Juneteenth & pride

What do these two celebrations have in common? They were born of rebellion and the deep human desire for freedom. In a time when our history is literally being erased by the very government sworn to protect us, it is imperative that we uplift and celebrate those that have come before us.

Sometimes I think about everything it took to get here--all of the lives, decisions, broken hearts, bloody fists, lifetime loves, births, courage, violations, back alley joy, and so much more. Just to reach this moment, this flesh and existence. I didn't have the opportunity to know our ancestral freedom fighters, but I know their love and hope lives in all of our veins.

As we continue to take care of each other, let us remember where our humanity intersects. As a queer/trans/Filipinx-American, I relish opportunities when these histories can come forth and be celebrated alongside one another. Belonging is a desire we all have, and we feel like we belong when we can be accepted for the full authentic people we are.

I look forward to celebrating this weekend alongside my friends and loved ones who are descended from enslaved African people and my LGBTQ+ fluidly-gendered spectrum of humans.

From our Family to Yours- Maraming Salamaat & Much Love,

V