RAVES AND WAVES 01

Wishing Wanggo Well

Being a non-Skycable subscriber, I am rarely able to watch ANC, its local news network. So, while vacationing in my hometown last December (my parents subscribe to Sky), I was pleased to catch an episode of “Storyline”, a documentary show which features snippets of lives of individuals going through personal struggles. One of the stories was that of Wanggo Gallaga, a 29-year old guy, who came out with his HIV+ status. Finally, after many years, here came someone who broke the silence and seeming invisibility of people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in the country. And I mean someone from the mainstream – not from the existing community/network of PLHIVs (as there are courageous people like Joshua, Mau, Bobby and Owie who have come out to the media). Indeed, most people have a vague memory of Sarah Jane Salazar and an even vaguer memory of Dolzura Cortez.

Ever since Wanggo wrote his coming out article in one of the major dailies late last year (which unfortunately I was not able to read), I’ve been hearing about him from friends and colleagues in the local HIV network. I also managed to catch an episode in a Sunday showbiz talkshow, which featured his father, acclaimed film director, Peque Gallaga. Having worked fulltime on HIV and AIDS for the last nine years, I must say that Peque’s supportive and non-judgmental stance towards his son was a breath of fresh air.

Finally, the issue had a fresh face: young, courageous, and articulate. My only concern was Wanggo’s constant reference to a lifestyle that involved “promiscuity”. No, I’m not at all bothered by his “lifestyle” – I think people should have the right to make decisions about their bodies and their sexuality, as long as they are responsible for their actions and they don’t harm anyone. My concern is more the implication of attributing HIV infection with promiscuity (though this may not be his intent – he was probably just being candid about his sexual behavior) because we all know that even a single exposure to the virus can get one infected. Or multiple exposures/sexual contact with only one person, such as a spouse or a regular partner, as in the case of many women in Africa.

I hope Wanggo’s coming out will send a signal to people that what being HIV+ really means is that there is a virus in a person’s body that makes him immuno-compromised and this can be aggravated by various physical and psychological conditions. PLHIVs are no different from you and me; they have human rights and they deserve protection against stigma and discrimination. It’s surprising how ignorant most people are about HIV and AIDS – which is the basis for all the negative and “morally” judgmental attitudes vs. PLHIVs.

I wish Wanggo well –and that he will continue to provide encouragement to those who are still confronting their fears, guilt, pain and feelings of shame.