Rainbow flag

Aside from the Philippine flag that we raised for our nation's freedom, another banner is raised for the whole month, the rainbow flag. Otherwise called the pride flag, it is a recognized symbol for our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community.

A month-long celebration, Pride month is additionally a chance to calmly challenge and raise political awareness of current issues confronting the community. Marches are a conspicuous component of Pride month, and there are numerous street parties, community events, verse readings, art exhibits and installations, performances, open talking, road celebrations and instructive sessions which are all covered by the predominant press and pulling in a great many members everywhere throughout the world.

The movement has three primary premises: that people ought to be pleased with their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender character are innate and can't be purposefully modified.

The celebration is so significant in light of the fact that as it denotes the beginning of immense change inside the LGBTQ community, just as the more extensive societal ramifications. In spite of the fact that frames of mind treachery still remain, we have made considerable stride by bringing issues to light, improve the demeanors of society and encourage inclusiveness.

It is a time when issues related to the gay rights get more attention from news media. From gay marriage and adoption to transgender rights, our country still has a long way to go until everyone is truly equal. And so Pride Month is a great opportunity to learn about the fight for what's right. In other words, it is meant to recognize the impact gays, lesbians and transgender individuals have had on the world.

In some societies, they are considered second class or third class citizens. They feel tolerated but not accepted. Discrimination against this community is widespread – from families to schools, from companies to establishments.

There is a huge difference between tolerance and acceptance. There is no complete acceptance at all. We only see tolerance of a certain amount of the “gay culture.” So what kind of gayness do Filipinos tolerate? Filipinos like gay folks who live by their established stereotypes. If you’re gay, you have to be funny and you should work as a make-up artist or a fashion designer. If you work in the military or play with a sports team, you’re going to create a lot of fuss.

And in an ideal world, the whole idea of “coming out” would not be necessary as it implies that something about your identity is not acceptable, therefore, there was a need to hide in the first place because we still live in a world where society sees heterosexuality as the “normal” and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender as the exception.

There is as yet an absence of assurances in schools and the working environment. The issues are intensified in light of the fact that they experience them as LGBTQ individuals and after that as women. So there are different layers or convergences of persecution that they need to confront.

The lack of acceptance at home is similarly problematic. On numerous occasions, when there is research into about viciousness versus LGBTQ individuals, the violence begins and is most vibrant at home.

As the rainbow flag reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ community, it symbolizes the pride of what they have fought and continue to fight for. Let the rainbow of respect for human dignity shine in our hearts.

I yearn for a future wherein everyone is treated equally regardless of who they love or what they wear, a future where labels no longer matter.