A Day in the Life of a DINK Queer Couple: Belle Rodolfo and Deng Garcia
There’s nothing sweeter than two people in love. Take, for example, social media influencer and editor, Belle Rodolfo, and her veterinarian girlfriend, Deng Garcia. The two have been the talk of the town lately, showing off their happy lifestyles as a double-income, no-kids (DINK) queer couple. They were recently featured in a L’Oreal commercial alongside Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey and Iza Calzado; appearing in it had empowered their relationship – and other same-sex couples – further.
“[Our] plan is to elope!” said Belle about the future of her relationship with Deng. “We’ve always talked about marriage and we both agree that if there’s a chance to do it elsewhere, we will.”
Though the pair are unsure about whether or not they will one day witness marriage equality in the Philippines, they are immensely happy with where they are currently.
Their relationship had started as a simple set-up, meeting first at a gig of “Flying Ipis”, where Deng performed for vocals. “What attracted us to each other was that there was no pretension [between us]. It immediately felt like home talking to each other,” said Belle. “Neither of us was feeling pressured to find someone and so when [the other] came along, we were comfortable being ourselves around each other.”
Of course, this level of acceptance and maturity took some time to master. For Belle, her experience of growing up queer came riddled with difficulties that many of the LGBTQ+ experience.
“[Studying in] an all-girls Catholic school was both eye-opening and traumatizing,” she said with a laugh. “[Being there] opened my eyes to the idea that gender is fluid; however, [the queer kids] were shamed for [their sexuality] by the school administration.”
Fortunately, Belle’s family was much more supportive. She’s also grateful for her chosen family, adding that friends and allies can be a “stronger support system” if one isn’t welcomed by the family he or she was born into.
“You shouldn’t feel compelled to stay so if you have the means to, try to find a chosen family, secure a plan for independence, and make a way of your own,” she said determinedly.
This month highlights Belle’s and Deng’s advocacy even further. Aside from the usual misconceptions that people may have about same-sex relationships – “People ask us ‘Sino yung lalaki (Which one of you is the man in the relationship)?’ but the point is that there is none [in our relationship],” laughed Belle – the couple also aim to fight against the stigma and oppression that many in the community face.
“Pride is a protest,” Belle reminded us. “It’s a reminder that queer people should not only be tolerated but accepted. We stand up for people who have no voice until the time comes that we no longer need to fight for our rights.”
Because Belle and Deng are so open about their relationship, it comes as no surprise that they’ve met a few people who disprove. Fortunately, Belle has found her own niche.
“Sometimes when my videos go beyond algorithm that's when homophobes and bible-thumpers come in. But I know that when my videos make it outside my bubble, that's also kind of a good thing because I can reach people whose minds could be opened – hopefully,” Belle said.
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