Senatorial bet Heidi Mendoza's stance on same-sex marriage draws ire from LGBTQ+ community

Members of LGBTQ+ community react

Her remarks drew mixed reactions, including criticism from some members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as content creator Sassa Gurl, who previously supported the senatorial bet.

"Iginagalang ko po ang tindig ni Mam Heidi Mendoza hingil sa usapin ng marriage equality kaya ikinalulungkot ko pong ipinapaalam na binabawi ko po ang aking suporta," she wrote on X. 

Mendoza and Sassa had a meeting in March to talk about the SOGIE Equality Bill and look into its existing provisions.

"A qualified no is not a no. As promised anak, I am willing to listen," the senatoriable wrote on X, posting photos with Sassa. 

Meanwhile, Drag Race Philippines season 1 star Eva Le Queen said that Mendoza's statement made it out like there's no need for a SOGIE Equality bill because there are other ways to address issues faced by LGBTQ+ couples.

"Maling mali. Habang gamit na gamit ang mga bakla sa campaigns niya like Sassa Gurl. I can't get over this heartbreak t*****a. Disappointing sobra," she wrote, adding that despite this, she's considering to still vote for Mendoza because of her "competence."

"Miss meym hindi lang po hatian ng properties, insurance or benefits ang habol namin, we are fighting for equal recognition," added Drag Race Philippines season 2 winner Captivating Katkat. "'Yung [pwede] ring kilalanin ng batas ang same sex couples, 'yung hindi na namin kailangan pang mag-aadjust gaya ninyo. Pa-experience din po kami ng ganun meym!"

Actor Phi Palmos, on the other hand, shared a list of other candidates in the Makabayan slate who are for SOGIE Equality bill and same-sex marriage.

"Tayo na naman maga-adjust?! Tama na po. Iwan na iwan na tayo. Taiwan at Thailand. Juskodai. Gising gising din," he wrote.

Others defended Mendoza, adding that her stance on the issue shouldn't lead to her being "canceled."

"Gets ko 'yung frustration ng community sa stand ni Heidi Mendoza, [but] to cancel her, and worse withdraw support is too much. Kaya tayo natatalo, masyado tayong idealistic. Gusto natin lahat aligned sa gusto natin," one user chimed in.

"Walang perpektong kandidato, her lone opinion won't shake the entire Senate especially if same-sex marriage takes center stage again. May mas deserve batikusin at i-kancel than Ms. Heidi Mendoza," another said.

"Fellow bahaghari kay Heidi pa rin!" one user commented on Facebook. "I was hurt but I am willing to endure the pain through a collective mindset. I would rather have an honest woman in government who can stand on her principles than corrupt politicians who support my fellow kabahaghari pero trapo at walang paninindigan."

Mendoza reacts

Since going viral, Mendoza has issued a few statements on LGBTQ+ individuals expressing the withdrawal of their support.

"Maraming salamat pa rin. Ikaw ang nagbukas ng aking saloobin at nagmulat ng aking mata sa aking pagkukulang," she wrote in response to Sassa's statement.

"Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa mga nasaktan at nadisappoint pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ko kinikilala ang inyong karapatan at hindi ko pinapakinggang ang inyong mga hinaing."

The senatorial candidate then went on to say that she would continue her goal to keep an eye on the nation's budget and would help the community in that way.

"Bahagi ng tungkulin ng Senado ay balangkasin ang budget upang siguruhin ang tamang paghahati-hati, tamang pag-gastos, tamang pag-gamit ng pera ng bayan para sa lahat ng nangangailangan. Sabi mo (Sassa) nga, baklang kanal tayo pero hindi tayo dapat nakatira sa literal na kanal. Sisikapin ko 'yun, kahit hindi ako mapunta sa Senado!" she ended.

Mendoza is a certified public accountant who has served as COA commissioner from 2011 to 2015 and as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services.