LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a fantastic celebration, but true allyship extends far beyond June. LGBTQ+ celebrities, activists and influencers share their insights on how to be a vocal advocate for the community, every single day. Dive in and discover how you can make a real difference.

While I can appreciate allies who aren’t afraid to declare their love for the gays and how “fabulous” we are, there’s always a risk of perpetuating stereotypes that can be harmful in the long run. When you sensationalize oversimplified representations of our identities, people often forget the numerous challenges and discrimination we still face in this so-called modern world. Please accept that being straight comes with the privilege of not having to deal with discrimination and judgment just because of your sexual preference.

So please speak up about inequality even when we’re not around. Remind the world that we deserve to experience relationships without being shamed or ridiculed. Just like you, our sexual orientation was never a choice. —Show Suzuki, host, voice-over talent, TikTok’s Kuya ShowPeople can be an ally all year long by speaking up and challenging homophobic and transphobic remarks or actions whenever they occur. They can also always support LGBTQIA+ businesses that are owned or supportive of the community. —Precious Paula Nicole, drag queen, Divine Diva, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines” Season 1For me, people can be allies by being our safe space. In a society where a lot of LGBT people are shunned and discriminated against, we need safe spaces where we can be free. 

Free from judgment, free to love, free to be ourselves. —Ice Seguerra, singer-songwriter, actor, directorI think being an ally year-round entails continuously listening, learning and standing against discrimination toward our community. Also it helps to consciously support LGBTQ+ businesses and understand, more so practice, what it means to advocate for inclusivity starting within your own circles. After all, Pride isn’t just a celebration, it has always been a protest. —Vince Uy, creative director and entrepreneurWe’ve come a long way, but it’s still a long way when it comes to our rights. I think we need to see ourselves as advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community. We don’t need to have a huge platform to become one, educating our friends, colleagues and families about our community will make a huge difference. We also need to always remember that fighting for our rights does not end on pride month and we must continue to do so until we reach our goal, which is equality. —Arizona Brandy, drag queen, “RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines” Season 2

Be an ally by using your voice to stand up against issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, advocate for policies to protect their rights and continuously educate yourself. Provide safe spaces especially for LGBTQIA+ kids and members of the community who are still hiding in fear. Be part of the conversation and protect the community not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year. —Al Estrella, teacher and illustrator An ally would be those that support our rights, the things that we stand for and those who believe that love wins regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation and religion. On a daily basis, you can help the community by being respectful to others. There are noteworthy causes you can support like the Save and Improve Lives (SAIL) clinics that offer HIV treatment and prevention in NCR and Region 4A. —Teddy Manuel, floral and events stylistPride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of how far the community has come. An ally stays through thick and thin, and they learn to love those around them with a genuine heart. They fight for those who can’t fight and encourage them with passion.

As much as we want to give a list of things you can do to challenge homophobia and transphobia, it will always go back to the genuineness of one’s heart. Once you’ve embraced compassion and respect, your actions will be a manifestation of what you feel toward the community. There are no guides and textbooks for these matters: you just need to be a friend in every situation, and that in itself is a way of challenging the core of homophobia and transphobia.—Christopher Cachuela and Benedict Sy, founders of Avignon ClinicAn LGBTQ+ ally means you use your privilege as a straight/cis person to stand up for people who are marginalized and those who don’t have a voice. And you actively do this especially in circles that need it the most.

Examine the way you personally see gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and expression. Examine your own Sogie, because not only queer people have Sogie. Start conversations about it. Consider what traditions or norms are heteronormative and start unlearning it.

For example, gender reveals—they are more accurately “sex” reveals. And on that note, boy = blue, girl = pink are heteronormative ideas that reinforce gender roles. Things like that. Everyday things matter. When you’re in a conversation with other cis/straight people and someone makes a gay joke, call it out. Even when you’re not around LGBTQIA, and especially when you’re in an environment without them, you need to speak up for them.

The idea of Pride and being an ally is to fight for equality until the day comes when we no longer need to. And we need to do that every day, we need to ingrain it in little things in our daily lives.—Belle Rodolfo, beauty editor and content creatorEducating oneself is crucial as the LGBTQIA+ spectrum continues to evolve. Open-mindedness is essential to learning about LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, history and the challenges faced by the community. Understanding the experiences and struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals helps you become a better ally. —Jaggy Glarino, fashion designerAllyship with the Filipino LGBTQ community should not be seen as an annual exercise but rather a commitment to be one with the community and become a strong voice in advocating our causes and ensuring the community’s protection and progress.

Expressing support for the LGBTQ community should not be limited to Pride Month alone that is usually celebrated in June. It is an everyday matter, all year round.

Allies must fully understand the importance of the Sogie Equality Bill to pass into law.

The Sogie (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill was first introduced in 2000. It’s the longest running bill being deliberated in Congress. We are not asking for special rights or privileges. This bill only asks for the protection of equal dignity and rights of all citizens regardless of diverse Sogie. This bill is also not about same-sex marriage.

Allies should also advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Philippine Finance and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) where I sit as a board advisor launched last year the PFIP “Playbook,” a compendium of LGBT+ inclusive policies, programs and practices for local organizations. This is to reinforce PFIP’s commitment to protect and promote safe workplaces within the corporate pride community and reaffirming its support for the greater LGBT+ ecosystem in the Philippines.

The PFIP “Playbook” is a significant resource for business managers and industry leaders looking to build safe and welcoming, diverse and inclusive, and ethical and sustainable spaces.

To get a complimentary digital copy of the “Playbook,” you may sign up at playbook.pfip.com.ph/waitlist. Learn more by visiting pfip.com.ph

I urge allies to continue to have meaningful conversations with members of the LGBTQ community even if they are difficult and uncomfortable. The more we know, the more we learn, the more we understand.

Watch LGBTQ themed films and documentaries. There’s a number on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Be critical about how media portrays the LGBTQ community. Representation and visibility are important. Telling diverse and inclusive stories of LGBTQ in films, television and digital platforms is highly critical in this time when we continue to fight for equality. Let’s occupy spaces and live large! —Queenmelo Esguerra, documentary filmmaker and gender equality activist1.Educate yourself and others. Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminologies and issues. Educate others about your learnings.

2. Listen and amplify voices. Listen to LGBTQ+ individuals without judgment. Share their stories and advocating for their rights.

3. Stand against hate. Call out discrimination when you see it. Be an active supporter.

4. Attend Pride events. Show your support by attending Pride events, parades or rallies in your community.

5. Support LGBTQ+ businesses. Promote LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations through donations, volunteering or simply by being a customer.

6. Be an advocate. Use your platform to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and promote equality and inclusion.

7. Register and vote. Register for the elections, and vote and rally for government officials who truly champion LGBTQ+ rights. —Janlee Dungca, managing directress, Castro PR, head of PR for Love Yourself Inc. and Angat Buhay INQ