Every LGBTQIA+ person’s coming out story is different, showing the unique, colorful and sometimes difficult journeys they’ve taken to discover their true selves. In the fifth edition of its annual Pride Conversations, Google Philippines led an insightful discussion featuring YouTube creators on self-discovery and building a safe space to help them navigate their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Hosted by Baus Rufo, the event highlighted the inspiring stories of LGBTQIA+ YouTube creators Roanne Carreon, Joshua Cruz, Jan Angelo Ong, and Yani Villarosa.
“No one is pressuring you to come out, do it only when you’re ready. If you’re still figuring things out, you can Google resources to educate yourself and also find YouTube creators that resonate with your queer journey,” Joshua Cruz said. Joshua is paying it forward by being supportive of their viewers’ LGBTQIA+ journey, encouraging them to express themselves freely.
Yani Villarosa said it’s also important for influential creators like herself to remind her social media followers to slow down. “Social media can be so fast-paced that people feel the need to broadcast everything. When they see others coming out, they might feel that they have to match their pace. It’s really important to tell them to slow down, especially if they look up to you.”
For Roanne Carreon, who is one-half of YouTube channel Roanne and Tina and co-founder of Queer Safe Spaces (QSS), it’s about providing support and representation, especially to young LGBTQIA+ members. “Growing up, we didn’t have role models, representation, and resources to educate people about LGBTQIA+ members. That’s why we do what we do: We wanted to create a community that can become a support system for members, especially if they’re still navigating their sexuality. It started out small, and now, we’re over 17,000 strong and we formalized QSS as a nonprofit organization,” she said.
This goes to show YouTube’s impact in helping LGBTQIA+ people in navigating their self-discovery, and also show them that they can achieve so much if they live their most authentic selves. “YouTube is that vehicle that allows for a safe space to let people dream,” Jan Angelo Ong said.
Rec-Create founder Allison Barretto, who is one of Jan’s closest allies, believes that being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ isn’t a difficult task. “It’s so easy to love people from the community and to accept them for who they are. You just have to be a decent human being,” she said. “Start small, recognize your privilege, step up and show up for your LGBTQIA+ friends,” she added.
Icoy Rapadas, who is Roanne and Tina’s ally, echoed the sentiment of being kind to others. He also acknowledged the privilege of being a cisgender heterosexual man, admitting that he had to unlearn many things and educated himself to become a good ally.
The LGBTQIA+ community needs allies who will celebrate their identity and lend a helping hand, even in the smallest ways, when they’re struggling. Whether they’re family, friends, or a colleague, they are the people who can help LGBTQIA+ people live happily and confidently.
