Sassa Gurl withdraws support for Heidi Mendoza; drag queens express disappointment over same-sex marriage stand
Metro Manila, Philippines – Internet sensation Sassa Gurl has withdrawn her support for senatorial aspirant and former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza following the latter’s stand against same-sex marriage.
In a viral video clip from a recent forum, Mendoza was seen holding up a “No” card when asked if she supports marriage equality for same-sex couples. Beside her, fellow candidate Luke Espiritu answered “Yes.”
“Iginagalang ko po ang tindig ni Ma'am Heidi Mendoza hinggil sa usapin ng marriage equality kaya ikinalulungkot ko pong ipinapaalam na binabawi ko po ang aking suporta. Hiling ko rin po ang inyong pang-unawa sa aking naging desisyon. Paumanhin at pasasalamat po sa inyo,” Sassa Gurl said on X (formerly Twitter).
[Translation: I respect Ma'am Heidi Mendoza's stance on marriage equality, which is why I regretfully inform you that I am withdrawing my support. I also ask for your understanding regarding my decision. My apologies and thank you.]
In response, Mendoza said she respects Sassa Gurl’s decision. "No problem! Maraming maraming salamat pa din," she wrote.[Translation: No problem! Thank you very, very much still.]
Mendoza later explained in a Facebook post that the viral video did not include her full remarks, saying: "Ayusin natin ang sistema. Hindi lang puro deklarasyon. Hindi lang papogi sa boto. I am not against love. We are against a system that refuses to honor it."
[Translation: Let’s fix the system. It shouldn’t just be about declarations or looking good for votes.]
While not all drag performers have withdrawn support for the senatorial candidate, some expressed disappointment.
“Miss Meym, hindi lang po hatian ng properties, insurance or benefits ang habol namin. We are fighting for equal recognition... Pa-experience din po kami ng ganun, meym,” wrote Captivating Katkat, winner of ”Drag Race Philippines” Season 2.
[Translation: "Miss Ma’am, we’re not just after sharing properties, insurance or benefits. We are fighting for equal recognition... Let us experience that too, ma’am."]
Eva Le Queen said she still prefers Mendoza over other candidates but found her stance on marriage equality “heartbreaking.”
"Ang delikado pa sa statement ni Heidi Mendoza is parang pinapalabas niya na hindi na kailangan pa ang SOGIE Equality Bill kasi may mga ‘paraan’ naman para mabuhay ang same-sex couples — which is MALI. Maling mali,habang gamit na gamit ang mga bakla sa campaigns niya like Sassa Gurl" she said.
[Translation: What’s dangerous about Heidi Mendoza’s statement is that it seems she’s implying that the SOGIE Equality Bill is no longer needed because there are already 'ways' for same-sex couples to live — which is WRONG. Absolutely wrong.While she’s been heavily using the LGBTQ community, like Sassa Girl, in her campaign.]
Mendoza previously drew criticism from the LGBTQIA+ community for giving a “Qualified No” on the SOGIE Equality Bill.
