28/06/2026
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We are proud of you with our hearts and soul β¨
Feature | THE COLORS OF COURAGE
βBeing myself is the bravest choice I make every day.β β Carl Patrick Abong quoted.
For some people, being different is unusual. For others, it is simply a way of expressing who they truly are. But for Carl Patrick Abong, a Bachelor of Public Administration student at City College of San Jose del Monte and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community,it meant navigating a world not always ready for them. For Carl, embracing his identity became both his greatest challenge and his ultimate source of strength.
From childhood, Carl already knew that he was attracted to the same gender. βHindi ko sure kung anong year, pero sure akong bata pa lang ako, na-a-attract na ako sa same gender. I'm having a, you know, attraction, na be-betan ko, nagugustuhan ko yung mga kalaro ko na mas matanda sa'kin,β he shared.
For Carl, those early feelings were both exciting and confusing. The person he admired was also his churchmate, which made his experience more complicated. Growing up in a Christian environment where same-s*x relationships were rarely discussed or accepted, he found himself keeping his feelings hidden. Despite the secret admiration, he remembers the thrill of discovering a part of himself that he could not ignore, he's slowly understanding who he really is.
As he slowly grew older, Carl faced a deeper struggle in aligning his gender identity with his faith and family background. βSuper naging challenging siya. Yung pagiging part ng Christian community, kasi ayun nga, my whole family are Born Again Christians. Ako rin, Born Again Christian, but I'm also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Naging hard siya kasi hindi open yung family ko sa usaping ganoon. Hindi nila tanggapβI mean, wala silang magagawa, pero at the same time, hindi pa rin nila tanggap. Iniiwasan nila yung mga ganoong topic about me being part of that community.β He added.
Even with challenges brought by his own faith, Carl was able to manage these obstacles and proving that being gay is not a sin, it is a part of him that no one, even his parents could stop him from embracing who he really is, and the person who he is willing to be with the help of the community. Carl refused to let others define who he should be. Instead, he chose to embrace his identity and continue living authentically.
Along the way, he found benefit, comfort, and support within the LGBTQIA+ community. More importantly, it helped him discover the people who genuinely accepted him. βSo masasabi ko na the biggest benefit ko is doon ko nakilala kung sino yung mga totoong nagmamahal sa'kin, not because of ganito ganiyan, pero minahal nila ako because they respect me sa kung ano akoβsa kung ano yung pinapakita ko, kasi I'm very vocal sa kung ano ako. Doon ko nakita kung sino yung talagang rumirespeto sa'kin, sino talagang kinikilala ako as part of the community. Tapos doon ko rin nakita yung love ng siblings ko na kahit they're very religious din, pero kapatid nila ako, parang, 'Tanggap kita kasi kapatid kita; hindi nagma-matter kung part ka man ng LGBT community or not.β He continued.
For Carl, acceptance did not come from everyone, but it came from the people who mattered most and most especially, his own selfacceptance. With the help of the community, he was able to see and to know who really respects and loves him as a person. He also said that being accepted even just by his siblings already made a big impact on him, especially when he was able to share his life with them. It gave him huge confidence knowing that in his family, someone is still supporting him in what he really wants. With the help of his siblings, he was able to be comfortable sharing his stories about his crushes.
Their acceptance reminded him that love can exist beyond differences and beliefs. It also showed him that family support, even from a few people, can make a lasting impact.
As a student leader and advocate, Carl has also encountered misconceptions about the LGBTQIA+ community within school premises. One of the most common misunderstandings, he said, revolves around gender expression and s*x roles.
βPeople think na para kaming heteros*xuals na kung sino yung feminine, sila yung bottom, kung sino yung masculine, sila yung top, but it's not,β Carl explained.
For him, this misconception may seem minor to some, but it reflects a lack of understanding about the diversity that exists within the community. He emphasized that a person's femininity or masculinity does not determine their role in a relationship. According to him, a feminine individual can be dominant, while a masculine individual can be submissive. Ultimately, these roles depend on personal preferences rather than outward appearance.
By speaking openly about these misconceptions, Carl hopes to encourage more conversations that promote awareness and understanding among students. He believes that education is one of the most effective ways to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Beyond addressing misconceptions, Carl also highlighted the significance of Pride Month in the lives of many LGBTQIA+ individuals. For him, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and movements that paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of the community today.
βVery important siya kasi inaalala natin yung paghihirap, yung mga reason ng pagtanggap,β he shared.
Carl believes that Pride Month creates opportunities for people to learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues and rights. Through discussions, campaigns, and educational initiatives, more individuals become informed about topics such as equality, inclusion, and the proposed SOGIESC Bill. He sees this growing awareness as a positive step toward building a society where people are treated with dignity regardless of their s*xual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
His advocacy extends beyond words. Carl actively participates in Pride-related activities, including the Love Laban Pride March, where he joined the celebrations in 2024 and 2025 and plans to participate again in 2026. Within the school community, he has also been involved in promoting gender-inclusive initiatives. As a former secretary of CC-Barangaw, now known as CC Urduja Kinalakian, he helped push for gender-affirmative uniform policies that would allow students to wear uniforms that align with their gender identity.
For Carl, these efforts are not merely about policies but about ensuring that every student feels seen, respected, and valued. He believes that giving students a voice and advocating for their rights can help create a safer and more welcoming educational environment.
Looking ahead, Carl hopes to see a shift in how society perceives the LGBTQIA+ community. He wishes for greater understanding, particularly from those who remain hesitant or opposed to accepting LGBTQIA+ individuals. More than anything, he hopes future generations will grow up in an environment where acceptance is not something that needs to be earned but something that is freely given.
Through his journey of self-discovery, faith, advocacy, and leadership, Carl Patrick Abong continues to demonstrate that authenticity is a source of strength. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains committed to living truthfully and encouraging others to do the same. His story serves as a reminder that embracing one's identity is not only an act of courage but also a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate community.
By: Joycefeith Antiga & Nhova Paraico
Visuals by: Jesserwin Camua
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