MAINSTREAMING The country’s LGBTQ community is now among the most active and organized sectors voicing out demands for equality, respect and inclusiveness, its colors in full display here for an event in Rizal Park, Baguio City, on June 19, 2021. —EV ESPIRITU
DUMAGUETE CITY — Miss International Queen Philippines 2023 candidates on Thursday, Feb. 2, turned over part of the proceeds of the recently concluded “breast augmentation for a cause” to the Golden Gays Manila, a home care facility for elderly LGBT+ members in the country.
Dr. Gorj Foz, a medical surgeon and a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, told the Inquirer that all of their patients who availed the breast augmentation for a cause acquired high-end and safe breast implants.
Aside from helping the elderly LGBTs, Foz said this is also an avenue for the medical community to educate transwomen of the readily available safe procedures for them
“Health care awareness should be well known and taught so that LGBTQIA+ members won’t be exploited for procedures that are not catered specifically for them” said Foz.
The organization turned over vitamins, groceries, and hygiene kits, among others, to the Golden Gays Manila.
Foz said that it is “inspiring” to see fellow LGBT people showing support to the elderly community who are facing “fears of growing old because they might have no one to run to.”
According to Foz, they are happy to support these causes and help educate the younger LGBT+ to never be afraid of their future, most especially because doors are always open for those who feel alone in their older lives.
The breast augmentation for a cause is a three-month charity program by the Motiva Philippines and Miss International Queen organization.
The program started in January 2023 and was available to over 30 transwomen in the country. All of the surgical procedures were done by partnered medical surgeons in the country who specialize in transgender health.
The Golden Gays Manila is a non-profit organization that was established in the 1970s which houses elderly LGBT+people who no longer have families to stay with.
At present, they have 30 members who used to work as performers and stand up comedians in the country.
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