(SPOT.ph) It can be said that society has made huge leaps and bounds in recent years when it comes to how the LGBTQ+ community is treated, but there are times when it seems that acceptance still isn't quite the norm. On July 10, gay hotspot Nectar Manila posted on their Facebook page a screenshot of a brief exchange with a potential customer.
[facebook:https://ift.tt/2NIxRM2]
The discussion starts with the customer, whose identity remains anonymous, asking if Nectar is "safe," as the customer's friend is interested in celebrating her bachelorette party at the club. When Nectar asks for clarification, the customer replies: "I do respect lgbt community. But I'm worried about hiv [sic] infection. Because a lot of gay now a days [sic] are vulnerable to hiv. I'm just worried that a lot of gays coming there has hiv. No disrespect and I'm sorry."
Nectar's response to the question is succinct and straight to the point—they advise the customer to "read a little more about hiv [sic] before you infect our club with your stupidly [sic]." In their Facebook post, the club expressed their dismay over the conversation, adding that they welcome people of all genders in Nectar, unlike certain "straight clubs" that "turn away our trans-sisters" (in reference to certain Manila clubs that have turned away transgender women in the past).
The response online has been swift:
In particular, Kapuwa Bistro + Urban Pub, a bar-restaurant that identifies as an LGBTQ+ safe space, expressed their support for Nectar, adding that "love and acceptance should always triumph over bigotry and discrimination."
[facebook:https://ift.tt/2Laa0D8]
There were those who felt that Nectar's rage was unnecessary, and that the customer may have meant to ask an honest question without malice. Some said that the club could have taken the opportunity to educate the customer on the matter at hand:
This is absolutley the wrong way to react to ignorance. You need to teach them.. and let them understand.. not insult them and show them the door. Ignorance is fought by love and knowledge .. not hate.
— Kaj? (@itzkaj) July 10, 2018
I agree. It could have been a way to educate them. Mejo aggressive agad yung stance ni Nectar. Mejo di ako agree sa naging response nila. It could have been handled in a way na may mapupulot na aral yung nag inquire.
— Love, Theja (@idkiisly) July 10, 2018
Legislators passed Senate Bill No. 1390, or the Philippine HIV AIDS Policy Act of 2018, in May to address the country's still-escalating HIV/AIDS issue.
For more information about HIV, especially the situation in the Philippines, follow Project Red Ribbon on Facebook and visit Project Red Ribbon's website.
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