Right in the heart of Tacloban, where Super Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, wreaked havoc in November 2013, the story of a lesbian couple’s strength stands as a symbol of hope for our Filipino LGBTQ+ community. Nelly Espino and her long-time partner, Theresa Lacdao, along with their adopted daughter, endured the storm in their market stall home in Barangay 37, a designated danger area. As floodwaters reached the height of a Talisay tree, they tore off their roof to escape, praying desperately amidst the cries of other children, emerging with nothing but drenched clothes, yet their spirits remained unyielded.New Naratif
Facing the Storm Together
These remarkable women personify pag-asa, or hope, during tough times. Espino, now 51, remembers the horror: ferocious winds loosened their roof, and the surges threatened to engulf them. Yet, their partnership as co-parents remained unwavering. Neighbors found sanctuary in their home, and miraculously, everyone survived. This reflects the larger struggles faced by LGBTQ+ survivors after Haiyan, where queer-led homes, often like theirs, become critical yet vulnerable havens lost to such calamities.Social Science in Action
Barriers to Rebuilding: The ‘Family’ Fight
The road to recovery wasn’t just about physical reconstruction but also a fight for acknowledgment. The Yolanda Permanent Housing Program (YPHP) gave precedence to “families” as defined by the heterosexual norms of the Philippine Family Code, leaving out LGBTQ+ families like Espino and Lacdao who aren’t legally married. “As an LGBTQ survivor co-parenting my long-term partner’s adopted daughter, it worries me,” Espino expressed. It took their presence in local meetings to ensure they received housing aid that might otherwise have bypassed them. Arturo Golong, a transgender survivor, also spoke up, advocating for single or partner-based queer households excluded for lacking “legal dependents.”New Naratif
Even in relocation sites, issues continued. Espino points out the emotional impact: without legal protections, they have no say if a partner falls ill, and officials sometimes disregard queer lives as lesser priorities. “This violates who we are and our right to form a family,” she stated. By 2020, only 70% of housing units had been awarded, leaving many still at risk.EJ Atlas
Heart to Heart: Lessons in Resilience
Sisters, their story whispers: resilience isn’t about going it alone, it’s about sama-sama, being together. Espino and Lacdao now manage a sari-sari store, transforming survival into stability. They’ve spoken at forums, raising queer voices in climate discussions. Despite panic attacks and facing prejudice, they remain hopeful for the recognition of same-sex marriage. What storms challenge your love? Build your chosen family now; it’s your foundation.
Their journey teaches us: disasters lay bare the inequalities, but the resilient hearts of queer Filipinos rebuild even stronger. In a Philippines vulnerable to climate change, inclusive policies aren’t just necessary; they’re essential lifelines. Let’s stand up, support, and love fiercely.
