My Friend Roniel
I am a homophobic or I used to be homophobic. I never thought that I would make friends with a gay person. I never liked my sister’s friends who are gay. I see them as rowdy, noisy and they seem to suck in all the attention even if they are making fools of themselves. I never really understood them. I was never comfortable on being with a homo even during college. Maybe it was because of my catholic upbringing or the fact that I grew up in an all-girl school. I do not know really. Maybe it’s my defense mechanism.. since I am boring, they may not want to make friends with me. They seem to want only girls who are exciting and who exudes life and loves life just like them.
My eyes have been opened. Now, with Roniel, I am having the best time of my life. I understand why my sister loves to have gay men around her. You tend to forget all your problems when you are with them. You just laugh and laugh and laugh some more. That’s how it is with my friend, Roniel. He speaks the truth and the truth doesn’t hurt when he says it. It doesn’t matter that he is loud coz I am being loud with him. It doesn’t matter anymore. I am no longer ashamed of myself.
I remember telling my sister che how I will never ever have a gay friend. I spoke too soon. I love how Roniel is now and I hope he never changes. He enters a room and we all smile because he does it with grace every time. That’s how it is with Roniel.
Now I understand I’m beginning to understand my sister.
