I can’t believe it’s still taboo to see same-sex people kissing on TV. Recently, Eat Bulaga! was praised for showing a gay couple kissing on-air. It’s a first on noontime history considering our country’s strict Catholic and conservative beliefs.
That said though, several netizens didn’t appreciate the display and called it immoral. Some allegedly called on the MTRCB to issue a warning because there were kids watching. Um, okay, what’s so wrong about two people kissing? They’re a regular couple and they’re in love!
The problem is as much as we say we accept the LGBTQ+ community, many still think it’s wrong for them to show affection publicly. They are humans who are allowed to walk in society, but only given credit if they are the life of the party. When it comes to their relationships, it’s considered a sin. If it is accepted, they shouldn’t show how much they love each other in front of others.
It’s a conundrum that shouldn’t exist. Imagine if this same dialog applied to heterosexual relationships.
Oh, wait it does.
Remember when we were kids and our parents would cover our eyes whenever the lead man and woman would kiss on TV? They would tell us, “You’re too young to see that!” And when a sex scene comes on, you’re practically kicked out of the room.
We were taught at an early age that such acts were inappropriate, even though it’s the most human thing ever. Adults were scared we would grow up kissing random people and having sex before marriage. It would be funny if they sent a letter to these shows and actors, telling them they’re setting a bad example for kids. You know, like what they’re doing with the LGBTQ+ community.
When we get older, we’re told this kind of affection—holding hands or kissing—between two straight people is “what love looks like.” How is it any different for same-sex couples? The only similarities they have is that people get uncomfortable with both hetero and homosexual kissing. But the acceptance for the latter still needs work.
It may be cheesy to say, but love is love regardless of one’s gender preference. If you feel uncomfortable by what you see, you can look away. You don’t have to be disrespectful about it.
Art by Marian Hukom
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