# data[].attributes.body
Being Bi, I have given and received love from both ends of the spectrum. Mostly it was a good experience, and other times I wish I had realized sooner that I was only being used and abused. Despite everything I have been through though, I still Love and believe in love. For love in its purest form, is nothing to be afraid of. It has that feeling of warmth as the sunrise reaches over the horizon, sending the previous night to sleep. It is that first sip of satisfying coffee in the morning that just helps you start your day. It is that sensation of clarity after ruminating alone in your room.

You see love is amazing, empowering, and beautiful.

And though you may be afraid to love right now, do not shut it out from your life. Let the bad thing associated with your experiences in love, be rid from your personal perception of the word. Love transcends all afterall, be it your past, your present, your future, and especially the gender of the person you adore.

Continue loving everyone 🏳️‍🌈💜

# data[].attributes.headline
I want to came out too, it's hard to keep it as secret for years

# data[].attributes.subject
I want to came out too, it's hard to keep it as secret for years

# data[].attributes.body
Since I was a kid, I know that I'm attracted to girls. But I can't express those feeling cause I'm living in a very religious environment. All these years I've fell in love with some people and had to hide it for years until my feeling for them fade away. I want to came out to my family and friends so I can express my feeling better, but I don't think I could. Becaus  I talk about it with them before and they oppose it, which make me more worried about my life. Should I just keep my sexuality as a secret and pretend? Or should I have a secret relationship ftom them? Those thoughts always came when I'm thinking about my future. I don't know what I should do.. I just want to be able to express my feeling and love whoever I want...

# data[].attributes.body
1. The aim of this project is to share love, positivity, and spread awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. This is not meant to be a space for ranting, or any action of that kind.

2. This project is meant to be a safe space for all. We will not tolerate any form of hate speech, oppression, or discrimination. We will not tolerate and post any story mentioning profanity, sex, drugs, or alcohol

3. In order to secure the privacy of other individuals, avoid the mention of full/real names in the storytelling. You may opt to change the name of the person/s involved or leave them out entirely (this is for privacy purposes)

Disclaimer: Every month we will be choosing a story to feature on our IG story, FB page, and Twitter account. If not chosen, it is not based on personal convictions, biases, etc., nor does it mean that your story is unimportant or less than anyone else's. Rather, it is based on a set of guidelines that must be met according to the organization’s standards. We trust that you understand this and not take it against the project planners and the organization.

We value everyone’s personal stories and experiences and we do not hope for anyone to feel invalidated in any way. Your story is important and you deserve to be heard.

# data[].attributes.body
1. By writing your story in this padlet, you give CISV JB Cebu permission to share your story (along with the fact that you’ve understood the aims and purpose of this project).

2. We will NOT save any of your data (name, age, etc.)  provided upon sharing your story.

3. Please know that this padlet will be kept forever, but confidentiality will be ensured. Following the right of erasure, if you want your story removed, please contact CISV Cebu Junior Branch on FB or send an email to cisvjbcebu@gmail.com

4. The participants also have the right to retification, this means any information you feel is incorrect, may be corrected. Please contact CISV JB Cebu so we can edit the information. Confidentiality will be held.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is love to you?

2. What was your coming out experience like?

3. When did you feel most appreciated as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?

4. Some LGBTQ+ movies/series/books that you love

5. What can you tell others going through similar experiences?

Note: These are simply writing prompts, you are free to express more than this, provided that you follow the guidelines given.

# data[].attributes.body
You are the world's greatest blessing. You are understanding, pure, humble and loving. And I hope that even with the hate and misunderstanding that you had gone through, it will not make you ashamed of yourself. Because I am proud of your achievements and who you are. I am proud that you're my best friend.

# data[].attributes.body
With internet connection and easy access to so much information online, I got to read and watch and learn about the LGBTQ+ and the community. While reading stories of other people, I thought about myself. Looking back at my earlier high school memories, I realized I was homophobic before. I would tease my friends of same sex for holding hands and call them gay, laugh at boys showing effeminacy, or be repulsed by the idea of marrying a girl (I’m a girl). But I learned so much by allowing myself to open my mind and my heart towards the spectra of sexuality and orientation. To the different ways of loving another person. And as I opened my mind to new knowledge, I opened my heart to new and unconventional ways of loving. I still haven’t gotten all the answers yet, if I’m bisexual or pansexual or whatever other label there is to identify what I am and what I feel. I’m content with knowing that that’s okay. It’s okay to not know which label I belong to. It’s okay to love whomever, even if they have the same sex as me. It’s okay to be gay (or lesbian or trans or bisexual or just queer in general). These are things I tell myself everyday.

# data[].attributes.body
A netflix documentary about a former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player and her partner keep their lesbian relationship a secret from their families for almost seven decades.

# data[].attributes.body
Saving Face is a romantic comedy drama directed by Alice Wu. The film focuses on Wilhelmina, a young Chinese American surgeon; her unwed, pregnant mother; and her dancer girlfriend.

THIS FILM IS AMAZING !!!!! It's heartwarming and delicate!!! Watch it !! I highly recommend!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
Being able to have a family that is as open as we are is a privilege and one that many of us most likely do not have. However, finding the right people and being true to yourself is far more important. My sister and I are both Bi and no one else in our family knows. We're also in healthy straight relationships so we are basically fine in terms of "appearing straight." What's important is that we at least have each other and if you can find that /one/ person who understands and loves you for everything that you are, that's enough and it's beautiful.

# data[].attributes.body
Whether you have just come out, thinking to come out or struggling to come out, I just want to say that it's alright to be true to yourself and follow your heart. You do not have to seek validation from others and I am more than happy and proud of your achievements. You have all my support <3

# data[].attributes.headline
I fell in love with my best friend but he's straight and religious and now we arent friends anymore

# data[].attributes.subject
I fell in love with my best friend but he's straight and religious and now we arent friends anymore

# data[].attributes.body
Im from the Philippines and I had this best friend for 3 years. He was the first person I ever came out to. About a few months after I came out to him, I told him that I liked him, but he just said "I don't love you that way." I stayed anyway cause I didn't what life would be like without him. Except eventually I fell in love, and he really started to get in touch with his religion. He started to really distance himself in a way everything we did together were suddenly gone. He used so many different reasons to explain his "distancing" and they were against me (i was too clingy, too caring, too annoying). To this day, it still affects me drastically both in a good and bad way. I still love him though.

# data[].attributes.body
Honestly, coming out to them never really crossed my mind. “Never crossed my mind” like I never really thought of it because I knew I would never do it. I seriously know that they’re the best people ever though. They’re kind, nice, and open but we’re still young and I really thought they wouldn’t understand. Just last month though, I fell for a girl and I just knew that I was bi(I mean it confirmed it). I had some trouble with her but I couldn’t rly seek advice to anyone so I pledged to myself that I would finally tell my best friends about my sexuality. It was so sudden but I finally said it.They were shocked but accepted me so quickly and supported me wholeheartedly(until now) I’m sooo lucky to have them and I hope you’re also lucky enough to have friends who support and accept you for who you are. Have a great day 😊

# data[].attributes.body
one of the greatest books ive ever read and one of the greatest movies ive ever seen!! you should take some time to look it up and i suggest to read the book BEFORE watching the movie:’) THE CONVERSATIONS are just ❤️ i really recommend it!!

# data[].attributes.body
<3

# data[].attributes.body
As a kid, I loved playing soccer and growing up with brothers, I was used to boyish things. About 3 years ago, I realized I was bisexual and that same summer I joined this new girls soccer team. My aunt always drove me to my practices but never really liked the idea of me playing soccer. One dinner time, she teased me and said that I go to practices for the guys and I would just laugh and say no and she responded with “that’s okay, it’s better than liking a girl.” and laughed. I also had a time in my life where I would wear caps backwards and one day, my aunt got really angry and told me to take it off because I looked like a tomboy. I got really offended because when I used to criticize my brother for being feminine-like(i was guilty for being a little homophobic as a child), she used to defend him and say if that’s the way he is, you should love him for who he is. She told me to imagine what it’d be like to be in his place receiving offensive and criticizing comments from his own family. Of course from that day on, I swore to be more accepting because everybody deserves to be treated equally. But I also couldn’t help but feel less loved because when I went through it, all she did was criticize me and make me feel insecure. I haven’t come out to any of my parents, or my aunt because of the fear and the pressure of being an only girl. I also have friends whose parents are homophobic which is also scary, but I think to myself that as long as the people who matter the most to me accept me, then I’m more than okay with that. And although I don’t know if they do, I just keep a positive mindset and focus on the brighter things in life. It’s been a long while since that happened, and I can say I do feel more confident in myself now. And I know that a lot of it comes from surrounding myself with loving and supportive people, prayer, and acceptance of who I am. For anyone who might be feeling this way, know that it will get better!!

# data[].attributes.body
To anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, be it a different race, religion, colour, ethnicity, gender or whatever. Don't let the eyes of the public put a label on you, you are beautiful just the way you are. As for me I knew I was gay since I was like 4, they say its a choice, but I say its part of us, and i'm fully happy about it. I embrace my gayness, as it is what makes me, me. Same for all of you :) I grew up in a religious family, and am the oldest son. Henceforth, all the expectations were thrown on me. With those expectations, I am expected to be 'perfect' or the son everyone wants me to be. Thus, being gay was what was deemed as 'wrong', 'sinful' or 'disgraceful'. Hence, i chose to hid it for a long time because I didn't want to upset my family. However, as the years gone by, the constant pressure to be the perfect child was too much for me. I am sure like a lot of you, you are still 'straight-acting' at home, but among your friends, you re your TRUE gay-self and for me i sure did feel HAPPIER. Hence, i chose to come out last year. I am not gonna lie to you and say 'oh my family was chill' because, its hardly the case in asian households. Especially religious ones. So my life was kinda tough then, multiple rough nights, probably litres of tears. But well I stayed strong, and with the support of my friends, I told myself, its okay to be me. My family are still not the most comfortable about it, but welps at least they know. What i want to say is, just be who you are, and my main intent here is not to force all of you to come out, take your time and do it at your own pace when you are ready. Trust me, you are not alone and there are many of us in this community, and we have supporters for sure. Be yourself, and i know life might get rough, but you are not alone, and to all of you, you are beautiful stay strong. LOVE YALL PEEPS. :)

# data[].attributes.body
A super cute Thai BL series! The plot is a kinda cliche and it has its cheesy moments but I think that’s what gives it its charm. If you want to indulge in a feel-good, not so serious series this is for you! Also the kilig is so real omg!! - ina

# data[].attributes.body
to anyone who are in the LGBTQ + community, it's okay to be different guys:), we were born this way :) But yeap i think we need to think again about the cultures that we face it, if our condition ignore em,  it would be okay for us to not to share with it because sometimes many people from diverse background have their own way, right to decision on something, and we also do.  Well, for the truth my family is very kind also open, but some of their culture not match with my condition right now, i don't even know im bi/ straight, is because i have a both trauma of gender since i was on elemantry school i got bullied, from boy and girls that make me feel not that truly myself, just want to share:)

hugs from here! we are all here have our own way to make decision, to show ourself, to express ourself, so be yourself guys! i know sometimes its hard, but if we trust ourself, we can do it") LOVE YOU ALL

# data[].attributes.body
Skam is a Norwegian TV show and Season 3 centers a gay couple. Everyone literally has to watch all of the seasons because it's soooo good + really aesthetically pleasing especially for teenager's TASTE!

# data[].attributes.body
To those who came out,
Thank you for accepting yourself. Thank you for loving yourself and continue being who you are. Thank you for being an inspiration for others to love and accept themselves. I know that others judged you but dont listen to them I know that coming out was hard for you, thank you for enduring the pain and judgement that you have experienced. Thank you for forng yourself and continue to inspire others

To those who support this community
Thank you for supporting them and lets keep supporting them together. Thank you for showing that loving yourself is what matters the most. Thank you for showing that together we can suport them and accept them whole and protect them for judgement.

To those who dislike this community
Please dont judge them. Keep your thoughts to yourself. Dont discourge them for being who they are because they just want to be themselves in the world where people might accept them for being them. Dont hate and dont judge.

#PRIDEMONTH
#L0VEYOURSELF
#BEYOURSELF
#LOVE DONTHATE
#❤💙💚💛💜💝👑

# data[].attributes.body
Pride friendship bracelets ideas for CISV!!

# data[].attributes.body
I don’t know where to start. When I was in 8th grade, I decided to come out to my parents. It was scary and I spent months contemplating abt it. One day, I decided to tell my parents. I sat them down and told them not to get mad at me. Then I told them. They didn’t get mad at me but they started to me that it’s wrong. I am not like that. “IT’S A PHASE.” I was glad I told them but it was like they knew but didn’t know at the same time. But it didn’t stop me from being who I am, I’m still bisexual. Then two years later, I came out to my mom again. It was different this time cause my dad wasn’t around. She got furious. She started saying that she failed as a parent... that maybe I should go to a priest... that I got tempted by the devil. She said and did things that I will never forget. It made me so sad. Knowing that maybe I’ll never accepted by my mom. But I’m so glad to have my friends  and my some of my family members by my side. They make me feel loved and the support they give me is beyond. My point is if you have these kind of people in your life, keep them and treasure them. They’ll be the reason that you still keep on going. I’m sure you have these people and if you don’t you will find your people too. So I guess I just have to fake it till I make it. It’s hard but I’m glad I have these people.

# data[].attributes.body
This day absolutely sucks for us. It sucks to have your parents find out like this, and it sucks that they can’t accept us. I don’t know what will happen now and I’m sure you don’t either. But all i know is that i want to be with you forever. It doesnt have to be now, nor anytime soon, but i will marry you. The moment same sex marriage is possible, i don’t care what kind of financial situation you and i could be in, or what anyone says anymore. You and I are going to get married and I’m going to spend the rest of my days loving you.

I’ve been in love with you since the moment i met you. I may have not realized it then, but it’s always been you. And it always will be. I can promise you that.

You’re gonna do great things. And if God will allow me, I’ll be right there beside you. 143 forever i hope you see this one day :(❤️

# data[].attributes.headline
Living under the same roof as the father that disowned me in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Living under the same roof as the father that disowned me in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy. 

# data[].attributes.body
It has been three months of quarantine but I can count the words he’s said to me on one hand ever since we had a heated discussion about my sexuality. I am bisexual, and my father never really understood this, which is why he never even tried to listen to me when I was on my knees, begging him not to disown me. I was a mistake to him, according to the bible. He even added that he would rather impregnate another woman for a chance of having “real” boy as his son. A lot of other problems we have been sweeping under the rug resurfaced—emotional manipulation, my depression, and my father’s infidelity.

My mom took the brunt of the hit. She was in the middle of all this. She kept all these issues from me because she does not want me worrying about her. But this time, she broke down in front of me; perhaps, the most heartbreaking thing i have ever seen is seeing my mother cry. But she is tough. Which is why I love my mom even more. She taught me to never unlove myself because of what I am. We have a special corner in our home where we pray at 6 pm every night; not one dry eye in sight. I also have my friends to thank for waiting the storm out with me. I believe that the LGBTQIA+ community is never truly alone in this fight.

It’s been three months since my dad and I talked. We haven’t exchanged anything long of a sentence. But I know I have my mom and my friends with me throughout all this. However, even though he tries to shut me off, I pray that he comes back around.

# data[].attributes.body
She played me a song on the piano— she never lets just anyone hear her play. She sent me covers of love songs and bought me my favorite food and told me everything will be okay. She said it was okay when I told her I couldn’t keep doing this. I couldn’t play her and the other guy I was chatting with. I told her I had to choose someone... and I chose him. I’m happy with him. Though I can’t help but wonder, like that lyric from the new Ben & Ben song, “Was there a lifetime waiting for us?”

I’m sorry we didn’t last a lifetime, but I’m glad I spent a few moments with you.

# data[].attributes.body
with a great plot and empowering stories of friendship and family, this series reinvented an old, outdated cartoon into a show that has diverse representation of LGBTQ+ and does really well in normalizing these relationships. i swear! i love it. there are characters that are lesbian, bisexual, trans non-binary, trans lesbian, gay, (and ofc the straights but they're not important here). if you want to watch a show with a plotline similar to avatar: the last airbender and with a diverse set of characters, watch she-ra!

# data[].attributes.body
i remember finding this song in 2016 and feeling like someone finally understood the way i felt and put all my feelings into a song :") ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

# data[].attributes.body
Hey! First of all, Jean isn’t my real name. So I recently just finished watching Love, Victor — and it did made me relate a lot to Victor in some ways. But more importantly, it really did taught me that there isn’t a perfect time to come out. So right now, I’m coming out clean and telling everyone that I’m Bisexual.

Throughout my life, my family, especially my dad side, is quite religious and conservative. Being a part of the LGBT+ or even an ally for them is not a good idea to be a part of, which made my coming out a bit harder. Despite being brought up in that type environment,  I was quite an open minded child that made me realise that there was something different about me that I couldn’t fully understand while growing up. With that, I got bullied a lot and called various stuff towards me because I wasn’t acting as the basic straight guy that some have in mind — but I just thought to myself that for the guys who did bullied me about it where just jealous that I can get along with girls quite easily 😅... quite the optimistic I am.

I have moments that factored even more to myself on still thinking I was straight because on what others and also myself had an idea of. I had  where I look at certain guys and felt a similar way when I fancy a girl — but my open minded self just convinced myself that I really just appreciate and admired that individual in a human level, which can be somewhat true to say the least, or moments of someone saying that it is fine and normal to have a crush with the same gender as you do and it shouldn’t factor of you not being straight.

Those things factored into my head that potentially made me believe that I really am  straight and felt that I just have to prove to people that you can like, act, or being friends with certain people while being straight. I had this mindset for years now and it really did made me more open minded and really eager to prove others wrong.  Despite that, it still bothered me to think if whether or not I was really am straight. But as the time I’m writing this, I just have a realisation to myself that I am really different — and I really love that about myself. I am tired proving to others and to myself on someone I am not. I’m just really embracing on who I truly am and it knowing that this doesn’t make me less of a man.

I have yet to come out to my friends and familt but if that time comes, I’m just wishing my future self a good luck and reminding himself that no matter what others feel about it, he still loves himself in embracing his truest self. It can be scary but I’m pretty sure it will be worth it.

Love,
Jean |:/

# data[].attributes.body
I was debating whether I should be making this post or not because this might be taken as me not appreciating what this organization is trying to do for LGBTQ+ people. I admire the way that this organization has dedicated a month to allow LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences. Not a lot of organizations even care about topics like this, so I really appreciate the steps this organization made to acknowledge and provide support to the LGBTQ+ community.

When I saw teasers and promotion material for this project from a member of this organization that I follow on Instagram, my first reaction was, "Why? You never cared about the LGBTQ+ community before, why do you suddenly care now?" I won't name names, but there have been members of this organization who have been quite homophobic in the past. One of them, I have tried calling out their homophobic behavior, but only responded to this by saying, "I'm not homophobic, I have gay friends." Another one I know had screamed, "YOU ARE ALL F*GGOTS," in a crowded school hallway. So when I saw these people posting about pride and about the LGBTQ+ community, I thought, were they doing this for clout? Were they doing this to seem woke? Do these people think that just because they post rainbows on their stories, that they are no longer homophobic? That they are being a good ally?

This post is not a call out post for those people, but a call for allies to do better.  It is not enough to put rainbow frames on your profile picture to show support. If you tolerate homophobic behavior, you cannot call yourself an ally. Even if you yourself does not make homophic jokes or are not homophobic, but tolerate the homophobic jokes and homophobia of your friends, you are not an ally. And you are certainly not an ally, if you are only an ally in the presence of an LGBTQ+ person in the room.

To be an ally, you have to listen to LGBTQ+ people and educate yourself. DO NOT tell an LGBTQ+ person how to think, feel, or act, it is not your place. If you get called out doing something, don't make excuses, just do better.

Again, I am not trying to undermine this organization's efforts to support LGBTQ+. This post is meant to educate allies. It is essential to acknowledge that the importance of allies when advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. But it is also important that allies know that, to be an ally, it is not enough to just say that you support LGBTQ+ people. Being a real ally means using your privelage to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. It means having zero tolerance for homophobic behavior.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The Big Moon - Your Light
The Big Moon is an all female queer indie rock group, what more can you want? There are only a handful of all-female led bands, and this band I can guarantee will satisfy those with the indie rock soul.
2. The Japanese House - Saw You in a Dream
Indie pop group from England led by Amber Bain, queer non-binary woman. This song is a personal favorite. Just listen and you'll know what I mean.
3. Phoebe Bridgers - Motion Sickness
Bridger's soft voice contrasts with the grunge effects and texture from the lead guitar in this song, and makes for a song that's perfect to chill to. I recommend playing this song on long drives.
4. Marika Hackman - Boyfriend
This song was a collaboration with The Big Moon with queer singer-songwriter Marika Hackman. This song gives off a more experimental vintage vibe.
5. Girl in Red - We Fell in Love in October
If you never heard or listened to Girl in Red, then you better do it now. If you love bedroom pop, then you'll love Girl in Red.
6. Brandi Carlile - I Belong To You
Last but not the least, Brandi Carlile, one of the most successful female country singers, in a male dominant genre. Carlile wrote this song for her wife, Catherine.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bury Your Gays Trope and Why it is so Harmful

# data[].attributes.subject
Bury Your Gays Trope and Why it is so Harmful

# data[].attributes.body
Many people may not know about this so I thought I'd share.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why so many queer female characters die on TV

# data[].attributes.body
Sexuality is a difficult subject to tread for many people. Luckily for me, my sexuality was never really a worrisome thing to explore. Around the moment when I began questioning my sexuality, I had also just transferred into a new school. In that place, I made friends that were really out and open with their respective sexualities. Some were lesbian, gay, and a lot were also bi, pan and many were open to questioning themselves on this and in general the construct of gender. Literally my second day of school, I was really nervous texting this girl-- who would later become a really good friend-- until we brought up a discussion on LGBTQIA+ which allowed me to get really comfortable with her. She was the first person I ever really personally came out to too.

Months later, I would try to come out to my mom, only to get shut down and told that 'it's just a phase' and that 'there's no way I should ever love a girl like that.' I was honestly devastated and sobbed in front of my mother. We were in Starbucks too at the time. This made me feel really upset with myself for some time but my friends were the ones to bring me back to feeling pride over who I was and who I loved. I doubt they ever knew it, but their company cheered me up and assured me that it's always okay to love whoever we want to love.

# data[].attributes.body
The Half Of It is a movie based on a popular novel of the same name. It features an intelligent and shy introvert who makes a deal with a guy to help woo a girl he likes by assisting him in writing love letters to her. It sounds like a typical love story, yeah? Don't fret, for this movie turns the tables quite a bit. The introvert, Ellie Chu, also has a crush on the girl who the guy likes. This is not a spoiler as it is in the description for the movie in Netflix. The movie contains a very poignant discussion about LGBTQIA+ and accepting someone for who they love. Besides that, it also has an enriching story and complex characters that defy the usual romance tropes and in turn, create a wholly new and magical experience. Oh! The cinematography is amazing too!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Half of It | Official Trailer | Netflix

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pose (FX) Trailer HD - Evan Peters, Kate Mara series

# data[].attributes.body
Once I was on IJBC in a queer session at 4 am with blue perfect eyeshadow and someone complimented me and I get so happy and excited so now we're having a queer make up city chat session and I'm so so happy this is amazing I love this community