Rainbow – the colors we use to symbolize LGBTQ+ community. The iridescence, too pleasing in the eyes, as if being a part of the group only awards euphoria. As if every day is all pinks and unicorns, no judgments to be scared of, no worries that the whole world accepts you for whom you are – as if to come out of the closet is as easy as saying hello. It’s rather amusing how the community even use rainbow; our lives may appear colorful may be because gays are always expected to bring joy to whoever surrounds them as if they are clowns, a laughing stock to some who thinks being called “gay” or “tomboy” is a kind of insult, etc. A few only knows how each day is a challenge to survive. To be one of the LGBTQ+, discrimination and unfairness are nothing new. We live in a rather hypocrite society, no matter how years pass by, some principles and beliefs can’t be changed. We can’t be fully accepted as normal human beings. Some will still think we have contagious disease – that we are abnormal. That’s why I’m so proud of my fellow rainbows. For pulling through despite all what’s mentioned above. Since we’ve found out our true colors, it yet started a grueling journey. So many steps we’ve taken. Every hurdle we jumped over, the hindrances we conquered – we’re still here standing tall. Despite the scars and wounds we’ve gained in every battle, the blood and sweat we sacrificed just to prove ourselves. The buckets of tears we shed each night, trying to win a discord against thy own. Howbeit, we bravely wake up in mornings – get up and start anew. As long as there’s hope in our hearts, the passion burning in our chests; we can show that we can excel in different fields. Just see the glint of light amidst the cave of darkness. And if you’re still uncertain, turn and look back; see with your own naked eyes how far-flung the distance between the starting line and where you are now. Realize the unlikeness of your old self onto the present. Dumbfounding, isn’t it? You were a lot better than before – stronger, braver; you’ve grown to someone you never thought become. And you should be proud. You are someone you should take PRIDE on. Heedless of your weakness, your flaws, and mistakes – you made it. Scarring words shall not take us down, judgments shall not pierce our hearts and kill the swan inside us that wants to dance and prance, to show everyone despite our choice of gender, we are nowhere different. Instead, we can do better. We can be the best! We have our own community who accepts us no matter what. A home where we shouldn’t be afraid to show what we are because no one’s there to judge; only people to offer genuine support and love. For we are beautiful, so beautiful like a rainbow.
-Rie, a bisexual accountant from Pampanga
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