Monday, April 28, 2008 Seares: Mons Dakay and gays By Pachico A. Seares News Sense
MSGR. Achilles Dakay’s dig at homosexuality and current homosexual “celeb” Jan-jan has not set off tremors that one might have expected or feared.
There are reasons.
The Cebu Archdiocese media liaison officer blamed florist Jan-jan and his sexual habits and props for the Sotto Hospital scandal. But Mons didn’t insult the entire gay community though he was quite clear about church views on the subject.
Was Mons being homophobic? Did he hold irrational fear or hatred of what gays do? One can’t be sure. But he’s not anything close to that candidate for mayor in Houston, Texas.
Politician Louie Welch was a strong contender until a TV mike picked up his wisecracking about how to end the rash of Aids in his city: “Why don’t we just shoot the queers?” He was kidding but the “queers” there weren’t amused. He lost.
The gays in Cebu may not also be as sensitive to public criticism as their sisters elsewhere. Or they may not be a strong force outside beauty parlors and flower shops.
Were the few gays in public office elected by fellow gays’ voting clout? You don’t think so.
Defenders
Then there’s the strong religious sentiment that sent Catholic defenders calling radio talk shows to ward off any attack on Mons.
No, we’re still not in the time and temper in which a slander on homosexuality will prompt organized gays to unsheathe claws and gouge the slanderer’s eyes.
But let not the subdued response fool anyone. Central issue in the Jan-jan furor is still the abuse of his dignity in the O room. That’s where public interest lies.
