THE celebration of Father’s Day last June 17 placed on the spotlight the importance of fathers, specifically the responsible ones who strive to uphold their family. Husbands and fathers come in all shapes and sizes that even those who seem to be the most unlikely candidate can turn out to be the most qualified for the job.
One of the best examples is Melchor “ Mito ” Bendoy. A proud homosexual, no one would think he is married for 21 years with four grown children. His sexual preference doesn’t prevent him from fulfilling his role as a husband and father, including doing carpentry works on weekends.
His love story with his wife Genita began when she took care of him when he got sick. The two are neighbors in Sitio San Roque, Ipil, this city. Mito ’s father liked her for his son and constantly coaxed him to marry her. A childhood friend, Genita knew of Mito ’s “condition” all along as he didn’t conceal his sexuality even as a boy.
Despite this, the couple lived together for six months and got married in civil rites in Jan. 21, 1992. Both of them were 25 that time. The couple lived an ordinary life with Mito earning P200-600 a day as a beautician. He took up a short course on Hair Science and Cosmetology and also moonlights as a massage therapist and dance instructor by night.
Despite his meager earnings, Mito is able to send his children to school. Eldest Meljen, 20, graduated last March from Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and is preparing for his licensure exam. Melchor Jr., 18, graduated last April from a two-year course in Hotel and Restaurant Services, and is now undergoing on-the-job training at a local hotel.
Menchu, 17, graduated from high school but didn’t proceed to college while Francis, 12 is a high school freshman. The children said their friends knew about their gay father but were not teased, seeing how responsible he is and how they were raised properly.
Despite coming home late from work as a dance instructor, Genita says her husband still helps in the household chores. He does the home budgeting and goes to the market everyday. He is also an active officer of the Parents Teachers Association. Genita admits being jealous by her husband’s dancing partners, but he assures she doesn’t have anything to worry about as he is more attracted to men.
Last June 8, Mito and Genita walked down the aisle in a proper Catholic ceremony. They were among the 11 couples who were given the privilege of having a church wedding as part of the Wedding Fair of the city government. While the other brides availed of free gowns and makeup from sponsors, Genita’s dress and makeup were made by her husband.
She couldn’t help but cry during the interview upon realizing how lucky she is for having a responsible husband who, despite his sexuality, proved to be more of a man for committing to her, standing by her side and establishing their family. Truly, Mito puts to shame other “real” men whose sole proof of manhood is siring children.
His love story with his wife Genita began when she took care of him when he got sick. The two are neighbors in Sitio San Roque, Ipil, this city. Mito ’s father liked her for his son and constantly coaxed him to marry her. A childhood friend, Genita knew of Mito ’s “condition” all along as he didn’t conceal his sexuality even as a boy.
Despite this, the couple lived together for six months and got married in civil rites in Jan. 21, 1992. Both of them were 25 that time. The couple lived an ordinary life with Mito earning P200-600 a day as a beautician. He took up a short course on Hair Science and Cosmetology and also moonlights as a massage therapist and dance instructor by night.
Despite his meager earnings, Mito is able to send his children to school. Eldest Meljen, 20, graduated last March from Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and is preparing for his licensure exam. Melchor Jr., 18, graduated last April from a two-year course in Hotel and Restaurant Services, and is now undergoing on-the-job training at a local hotel.
Menchu, 17, graduated from high school but didn’t proceed to college while Francis, 12 is a high school freshman. The children said their friends knew about their gay father but were not teased, seeing how responsible he is and how they were raised properly.
Despite coming home late from work as a dance instructor, Genita says her husband still helps in the household chores. He does the home budgeting and goes to the market everyday. He is also an active officer of the Parents Teachers Association. Genita admits being jealous by her husband’s dancing partners, but he assures she doesn’t have anything to worry about as he is more attracted to men.
Last June 8, Mito and Genita walked down the aisle in a proper Catholic ceremony. They were among the 11 couples who were given the privilege of having a church wedding as part of the Wedding Fair of the city government. While the other brides availed of free gowns and makeup from sponsors, Genita’s dress and makeup were made by her husband.
She couldn’t help but cry during the interview upon realizing how lucky she is for having a responsible husband who, despite his sexuality, proved to be more of a man for committing to her, standing by her side and establishing their family. Truly, Mito puts to shame other “real” men whose sole proof of manhood is siring children.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of June 18-24, 2012)
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| Melchor Bendoy looks every inch a man as he walks down the aisle with his bride Genita despite the fact he is a self-confessed gay. (Photo by Joseph Levi Sausa) |
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