Homeless Golden Gays on ‘I-Witness’

CEBU, Philippines - Tonight on “I-Witness,” Jay Taruc meets the “homeless golden gays.”

The “Home for the Golden Gays” was established in the 80s by the late controversial politician and gay rights activist from Pasay City, Justo Justo. He envisioned it to be a haven for gay men in their old age who have neither a family nor a home in Metro Manila.

Most of the homeless gay men were from far away provinces who left home to escape the cruelties

inflicted on them by their own families. They found a new hope and love inside this home for the golden gays. But just three years ago, the home closed down after the passing of Justo Justo.

Some of the old gays were fortunate enough to receive help from good Samaritans. But others are left with no choice but to go back to the streets where Justo found them.

For 80-year-old Noehlito, he does not want to go back to his native Cotabato. He left his home when he was still a teenager because his family could not accept him for being homosexual. At present, a family of ten adopted him. Here, he found a loving home. In return, he collects and sells plastic bottles and sells cigarettes to augment the family's financial needs.

Rejection is also a sad reality for fellow Mindanaoan “Rica,” 75 years old.  His own mother could not accept him for being gay. His deep regret is he was not able to settle the issue he had with his mother before she died. Now, he lives alone in a storage space in Pasay City. He sweeps the streets and is given one thousand a month.

Growing old as a gay man, alone, proves to be a bitter pill to swallow for some of the “golden gays," something they are almost ready to accept as they live the last years of their lives. But they are still hopeful that one day, a piece of legislation can somehow make their lives better, giving them a brighter future.

Join Jay Taruc in his journey to learn more about the struggles of the golden gays on “I-Witness” this Saturday after “Celebrity Bluff” on GMA-7. (PR) (FREEMAN)