Bautista: Pride

PRIDE it was to see students from Tarlac State University find a way to march during graduation despite being told that they couldn't if they cross dressed.

Requirement for boys was black pants, shoes and a barong. It was too easy for this boy who followed the rules but instead, designed his pants and barong in a couture kind of way and looked like an elegant woman and it didn't seem like he had cross dressed. It did look good on him and I would still doubt it if they wouldn't allow the boy to march.

It was always my pride to have taught alongside very talented and intelligent persons. From elementary to high school then college, they taught me well as they also taught very well. Better in fact than many of their female counterparts. Pride.

As a human resource practitioner, I would always have my bias. I know I shouldn't even be as an HR guy, but I was really more inclined to hire Juan more than anyone else. They were the most creative and talented I could find. It wasn't very difficult to deal with them.

Come to think of it, it was they who were also single, the best teachers they say we're the single Juans. They were just married to their job and careers and only the students in mind as their children. Makes sense now.

As chairman of the Regional Police Office Advisory Council in Camp Dangwa, I am so proud to have alongside me in the council a member of the LGBTQ, the first in the country. We were given some recognition for it and adjudged the best in the country as an advisory council. Pride.

I was very much honored lately to be asked to share a message for the whole LGBTQ community. I asked why me? They said that it would mean a lot to them knowing that as a former mayor I could share in their pride. I however was out of town, they still insisted, I did a video message instead for them. They were so happy and thankful.

In HR, I also learned that there is some truth to the bias that I have. It is learned that HR would rather hire them than a straight man or woman, why? It is explained that in the workplace there has been stories of intrigue and controversy between co-workers, and marriages have been destroyed from relationships in the office.

Sorry to divulge some secrets and maybe Juan might not accept what is but this is reality today. In HR it is not also proper to ask whether Juan is in a relationship or not. But to be hired allow me to share some hacks for eventual employment.

For a male, wear your wedding ring, it represents responsibility and obligation, a plus. But a negative for a married woman, keep that ring, it will mean for HR the same as the men, responsibility and obligation, but for women who eventually become mothers it will mean some time at home when kids are sick and also more benefits by the employers. Please don't get mad at me, this I'm just sharing. Of course there are some considerations and exemptions, I am just sharing some practices in our field.

The third sex as they have become also have less intrigue in the workplace. As I have said they are married to their jobs and do a good job at it more than any of us.

I have a first cousin in the States, married and with children. He married his partner a successful lawyer. They take care of children born from their immigrant housemaid and helper who could be deported anytime. Still they adopted her children and now take good care of them with a home and schooling, just like their own. Like any Lolo and Lola would have it, my Uncle and Auntie, do "apostolic" duties to their new grandchildren. At first it was difficult for them to know, but now it makes for even a better story when two people love each other and would even help another. What a family. Pride.

Now that I'm a part of the university, we have been discussing about having shared comfort rooms for everyone. In the school of hospitality which I help establish in UB, it could not be what it is today if not for my co-teachers and students with all their creative minds to make it the best.

As publisher of SunStar Baguio, I have always asked that we feature the talents of what our city has to offer, now Baguio being a Creative City for Unesco. I have tasked Doctor Brenda of Oshare to make sure that there will always be a feature of their creativity. SunStar is also the official partner of the National Commission for Culture and Arts together with University of Baguio. Pride.

Social events and programs won't be as much successful if not for our friends. Anniversaries, weddings, debuts and balls are always made memorable because it is always given that "touch" which I don't and make it what it is when it is done by them.

Indeed the colors of the rainbow will forever be raised and showcase that you are now a force to be reckoned with in today's society. Walk with pride it is you who brings colors to our lives. Be proud. June is your month of PRIDE.