“Ay Barbie, sabi ko na!”,
Last 2020, the statement created a massive buzz on online platforms and even transcended the tongues of everyone we crossed paths with. It was a mere shenanigan at first, but as individuals constructed their own interpretation and reasoning, it became a declaration of unexpressed identity.
A subtle gateway for sexual and gender expression, with, of course, humor.
Statements alike drive individuals to think that they can express their identity without being straightforward, with the hope of being accepted by those who surround them at any moment they have, whether they are having hangouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
But the significance of timing makes more sense in June.
The month of June is indeed colorful because it is a celebration of diversity of colors with the mission of uplifting the culture and rights of the LQBTQIA+ community, also known as PRIDE Month.
The entire month is dedicated to honoring individuals’ sexuality and gender identity. Traditionally, it is executed in many forms: parades, protests, drag performances, and concerts, to name a few. This annual celebration is open to everyone, principally those who are allies and advocates.
Rainbows are associated with LGBTQIA+ pride and are the color of the community’s flag. Besides the appealing hues that are obviously eye candy, the widely known six colors have a deeper meaning.
Red is symbolic of life, orange is symbolic of healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue represents harmony, and purple is spirit.
Despite the increasing support and colorful fan celebrations, the LGBTQIA+ community does not fully have acceptance in its entirety. And even though there is greater visibility of them on different platforms and in public life, countless cases of discrimination, prejudice, harassment, and violence are still prevalent.
And instead of statements like “Ay Barbie, sabi ko na!”, as a humorous way of expression, it transformed into a threat for some to mention.
More than ever, movements, bills, and rights that support embracing diversity are progressively increasing just around the corner. With our means and ways, we can be part of the action by starting a healthy discussion that addresses insinuations such as ‘being gay is a disease that can merely be treated by so-called treatments’, or ‘being a lesbian is a choice and contagious’.
If individualism can massively contribute, imagine what collective action can do?
The celebration of PRIDE Month plays a vital role as a platform to share facts and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community that others may fail to understand. Education will always be a great tool for combating discrimination, dispelling myths, and addressing pivotal concerns the community is facing.
When individuals from different backgrounds show allyship, it sends a signal to the LGBTQ+ community that there is nothing wrong with being themselves, not only in the month of June, but every day. Give people the liberty to say “Ay Barbie, sabi ko na!”, and be unapologetic for embracing their hue and humor.
Article: Shaeka Madel Pardines
Graphics: Yuko Shimomura
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