Although conventional rings can be used by any couple to express their commitment to one another, the LGBTQIA+ community is not influenced by this since marriage equality is not yet legalized in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, a few same-sex couples in Quezon City are making a difference and are genuinely taking the next step forward by “preposing” to their partners using a Right to Care Card!
Similar to typical prenuptial videos, each couple has shared videos on social media demonstrating how they proposed to their partners using a Right to Care Card, which formally enables LGBTQIA+ partners to make decisions for their partners in the event that they are hospitalized or require medical attention. Previously, this right was only available to heterosexual married couples, if they were not their immediate family.
Rea Leen shared the preposal video of her long-term partner via Facebook post, thanking Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for giving them an opportunity like this. “For [those] outside Quezon City, I hope your city will have this too soon, and maybe in entire Philippines. Let’s spread love and enjoy!”, she shares.
Watch Rea’s Preposal here: [https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1766519250491149]
Winch, who also shared their preposal to their partner, Anne, also expressed similar sentiments while thanking the Quezon City government for this initiative. “Isa itong malaking step para sa lahat ng LGBT couples na magkaroon ng karapatang legal na maalagaan ang aming mga partners,” they said through the caption posted.
Watch Winch’s Preposal here: [https://www.tiktok.com/@kain.mars/video/7336049700245605637?_r=1&_t=8jvQBzzgjBK]
Both couples also attended the fourth iteration of Quezon City’s commitment ceremony, with over 200 LGBTQIA+ couples participating. Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated during the ceremony that this is a way to fulfill the city’s promises since it passed the Gender-Fair Ordinance a decade ago.
Fifteen couples received their Right to Care Cards during the event, marking the first time they had done so since registering a year ago. More information will be dispersed shortly, according to the Gender and Development Office in Quezon City. In the meanwhile, individuals who have not yet received their card can provide a copy of their Special Power of Attorney contracts at hospitals.
Being the first city in Asia to do so, Quezon City created a stir when it introduced the project during Pride month in 2023. Over 700 LGBTQIA+ couples had registered for the Right to Care Card as of February 2024. You can register for the card online bit.ly/RightToCareReg or at the Quezon City Gender and Development Council office.
More proposal videos:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zTGtfAJiFdhnwUda/?mibextid=w8EBqM
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=952309522922798&id=100058742288463&mibextid=w8EBqM
https://www.tiktok.com/@mailabarleta/video/7335883669778844934?_r=1&_t=8juR4nvBk7G
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=266943226439223
For Additional reference and postings:
X: https://twitter.com/RightToCareCard/status/1759787227947901303
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RightToCareCard/posts/327409023598934
No Comments