Moneeze Bernardo
- Vlogger receives backlash on social media after posting video of coming out to a friend, as an April Fool’s prank
- Netizens did not find the video funny at all, instead claimed it as insensitive to the LGBTQ+ community
- Vince Vandorpe has yet to release a statement over the issue
A Filipino-Belgian actor and Youtube vlogger is currently receiving criticism on the internet for joking his friend by coming out as a homosexual on April Fool’s day.
Vince Vandorpe, the current subject of netizens’ ire, uploaded a video on his channel Vandorpy where he pranked his friend Patrik Franksson, a Filipino-Swedish football player and model, by saying he “always had this attraction towards guys” since he was young.
He also grabbed Franksson’s wrists and implied that he wanted something from him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BulUObDjSOt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The two found the prank amusing but Twitter users had other ideas on the matter, that Vandorpe’s prank was insensitive to the plight of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those who have a hard time coming out or admitting that they are homosexual to their family and friends.
“hi!! some people don’t find this funny AT ALL. coming out is and will never be a good joke/prank. closeted people find it so hard to come out to relatives/friends, but you can easily do and joke about it bc ur a privileged straight guy. hope i made a point.😊” replied one netizen.
https://twitter.com/fernandinodavid/status/1113041044986195968
“Not funny. The struggle of coming out is something you will never have to endure, but that is never an excuse for your ignorance. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s not just extremely hard to come out, it sometimes even cost them their lives! It’s never a joking matter!” commented another.
Not funny. The struggle of coming out is something you will never have to endure, but that is never an excuse for your ignorance. For many in the LGBTQ community it’s not just extremely hard to come out, it sometimes even cause them their lives! It’s never a joking matter!
— tian (@Tian3x) April 3, 2019
“Dear @vincevandorpe, since 1996, at least 164 hate crimes against the LGBT have been documented. Everyday, the LGBTQIA+ community suffer stigma, discrimination, human rights violations and abuses – experiences that are no laughing matter. Shame on you,” wrote another Twitter user.
Dear @vincevandorpe,
Since 1996, at least 164 hate crimes against the LGBT have been documented.
Everyday, the LGBTQIA+ community suffer stigma, discrimination, human rights violations and abuses – experiences that are no laughing matter.
Shame on you. https://t.co/LcTPHl565P
— Roentgen #VoterReg2019 (@ronaldgem) April 2, 2019
“Dear @vincevandorpe, I know it’s hard to come up with content. But please be sensitive and intelligent in choosing topics to shoot. Coming out is a serious, and very emotional process. We all make mistakes though. But hopefully, you don’t make another one like this. Thanks,” penned another netizen.
Dear @vincevandorpe,
I know it's hard to come up with content. But please be sensitive and intelligent in choosing topics to shoot. Coming out is a serious, and very emotional process.
We all make mistakes though.
But hopefully, you don't make another one like this.Thanks.
— The Chubby Rants (@TheChubbyRants) April 2, 2019
CNN Philippines reported that the Philippines, being a predominantly Catholic, has the difficulty of coming out, magnified ten-fold, due to religious influence and traditional family values, not to mention the country being highly conservative in a post-modern era.
“There is still a stigma that is attached to being identified with the LGBTQ+ — a culture of tolerance, not acceptance, which is why it is understandable that most Filipinos choose to keep this part of their identities to themselves,” the report said.
A survey conducted by Pew Research Center, as cited by Interaksyon, noted that it is mostly “difficult” for members of the LGBTQ+ to come out to their parents.
“For lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, realizing their sexual orientation or gender identity and sharing that information with family and friends is often a gradual process that can unfold over a series of years,” according to the report.
Vince Vandorpe has yet to release a statement over the issue.
