VP/Spotlight: Celebrating Pride Month with #BeyondPRIDE: You Are Campaign

This June, the LGBTQIA+ community is celebrating Pride Month louder and prouder. Indeed, it’s going to be a month filled with vibrance and epoch-making moments. So break out the glitter, put on your flashiest outfit, and prepare for the finest celebration. With your head held high, mark your pride with the #BeyondPRIDE: You Are’ Campaign.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that everyone deserves equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

We reflect on the LGBTQIA+ community’s strong and proud men, women, trans men, trans women, and non-binary members, and how they inspire us in our ongoing battle for more equality and freedom.

Giving individuals their rights requires no compromise. Respecting a person takes no money. Also, take note that the beauty of standing up for your rights inspires others to do the same.

Village Pipol once again rocks social media this year by pushing its rewarding effort in bringing diversity. It’s a momentous time to recognize each individual and community in all areas. In this campaign, we emphasize acceptance and inclusivity for all.

Through the powerful statements embedded in #YouAreCampaign, these LGBTQIA+ icons shared their stirring messages for the community. A breather to remind us that regardless of our color, our points of view, feelings, and existence are valid.

YOU ARE TALENTED

“Pressured? Felt left behind? Nothing to offer? Just believe in your self and that God has given each of us talents. Talents that we need to discover and develop. Talents are meant to be shared! Your have something to offer! Your are talented!”
— Jufel Gomez

YOU ARE SPECIAL

“Living your truth and being yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something or someone else is already an achievement. I always believe that to live in your truth simply means to live as your most authentic self, doing things that bring you happiness, pride, and joy. It makes you complete and whole. Embracing your truth will give you the courage to contribute to the society, hope to inspire the community, and love to show to the world and that, makes you — special.”
— Elbert Alvarez

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

“Your boldness, fearlessness and truth will have a place in a colorful community. There are moments when we feel like the society fails to celebrate us and appreciate us. Nevertheless, we come home to a chosen family. A family we have built from shared experiences, wisdom and love. The ones who understands and cherish you without question. A family that will become your safe sanctuary whenever the society holds you down. A family who will pull you up. Do not be afraid to trailblaze and express, in a seemingly hateful world, because YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”
— Lauren Dionne

YOU ARE LOVED

“Each meal that was cooked for you, every word of caution that was said, the few words exchanged, the hugs, the care, the laughter, they all tell you, YOU ARE LOVED. It may have come from your family, from your friends, from random strangers, but it’s all love, all the same. Even in the days you feel most alone, I believe you are loved because, in the end, you have someone who understands you best; your kindness, your strength, your wants, your needs, even the things that have pushed you to be hurtful towards others at times. In the end, you still have yourself. So there is no denying that, in all cases, love will find you. Love is in you.”
— Daryll Rodriguez

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

“We live in a society that is constantly counting us out just because we’re different. Inhabitting with people who make an effort to instill in us the belief that we are not worthy. We even live with our own self-saboteur which causes our shine to dull.

Also, we have to realize the power that we have- that we get to choose who to listen to. Choose to listen to voices that uplift, inspire, and celebrate you.

And if we choose to exercise that power, we are able to eliminate the unnecessary weight that we carry and have freedom from doubt. Always choose to believe that you are special, you are worthy and YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.”
— Ming Jarabelo Torayno

YOU ARE UNIQUE

“Being unique is better than being perfect. Different is good, and being different is what makes us stand out. It is one of the most beautiful things on Earth. Embrace your “YOU” niqueness. Be “YOU”nique. Be yourself.”
— Epey Herher

YOU ARE VALID

“Whatever emotions you are going through, you have the right to feel those. Whether you are sad, happy, or angry, you need to express it freely. Don’t let anyone dictate what you are supposed to feel. Don’t let anyone invalidate your emotions. It is okay not to be okay.”
— Timothy John Tuppil

YOU ARE ACCEPTED

“Not because you’re treated differently in this world of ours, means that you are not worth it, that you are not loved, and that you don’t deserve to be free and happy. So what if you identify differently from the gender that you are born with? As long as you are happy, as long as you don’t violate others, as long as you spread love and goodness into the world, YOU DESERVE TO LIVE AS FREELY AS ALL OF US. Despite there being people who think negatively about you, remember that there are people like us who accept and welcome you wholeheartedly. Always keep in mind that YOU ARE ACCEPTED.”
— Patricia Nicole

YOU ARE LOVED

“Mga Mahal, it doesn’t matter if you are feminine, masculine or neutral – I want to thank you, thank you for your strength. I know some or most of us have experienced hardship, thank you for being strong. Hindi na’tin pinili maging ganito pero araw araw, pinipili nating maging mabuti. Pinipili nating maging mabuting tao dahil ‘yon ang tama. Remember that whenever you need us, we are here to listen. Isang mahigpit na yakap! Always remind yourself that as long as you are humane and you keep that humility, you are valid, you are enough, and YOU ARE LOVED.
See Also

Features, VP/Xclusives
VP/Xclusives | Eric Ejercito: When the spotlight hits
Let’s all celebrate our strength, freedom, and equality! Always uphold our pride, our community, our flag!”
— David John Reyes

These words are just too powerful not to be discerned. Impactful views that all came from their own lenses as they explore the complicated realm called the universe. Truly, a life-changing breather for everyone, especially for the members of LGBTQIA+.

At all times, not just this Pride Month, everyone should be allowed to honor their identity, sexuality, and heart. You should love yourself regardless of who or how you love.

Although the rainbow community has achieved significant achievements in recent decades, there is still much more work to be done to secure holistic equality and justice for everyone.

Lastly, quoting here Daniel Radcliffe’s iconic line, “You don´t have to be gay to be a supporter – you just have to be a human.”

Happy pride month, loves!

Artists | Daryll Rodriguez, David John Reyes, Elbert Alvarez, Epey Herher, Jufel Gomez, Lauren Dione, Ming Jarabelo Torayno, Patricia Nicole, and Timothy John Tuppil