Creating safe spaces is crucial in helping the LGBTQ+ community thrive. In the fourth edition of its annual Pride Conversations, Google Philippines led a powerful discussion featuring YouTube creators on the importance of allyship and the role of safe spaces online and offline.

The event delved into the inspiring stories of LGBTQ+ YouTube creators like Drag Race Philippines star Marina Summers, Filipina beauty vlogger Johnreyslife, travel content creator JM Banquicio and biker couple Levi Reyes and Sara De Guzman. Take a look!

Finding safe spaces

The LGBTQ+ community has historically been marginalized by many societies around the world. In the Philippines, the community continues to advocate for safe and inclusive spaces where they can feel comfortable about themselves, and not be discriminated against by the people around them.

With the rise of platforms such as YouTube, many find solace in the content shared by LGBTQ+ creators. For beauty creator Johnreyslife, YouTube helps her live authentically and makes a difference in the beauty space.

“I used to face discrimination and hate for simply being ‘morena’ and ‘trans’. Now because of YouTube and content creation, I’m able to break barriers in the beauty sphere and be a face of representation. Regardless of your sexual orientation, gender, or skin color, anyone is welcome and can succeed on YouTube. Keep striving and dreaming because dreams do come true!”

Creating communities where everyone’s welcome

Sara De Guzman of DarlingsPH said that their digital journal for biking trips eventually grew to a supportive community that shares the same interests as her and her partner, Levi Reyes. “We realized that the content we put out there is not only a source of information, but also a source of inspiration,” Sara said.

“Putting content out there drives a powerful message that we are for inclusivity. We are queer people who are part of this vibrant community, and they love us for who we are, they accept us, and most of all, they respect us for who we are,” she added.

Creating safe spaces is also important for young LGBTQ+ kids who are still exploring their identity. It’s why drag queen and Drag Race Philippines contestant Marina Summers started her YouTube mini-series “Chasing the Sun,” where she showcases the art form of drag and the behind-the-scenes of her performances.

“It’s a way for me to pat that little Marina on the back because she can finally watch herself on screen. This is also for the LGBTQ+ kids like me who are looking for people they can identify with on TV and social media,” Marina said. “We always talk about representation a lot. It really strikes a chord with someone looking for a sense of belongingness and representation in the media.”

What allyship means for the LGBTQ+ community

Allies can come in many forms. They can be family, friends, colleagues, an influential figure, and others. They help make sure that LGBTQ+ people feel accepted and allow them to live authentically and fearlessly, especially in a conservative country like the Philippines.

JM Banquicio’s travel vlog started out as a fun hobby outside of his corporate job. Now, he regularly uploads his trips on YouTube, and he cited his family as one of his main motivators. “It’s really different when your family supports what you’re doing. You can do anything as long as you have the support of your allies,” he said.

Despite her initial concerns, Mela Habijan’s mom Irene Franco Habijan said she learned to accept Mela as she believed that God created her this way. She also defended Mela from discrimination, emphasizing that “God has given us all the assurance that we can all go to heaven, including people like Mela.”

LGBTQ+ people need allies who will empathize with them, or in Sara De Guzman’s situation, cry with them. When she came out to her family, her youngest sister Clarisse cried with her because of how their parents and siblings might react. “I didn’t expect that my tears would turn into tears of joy at that moment because our family still loved Sara for who she is,” Clarisse shared.

This just goes to show that safe spaces aren’t just places LGBTQ+ people can go to and hang out. They can also be found in the allies who love and support them unconditionally, as well as in online communities.

“Sometimes we don’t need to go to safe spaces. Sometimes the safe space is us,” Marina said.

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