I remember growing up in a sectarian school with the fondest memories of love and belonging, always having a place to go, and being encouraged to never be afraid to explore and discover.  I remember consuming media, exploring art, and going through the discovery that I like girls romantically.  Having been taught to nurture curiosities in school and at home, I was not afraid to consider this reality.  The school, which had been so encouraging, wasn’t so loving and accepting after finding out that I was involved with a peer who identified as the same gender as myself.  Instead of love and acceptance, I was surrounded with isolation and damnation.  I remember being called a sinner and told I am going to hell. I was expelled in tenth grade from the institution I spent the last decade of my life in, and it took a lot of time to overcome the intersectional struggle with my faith, gender, and sexuality. 

Some days I still struggle with religious and cultural homophobia, as a lot of queer people in the Philippines do, but I am fortunate that I have a very healthy support system in my family and friends. I have taken it as my vocation to create safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ youth in my community by using my skills and network to provide support and resources so that they do not experience similar struggles. While doing this, I continuously remind myself that I can love who I want to love and be who I want to be. I am valid.