION PROGRESS Advocacies transform society in its progress Making the visible sign of change happening Moving the rigors of living enchanting the psyche Triggering events seen to face in the legislative progress
Moving immensely from the latent thrives Matching the development of human spirit in its true context Foregoing the initiative of people surrounding Life progress immensely seen by the people at large
Seen how lives are changed in its legislative rigors The mental health of concerned surely affected massively The heteronormative elements seen as an obstruction In the development of inclusive society as dream of mere mortal humanity
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EMBRACING THE “PRIDE” Stonewall in the 60’s time for the turn of half century Motivating the advocacy human being relation for equality Manifesting and seeking the gateway for endeavors Edging the love affair human race in its undertaking The apologia of “Pride” existed for such inequality inconceivable Midst the enduring plan for human movement Seeking the inner dimension of human endurance Clearly manifesting in the core of human bustle The pride engagement seen the human salute encompassing humanity such rarity A grace in acceptance midst the trivial tales of human endurance Making awareness a key with its own assessment seen a great change Into a decision worth more than a lifetime existing essentially
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RESILIENCE OUTLOOK MIDST THE LIFE PRESSURES AS A HUMAN BEING Growing up midst in the heart of known pressures Regarded much seeking the lives of many shared Circumstance prevailing how one perceived Social life always seen in its undertaking Social media lives affecting in each posting Allaying from left right and even center Seeing the negation on a life point Effect on a self so tremendous to point a phobia within Internalized phobia within prevailing To point of concealment as well as full denial Just to please people front center and even at the back Acceptance of oneself and support system from all concerns Life may take in a different twist and turn Seeing oneself who are true to a self with other selves Embracing life as it is and life is so short Making life worthy enriching meaningfully in this universe
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A LIFELONG JOURNEY A Journey in a lifetime longstanding A time for discovery and acceptance A time for immeasurable pressures Seeing beyond the context of living Going beyond the trials see the light at its end Seeing the true meaning of rainbow’s end Opening up discreetly on selected persons Always in the cyclic manner of a journey Awareness leading a Decision with due Assessment Reading between the lines of people instill the strong nature within To withstand the pressures of daily coexistence Surpassing much so unexpectedly Still an ongoing process to come out openly and proudly A lifelong journey that seeing the rainbow fulfilling a personhood
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REFERENCES Ali, S. “Coming Out Cycle “ A Modern Mentality Psychology Today 05 June 2018 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/201806/the-coming-out-cycle Ali, S. (2017). The coming out journey: A Phenomenological investigation of a lifelong process VISTAS. Meyer, I. H. (2015). Resilience in the study of minority stress and health of sexual and gender minorities. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2(3), 209-213. Meyer, I. H., & Frost, D. M. (2013). Minority stress and the health of sexual minorities. Handbook of psychology and sexual orientation, 252-266. Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological bulletin, 129(5), 674. Niolon, R. “ The Stages of Coming Out” Parents Reconciling Network http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/gay/comeout.html
Strong Family Alliance “ The Stage of Coming Out” https://www.strongfamilyalliance.org/parentguide/essential-info/the-stages-of-coming-out-at-any-age/
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Acknowledgements This edition would come to its existence as a product of tremendous effort from the following persons or entities: International Author and Poet, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo and Educator, Poet and Writer, Neneth Ramiro Rondera both of my beta readers citing suggestions for the manuscript considered in this collection; My Poet friend who is also my beta reader, Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa for her words of encouragements; Lance Duldulao Abellon, editor/proofreader and founder/spoken word artist of Laya Manila for editing and proofreading this edition; Pusong Makatang Association, Inc, Haraya International Group of Poets, Pentasi B World Poetry and Arts Foundation and Laya Manila poets and artists for their inspiration; Doc Penpen Bugtong Takipsilim also known as Epitacio R. Tongohan, MD who is the founder of Pentasi B World Poetry and Arts Foundation encourages the author in making poetry as expressed his own masterpieces to inspire the world rather the universe of encounters. Poet-Artist Roy Mark Corrales used this image https://pixabay.com/photos/path-rainbow-road-sky-landscape-845495/ by Artist Beata Komornikova for the cover of his book " A Life Long Journey".
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About the Author Roy Mark Azanza Corrales, commonly called by his peers or friends as simply Roy or Mark , has always been fond of reading books since he was studying his early basic education at Marist School , Marikina. The Marist High School Library, with its wide array of books becomes his haven. He then became associate editor of Reconciliare , the newsletter of University of La Sallete Seminary in Silang Cavite and was also a national literary editor of NFJPIA Newsletter. He had joined collegiate parliamentary debate and accounting quizzes. During his spare time , he made a point to write inspiration in a poetry genre. He studied BSBA Management Accounting at ABE International College of Business and Accounting in Cainta, Rizal. He was a former seminarian in a Franciscan all -male monastery named Adoration Friars of Saint Clare (AFC) where he acquired Frater Maximilian Marie of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, AFC as his religious name. There, he also become a secretary general of secretary of the community, and former catechist in a Diocese of Antipolo parish. The solace of solitude often invited him to discern and marvel about human existence and spirituality in making life more meaningful. After the awarding of PENTASI B HISTORICAL FORUM 2013, he underwent research and was able to contribute a press release entitled “Philippine: Poetry Hub of the World.” He also contributed to different anthologies like I am poetry, Verses: Typhoon Yolanda A Storm pf Philippine Poets (edited by Eileen Tabios), and many more. In 2013, he was able to organize a one-man poetry show at Library of World Art of Memories. He did the same in 2014 and in 2015, aside from the one-man poetry show, he also made his first visual poem and was posted at PENTASI B WORLD FRIENDSHIP POETRY named “humility.” Roy also served as an Administrator Moderator at PENTASI B WORLD FRIENDSHIP POETRY and Administrator at Aroma of Literature and Philosophy. Roy is a spoken word artist from Laya Manila since July 2017. Roy is currently a corporate secretary in ALGACROPS, INC. a family business engaged in exportation of dried seaweeds. Roy volunteered in the 2019 Metro Manila Pride and Festival “Resist Together “ served as Logistics and Registration Volunteer at Marikina Sports Complex last June 2019. Roy is currently engaged in publication of own works and other authors works through his own publishing company duly registered as RMAC BLOOMING PUBLISHING.
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A LIFELONG JOURNEY Moments of concealment seen in long time Sometime completely denial of known fact Body language and soul-searching demeanor manifesting Adjusting in the time space tenet sparkling a motivation kindle Awareness overflows leading into its own Assessment Leading to a Decision unexpectedly continually Induction Reduction anticipating replicating effects To a lifelong journey of A Human Being
Roy Mark Azanza Corrales
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