Google highlights talks on allyship and safe spaces with LGBTQ+ YouTube creators

In celebration of pride month, Google Philippines carried out an essential discussion on the importance of allyship and safely spaced online and offline, featuring YouTube creators who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Featured on the event were stories of Marina Summers, Johnreyslife, JM Banquicio, Levi Reyes, and Sara De Guzman. Also present were Miss Trans Global 2020, actress, writer, and content creator Mela Habijan who hosted the event.

Google Philippines communications and public affairs head Mervin Wenke said that the company puts importance on how it backs the LGBTQ+ community. “Aside from this annual event, Google supports and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through an inclusive workplace culture and benefits, product features and policies, humanitarian grants, and so much more,” he said.

With the LGBTQ+ being historically marginalized by many societies around the world, many find solace in the content shared by LGBTQ+ creators who found an outlet themselves for self-expression through YouTube.

“I used to face discrimination and hate for simply being ‘morena’ and ‘trans’. Now, because of YouTube and content creation, I’m able to break barriers in the beauty sphere and be a face of representation,” said beauty creator Johnreyslife. “Regardless of your sexual orientation, gender, or skin color, anyone is welcome and can succeed on YouTube.”

Meanwhile, for Drag Race Philippines contestant Marina Summers, her YouTube content is her way of reaching out to young LGBTQ+ kids who are still exploring their identity.

“It’s a way for me to pat that little Marina on the back because she can finally watch herself on screen. This is also for the LGBTQ+ kids like me who are looking for people they can identify with on TV and social media,” Marina said. “We always talk about representation a lot. It really strikes a chord with someone looking for a sense of belongingness and representation in the media.”

Sara De Guzman of DarlingsPH said that their digital journal for biking trips eventually grew to a supportive community that shares the same interests as her and her partner, Levi Reyes. “We realized that the content we put out there is not only a source of information, but also a source of inspiration. Putting content out there drives a powerful message that we are for inclusivity. We are queer people who are part of this vibrant community, and they love us for who we are, they accept us, and most of all, they respect us for who we are,” Sara said.

The LGBTQ+ creators also shared that they found allies in their families and friends.

“It’s really different when your family supports what you’re doing. You can do anything as long as you have the support of your allies,” said JM Banquicio, who considers his family as one of his main motivators.

Allies can come in many forms. They can be family, friends, colleagues, an influential figure, and others. They help make sure that LGBTQ+ people feel accepted, and allow them to live authentically and fearlessly, especially in a conservative country like the Philippines.

Despite her initial concerns, Mela Habijan’s mom Irene Franco Habijan said she learned to accept Mela as she believed that God created her this way. She also defended Mela from discriminatory remarks, emphasizing that “God has given us all the assurance that we can all go to heaven, including people like Mela.”