Here's a reaction from RV of Canada about the Piolo-Sam gay issue: “We want to comment on the statement of Piolo and Sam that being gay will damaged their reputation. Is there such statistics or study about this argument? Last time I checked even mainstream Hollywood produced a number of gay films that stars big bankable actors like Jake Gyllenhal and Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain" or "Desperate Housewives" star, Felicity Hoffman in Transamerica. Locally, Rustom Padilla’s career got resurrected after his dramatic coming out in Pinoy Big Brother. He followed this up with a string of successful films which included "Zsa Zsa Zaturnah" and "Happy Hearts." Even young actors nowadays don’t even hesitate to accept gay roles. Recent memorable roles were that of Dennis Trillo in "Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita," Eric Quizon in "Markova," "Comfort Women" and Nathan Lopez Jr. in Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. All of the above examples are a proof that gay roles don’t have negative career outcomes. If an actor is an openly gay this doesn’t mean failure.
In local scene Rustom Padilla’s career went on the upside after his coming out. Boy Abunda’s sexuality is a common knowledge and his career as a television hosts remains successful. In Hollywood, Lance Bass, the member of the music group In Sync, came out untarnished after he published an autobiographical book on his being gay. Another admitted gay, Neil Patrick Harris, the Doogie Howser star’s career is on the rise again with a new sitcom, How I Met Your Mother. Not to mention, Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres, both lesbians, who added extra drama into daytime television recently. O’Donnell with her departure from the View and Degeneres with her defiant support of her writers of her show as the writer’s strikes continue. Overall, I must say, if someone is gay nowadays, it’s an added edge! You’re officially included in the “IN” crowd. So all these comments about damaging one’s career is so baseless and so 70s! Their lawyer, Joji Alonzo, also said: “Earlier, Piolo went to the bathroom and Sam had to go the bathroom. We told him [Sam] to stay. Baka the next write-up is that you’re having sex in the bathroom. There’s paranoia already and that is very sad.”
This comment is totally out of line. Their lawyer is insinuating here that gay men normally commit sexual acts in public wash rooms. These kinds of comments are not acceptable particularly coming from their lawyer. This way of thinking is not paranoia, this is stereotyping of gays. Piolo also said: “We are suing because our dignity and integrity have been assailed…She has disrespected us as colleagues and as human beings and the only way left to restore this respect is through the courts of law. We do not know why she concocted such a blatant lie… And so, with humility in our hearts and faith in God’s divine justice, we now leave it for the courts to decide.” This last comment is quite dramatic. Only a very religious person would give such a righteous comment. Like a Latter Day Saints outreach worker? Perhaps. I can feel the negative message here. Like being gay is so bad. Evil. When someone calls you a fag, what would you do? What would you feel? If you’re Tom Cruise, what would you do if someone accused you of being gay? I came across an article about Mr. Cruise being featured in a gay magazine in the 80s. It was reported that Mr. Cruise bought all the remaining copies in existence of that old magazine. Btw, he didn’t sue anyone. He just let go.
Jodie Foster is rumored to be gay. She was featured in an article in Out Magazine about so called famous gay out actors in Hollywood together with Anderson Cooper. Both Foster and Anderson didn’t sue Out. I guess it’s only in the Philippines where actors like Piolo and Sam still feel so offended and they have to do something about it to stop the jokes and gossiping. I also disagree with their blatant stereotyping and negative view of gays. They may not directly say this but, just like the article that was written by Solis, they implied negatively that being GAY is something so bad. Piolo and Sam may think that they have been disrespected and yes, they do have the right to defend themselves, but their comments and action are also disrespectful to so many of their gay fans. Fans who like myself buy their musics and films. Fans who write about them in their daily blogs. Fans who collect theirs photos and articles. Both Piolo and Sam must learn to respect their fans before they earn the respect that they are seeking. We are aware that both are born again Christians. I wonder what would be their views about homosexuality. Would they consider me and hundered of their fans sinners? In conclusion, being gay is not a negative thing. It can NOT damage someone’s career. Not all gay men are George Michael! We don’t all go to public washrooms to have sex! Stereotyping of homosexuals must stop. Respect is given to those who respect other human beings. Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby have hundreds of gay fans. They all deserve respect too.” - Mario Bautista, People Journal, November 21 2007 (READ MORE)
