The holiday season carries a special kind of magic—a time of reflection, renewal, and hope. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with family, faith, and the traditions that ground us. But for some, the season also brings quiet moments of longing: a yearning for acceptance, understanding, and a place to truly belong.
In a society where identity often feels constrained by tradition and expectation, navigating the path to self-discovery can be a deeply personal and emotional journey. This is especially true for Filipino queer individuals, whose experiences are shaped by a culture that holds faith and conformity in high regard. The struggle to reconcile one’s authentic self with societal norms is as complex as it is universal, and yet, within that struggle lies a quiet, unshakable hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
In HIM We Trust
“Hindi ang Diyos ang mali, 'yung mga tao pala.” With these simple yet profound words, Sassa Gurl encapsulates a truth that resonates deeply with many. Like countless queer Filipinos, she grew up in a world where acceptance felt conditional, and belonging always seemed out of reach. In neighborhood streets where laughter often came at the expense of queer identities, the fear of being misunderstood or ridiculed kept many silent.
For Sassa, the journey toward self-acceptance wasn’t easy. Without empowered role models to look up to, navigating her emotions often felt like walking alone through uncharted territory. Families, bound by tradition and faith, struggled to offer the understanding and support she needed. And yet, amid the noise of societal expectations, she found solace in a quiet realization: the problem wasn’t her faith—it was the way people wielded it to exclude rather than embrace.
With this experience, Sassa admitted in her Metroscene Mag interview that, “Sa totoo lang nalayo ako sa religion ko, dahil sa discrimination, pero di padin nawala yung paniniwala ko.”
This part of her life led her to a redirection where it helped her find her way to the most authentic Sassa that we know now. “Mas nahanap ko yung tamang tao na maguguide sakin sa pagiging queer, and feel ko yun ang need ng maraming batang lumalaki at nag oopen up sa mundo, they need someone na magvavalidate ng feelings nila and mag proprocess ng thoughts nila despite of the society’s prejudice.”
“Always choose your friends and community wisely.” Sassa has this to say for queers who felt rejected by their religious groups. “If nasa group ka na pinapamuka sayo na salot ka at mali ka, alisan mo na yan, malala ang trauma na makukuha mo jan, having faith should feel like youre being nurtured accepted and loved.”
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
We have long fought the battle for the LGBTQIA+ community to be properly represented in the media. We may have achieved parts of what we want, but we’re also continuously fighting for a representation in faith spaces. Gone are the days when queers are viewed as demonic, and we have no space for any religious places. This is now the time that we show them our tenacious faith, belief, and love for God.
Sassa also feels strongly about the representation that queer communities should have in every space including faith spaces. To her, queer representation in these kinds of places kills the fear in everyone’s mind that has no substantial basis to hate and exclude our community. She also believes that, “kung lahat mahal ng Diyos dapat lahat may seat in the table, maski sa simbahan.”
In her way to feel included in society, Sassa has long tried to change herself. However, just like any other gays who tried concealing their gender identity, it feels right for her to embrace and accept her true self. This brings with her a sense of enlightenment that she did not decide her gender identity, she believes that there is someone higher than us that made her gay. That’s where Sassa’s faith lies.
She’s also candid when asked what she thinks God, or any higher power, would say about queerness. Sassa blatantly answers that she doesn't know, and no one will ever know the answer to that question. But her faith says, “may puso ang Diyos para sa mga naaapi so dama ko love niya tayo.”
Faith in Every Space
In hopes for a brighter future for both the queer community and religious communities, Sassa recognizes that we still have a long road ahead in securing the acceptance and rights we deserve. But she remains steadfast in her belief that this fight isn’t just for the present, but for the younger generations of queers who will come after us. She dreams of a world where they won’t have to carry the same burdens, where they can live freely and without fear, and where their identity is celebrated, not condemned.
As the interview with Metroscene Mag comes to a close, Sassa leaves us with a poignant reminder that echoes far beyond her story:
“Ang pananampalataya ay para sa lahat, walang sexualidad na pinapaboran ang Diyos, kaya sino tayo para gawin yun. Faith is built with love, not hate.”
With these words, she challenges us to reconsider our definitions of faith and love, urging us to move beyond division and embrace a more inclusive, compassionate worldview. For Sassa, and for so many others, faith isn’t about exclusion—it’s about unity, acceptance, and the radical power of love.
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Metrocene Mag December 2024 COVER: NANDITO NA KAMI
Featuring Sassa Gurl (@itssassagurl), NEO (@iceeneoo), Paul Allen (@saintpaulallen)
📍Shot at Rocket Design Studio (@rocketsets)
Special Thanks to
Chicken Chingu (@chickenchinguph)
