Stereotypes may be long-standing, but that doesn’t make them true. For example, that insurance is only useful when you’re dead, or that only the rich need financial planning. Or that being gay is a curse that means you’ll never have “a good life.”

After 17 years in insurance, Joel Salazar has heard all these stereotypes. And proved them wrong.

In and out of the industry, Joel has achieved a lot. He has produced a concert, and he designs luxury jewelry - you may have even seen his creations at Star Cinema’s glittering annual ball. But he has also boldly sashayed his way to the coveted Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) the organization for the insurance industry’s global sales elite. All that while helping LGBT Pinoys secure their financial and personal futures.

As Joel sees it, he's not just selling insurance, he's making a difference - expanding financial security for a community that deserves it.

Real care is for all

Joel’s clients were a lesbian couple who wanted to name each other as beneficiaries. Simple, right?

It should be, but not always. Though there is no legal barrier, it’s far from standard in the industry.

"It was one of their conditions for signing,” Joel recounts. “Dito sa FWD ko nalaman na kahit di pa approved sa Pilipinas ang gay marriage, pwede pala gawing beneficiary ang isa’t-isa.” [It was only at FWD that I learned that even if gay marrage is not yet approved in the Philippines, an LGBT couple can name each other as their beneficiaries.]

"Take [the insurance] as motivation," Joel advises his LGBTQ+ friends. "Purchasing a plan for your partner is an expression of your love and devotion for the future. Kung sino yung naka-insure, yung isa ang policy owner [whoever is the insured, the other is the policy owner]. If the relationship does not work out, the owner can withdraw the money they put in. May built-in security ang isa’t-isa, [That’s built-in security for you both],” Joel clarifies.

With life and health insurance, LGBT couples can provide for each other even if one passes away. By proving a partnership’s length and significance, the policies bring dignity and documentation to relationships that could otherwise be forced to remain unrecognized. Whatever happens to assets acquired together, both partners are well provided for.

“You can live confidently and comfortably,” Joel explains. “May retirement fund ka, di ka mabubuhay nang miserable. Di lang interest, you are protected from unforeseen events. [You have a retirement fund, so you can live well. Besides earning interest, you are protected from unforeseen events.]”

Care at any age and stage

That last line also matters to solo individuals, who as LGBT may not always have children or family to rely on for extra funds.

As a well-off, mid-career manager, Joel’s client felt he had plenty of insurance. Four months after Joel convinced him to get additional critical illness rider on his FWD Manifest investment-linked insurance plan, the manager needed a heart bypass. Though he’d just begun paying for it, the client’s FWD Manifest plan kicked in to save his life, literally and financially.

“Very proud yung client ko. He said ‘Without that coverage siguro patay na ako. San ko kukunin yang PHP 800,000 na yan?’[My client was so proud. He said, “I’d be dead now if not for that coverage. Where would I have gotten PHP800,000?]” Joel says. “The phrase 'making a difference in someone's life' becomes real. It makes me want to work harder to insure more people. More than just a career, it's a calling.”

Joel narrates: “For some clients we’re like family members – we help them use their money to build a solid foundation for their future. We ask, how much are you willing to save? What are your dreams? Para alam mo kung magkano yung iipunin mo [So you know how much you need to save]. … We get repeat sales because they see that FWD is fast-growing, and because of the first-rate service I extend to them—from contract signing to their inquiries even in the wee hours, I am there.”

For Joel and other advisors, great service is how they care for their clients. It’s also a preview of the care that clients can expect from FWD itself.

Care that grows with you

Life wasn’t always sunny for Joel. "Growing up gay, religious relatives labelled me as a curse," Joel confides. "But reaching this level in the industry, and encouraging my friends to join me in it, is so empowering. It cements our belief that being gay is not a curse, but a blessing."

Things aren’t always rosy, and acceptance isn’t always genuine. But Joel’s success and those of other LGBT top advisors has also inspired others to chase their dreams.

“I encouraged them (fellow LGBT+) na mag-ahente. One partner sa couple na kinuwento ko, first client pa lang nya ang ganda na ng commission, so na-engganyo na rin ang partner niyang mag-recruit at maging manager. Dati isa lang sa couple ang nasa negosyo. Ngayon magkasama na sila mag-sales call at recruitment. Di lang extra income, nagkaroon pa sila ng more time with each other. [I encouraged them to join us as agents. In the couple I told you about, one partner got a great commission from her first sale, which encouraged her partner to recruit and become a manager too. Before, one had a business and the other had a full-time job. Now they do sales, and recruitment calls together and have not just extra income but also more time with each other],” Joel recalls.

As the LGBT community knows well, one day’s choices can make a lifetime of difference. To plan the future YOU choose with a genuine financial ally, look no further than FWD. Start now, because you’ll thank yourself when your partner gets the benefits they deserve, simply and easily.
In Joel’s words, “Celebrate living means no doubt, no fear.” That's something we can all raise a glass to. Cheers, queens!

Keep your future fabulous. Start talking today with an FWD Financial Wealth Manager.

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