Amidst the struggles they face every day, this gay couple found no reason to let any thing stand against their love for each other.
Gay marriage, as we all know, is not yet legal in the Philippines. But, little did you know, an unlikely setting from the New People's Army made it possible.
According to Facebook post shared by Thomas van B.,
"On February 4 2005, the New People's Army (NPA) conducted the first same-sex marriage in the Philippines. Two guerilla fighters who have participated in the armed struggle against the pro-U.S. regime in Manila, Ka Andres and Ka Jose, exchanged their vows before their comrades, friends, and local villagers."
The symbolistic ceremony showed that their love and their cause represent the couple. In this light, Ka Andres and Ka Jose held the hands of one another with a bullet held inside as a sign of their commitment not just to their other half but also, of course, to the armed struggle.
As romantic it may sound to others, however, their wedding didn't save itself from rumors and condemnations. Representatives from the Philippine government said they lack religion and even a Spokesperson for Air Force generals allegedly said, "this proves that they have no god and their morality is very much in question."
Ka Andres and Ka Jose's love story hit the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The couple backfired with their statements,
"Gay cadres adhere to the strong party discipline. They enhance the prestige of gays in the movement. This has gained positive results through the years. Comrades (male and female) and even the masses have learned to repect and recognize gays and their contribution to the revolution." said Ka Andres.
Ka Jose also followed up with his statement,
"What we have to do now- with the help of the party- is to work on our marriage and to be strong while serving the people."
Years after, under unfortunate events, Ka Jose passed away from liver illness and Ka Andres left the movement.
Up until now, gay rights group and progressive organizations support the fight to propose same-sex marriage in the Philippines.
Source: TNP
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