PSA: Shout It From The Rooftops

From the moment we draw our first breath, our timeline begins. Every human being is given a chance at life, and with this comes the right to live, learn, and pursue joy freely. We understand this on a higher level as parents, because not only do we expect this for ourselves, but it is something that we want for our children. The basic right to be able to live as they are, learn about the world in which they are a part of, and seek happiness in whatever way they can. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? We are privileged to think so.

It’s safe to say that we all consider ourselves to be relatively decent people. If you’re reading this, you’re probably here out of curiosity for the message we have attached to a seemingly symbolic photo. Rightfully so. Amidst the chaos going on across the globe, we are celebrating June in honor of Pride Month. But what does a group of renegade mothers have to do with Pride or the cause for which it stands? Let me tell you– everything. It has to do with everything.

In a country where the masses are heavily influenced (and divided) by religion, and gay men are celebrated just about as much as they are shunned, it’s hard to ignore the double edged sword swinging at the LGBTQ+ community. We see gay representation in the media, personalities all over the creative industry, and more than likely have friends or family that are openly gay. So, why is there still such a stigma around their place in society? They are children. Someone’s baby. A mother, a sister, someone’s brother, father, or friend. How is it acceptable to look at someone and judge them outright for something that is considered unusual, when they are, in fact, no different from you or me.

We encourage children to dream big and reach for the stars. They are constantly made to believe that they can be whoever they want to be, that they should strive to live out their purpose, and that they are free to discover what makes them truly happy. It’s agonizing to imagine just how many children thought that all of that did not apply to them. Afraid to live their truth, in fear of a society that would cast them aside.

In a time where the world is in an uproar due to injustice and inequality, we continue to rally for voices to be heard and the significance of living in mutual respect.

“When we fight for our rights it’s important to remember that our struggles are intersectional. *Marsha P. Johnson was a trans woman, and she was a Black person, and when we fight for equality, we can never leave anyone behind. We all aim for that same equality. You can’t say you’re fighting for gender equality but not for racial equality.”

A statement so eloquently expressed by Janlee Dungca, a trans woman living in Manila, and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She was kind enough to set aside some time for us, and graciously entertained all of our questions. She’s charming and articulate, and made us feel at ease in our effort to further educate ourselves. Her voice quivered only so slightly when asked the difficult and painful questions, but she always recovered with a smile and a polite laugh. The sign of someone well versed in healing from hardship. And that’s what it is- hardship. To feel isolated and ashamed for who you are, who you choose to love, or how you choose to express yourself, is simply not right.

We are well into the 21st Century, and gender is as fluid as fluid can get. Why do people care? I can’t tell you. It has long been said that we fear what we do not understand, but we need to do better. Ask questions, have the hard conversations, and lead with compassion.

We experience love in its purest form as mothers. It’s hard to believe that there is inexplicable hate that exists, suggesting that some people are just generally better or more important than others. How can humans be the judge of who is deserving of a life of fulfillment?

Take a minute to reflect back on your life, if there was ever a time that you felt like you were being purposely deprived of joy or truth. For a lot of people, this is a reality they live with every day, and they fight for those same rights that most of us take for granted. Regardless of where we are in our timeline, I hope we move forward with more awareness in the way we treat everyone around us.

Closing out our conversation, Janlee said, “At the end of all the arguments, at wit’s end, it’s just our humanity that remains. And i just don’t understand how inhumane people can be, when we’re all the same. We’re all equal. I just hope that people find it in their hearts to try and understand. To at least try and understand who we are, what we’re going through in our lives. Even though we are different from most people, it doesn’t make us less, it doesn’t make us dangerous. Be kinder to one another. Empathy is very important.”
There’s no arguing with that.

The hope of living a life of purpose and happiness is what we wake up for. It is what gets us through the day and past tomorrow. Hope for our children, joy in our lives, and chasing our dreams. Rights that should be afforded by everyone. It is my wish that every person who ever finds love, will feel strongly and free enough to be able to shout it from the rooftops with absolute pride. That kind of impact, even on just one person, could mean everything.

I know it does for me.

If you’re interested to learn more, please check out Love Yourself Inc. on Facebook, or their official website here.

Editor’s Note:

Special thanks to Ms. Janlee Dungca for giving us the time and opportunity to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and allowing us but a glimpse into her life as a trans woman in the Philippines. It was eye-opening and extremely moving. We support you in your efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, and admire your tremendous strength and resilience.

*Marsha P. Johnson was an American Pride liberation activist, a prominent figure in the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 that sparked the beginning of the gay rights and the larger Pride movements.

Feature image by: Nicolas Blois Photography