Google Philippines recently hosted the fifth edition of its annual Pride Conversations to spotlight the self-discovery journey and the importance of building safe communities as told by LGBTQIA+ YouTube creators.
Multi-faceted creative and comedian Baus Rufo who hosted the event shared that communities and representation matter especially in a never-ending process of finding one’s queer identity.
“Even if you’re out and seem like you have it all figured out, you’re still building that equation for your truth and your authenticity. That’s why communities and representation matter because you need them to constantly be shown that these are the many possibilities that you have access to,” Rufo said.
YouTube creator Joshua Cruz, on the other hand, mentioned how resources such as platforms like YouTube can help in self-discovery through content that tells the lives of members of the LGBTQIA+.
“No one is pressuring you to come out. Only do it when you’re ready. If you’re still figuring things out, you can Google resources to educate yourself and also find YouTube creators that can resonate with your queer journey,” Cruz said.
Other LGBTQIA+ YouTbe creators Roanne Carreon, Jan Angelo Ong, and Yani Villarosa also joined the conversation.
The session also put to spotlight what it means to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rec•Create founder Allison Barretto encouraged everyone to recognize their privilege and show up for their LGBTQIA+ friends.
“It’s so easy to love people from the community and accept them as human. You just have to be a decent human being,” she said.
Echoing this, food content creator Icoy Rapadas shared that he had to unlearn many things and educated himself to be a good ally as a cisgender heterosexual man.
“I want to make sure that LGBTQIA+ people are comfortable around me, and to inform my straight friends that it’s not okay to say certain things about LGBTQIA+ people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bryan Larosa, Joshua’s friend, said that being an ally stems from respect.
“You don’t have to go the extra mile to help LGBTQIA+ members, but it wouldn’t kill anyone to be informed. Learn how to respect each and every one regardless of their gender and preference. I think that’s the most you can do.”
