  Coach Novy Luna (at the center) during Tanglin Rugby Cup (TRC) 7s Tournament held in Singapore. by Mark Villamora Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) presents with pride the people who have brought bright colors to the Philippine Rugby Community. Katrina Andrews, Novy Luna, Richard Macarayo, and Steph Yee are among the athletes and staff who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community of PRFU. The youngest Coach of Davao Durians Novy Luna, playing for Davao Durians Rugby Football Club at the age of 12, reached a milestone by becoming the youngest level 2 coach, referee, and also a tackle player at her local rugby club. Despite her achievement at such a young age, it was also at this point of her life where she struggles with her sexuality. The rugby community became her safe haven, where she felt protected, validated, and understood as she get to know herself more. “So meron po sa PRFU na itinuro saamin na 5 values ng rugby, yung integrity, passion…[solidarity, discipline, and respect]. Every player talaga follows that, you are not a player without those values. And dun itinuturo po talaga saamin to respect each player regardless of their gender, age, or skin color,” said Davao Durian Level 2 Coach, Novy Luna. Early in her childhood, she always feared being bullied as ‘tomboy’, especially because she was always in the circle of guys. But joining Davao Durians led her into a safe place where she could be true to herself. Now, she is also studying at UP Mindanao, a university where she feels accepted and heard. The rugby community was the first to offer her a safe space when her family hadn't fully accepted her sexuality. And she believes that the warm acceptance of the rugby community has helped her reach her potential, allowing her to become the youngest coach of the Davao Durians leading the team on the international stage.  Macky Macarayo of Manila Nomads. A performer and a rugby player Richard “Macky” Macarayo, a theater actor, dancer, and a rugby player of Manila Nomads, breaks all the expectations and stereotypes associated in his field of work. Having a public life as a performer and athlete on both local and international stages, he was among those who feared backlash, discrimination, or even loss of career opportunities if he didn't conform to the traditional concepts of masculinity. The rugby community became the place where he could comfortably embraced his sexuality. “No one ever made me feel like I was different. Nakukuha ko nang buong-buo lahat ng support from them [rugby community] and I’m really thankful for that. There are also many allies and supporters who actively work to promote diversity and equality in the community, especially my friends from Nomads, Mavericks, and Eagles. Of course, PRFU has also been putting in the work to create a more inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said the Manila Nomads player, Macky Macarayo. For Macky Macarayo, being part of the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t hinder his role as a rugby athlete. He believes that achieves even more as he promote the sport alongside the rugby community, regardless of gender. “I think that the level of acceptance and inclusivity within our rugby community for the LGBTQIA+ is progressing because of the welcoming environment [of PRFU] where anyone can enjoy the sport without fear of discrimination,” Macky added.  Katrina Andrews during the 2023 Asia Rugby Sevens Series held in Bangkok, Thailand. Women’s Volcanoes National Athlete Katrina Andrews, a backrow player of the Volcanoes National Team raised in Quezon City, was among the players who competed in the 2018 Asia Rugby Women’s 15s Championship, where the Philippines bagged the silver medal. As a lesbian who became part of the Philippine rugby team in 2016, she felt that her sexuality was never an issue or what defined her to the team. She felt that each player on the team only focused on her determination to represent the flag, not on her gender identity. “I like how PRFU doesn't make a big deal out of someone being gay or lesbian. It's like it's just a very normal thing to be... you don't feel like you have to defend yourself or introduce yourself as a lesbian because it's not the only thing that defines you. They see you as a player or human, just like everyone else, there's no gender divide. I think that's how you know it's a safe community when it's not even a big deal,” said women’s volcanoes national team, Katrina Andrews. Katrina felt she was in the right place, as the women’s team always made her feel comfortable being herself. She believes that her gender identity hasn’t compromised her athletic pursuits because of the supportive community of the Philippine rugby. She also left a message to all the lesbian athletes, saying, “Just be yourself. Being part of the LGBTQ[IA+] community shouldn't limit your athletic dreams. And if you do want to try rugby out, do know that the rugby community is a very open space for us to be part of.”  Steph Yee in the 2021 World Rugby Training and Education (T&E) Medical Strand The Physiotherapist of PRFU
Steph Yee has been the longest-serving physiotherapist and medical consultant of the Philippine Volcanoes National Team, working for PRFU for almost 11 years now. It was never an easy path for Steph back then as he decided to have his medical transition in 2015. The PRFU stood by Steph throughout this journey as he transitioned from the body he was born with into a man where he is today. “Ada [PRFU President] has always been supportive. They’re one of the most supportive groups that I’ve ever encountered… They were the first people to ask me if I would want to have my pronouns changed in the way they address me,” said PRFU Physiotherapist, Steph Yee. Along the way as he works with the PRFU, there was never an instance where he felt like he had to come out or introduce himself as a trans man. He met a lot of new faces in the growing community of Philippine Rugby, and the need to introduce his identity was never an issue. Though there were still people who saw him as a woman, he never disliked those people. He also never hated who he was before. He realized, that as long as you are good at what you do, gender becomes no longer an issue. “With rugby, I never actually been.. I’ve never felt discriminated, whether it is local or international. I have been receiving much respect, as a person and medical consultant,” Steph added. —- Whether it’s the bisexual youngest coach of Davao Durians, a gay rugby player living a public life as an artist, a lesbian Volcanoes national athlete, or a trans man physiotherapist, all of them are valued and respected in the Philippine Rugby community. They all believe that the safe space that was fostered by the PRFU has helped them to become the selves they are today and were meant to be. Comments are closed.
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