On June 15, Killa Kush, Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena, and Fifth Solomon highlighted the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.
At the launch of Converse’s 2023 Pride collection, ‘Proud to Be,’ Kush noted the need for the LGBTQIA+ community to band together.
“I think the biggest challenge now within the community is how people don’t come together sometimes, and sometimes go against each other in a way that–for example, like for me, everyone asks me, like what am I? Am I bi? Am I a lesbian? Am I pan?”
She also pointed out the pressure of labeling themselves.
“And sometimes, there’s this pressure to label yourself right, and sometimes that comes even from the community, but I hope we could extend that love and understanding that we are all going through different life paths when it comes to gayness, so having that love in the community is everything to me.”
De Cartagena cited the current battle of the LGBTQIA+ community for the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) Equality Bill.
“Maraming challenges para sa Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, but ‘yung pinakamalaki doon, at ‘yung naiisip ko talaga, is wala tayong bill na nagpro-protect against queer discrimination. So ‘yung SOGIE Bill, ‘yung SOGIE Equality Bill, matagal na siyang, na-author at ipasa sa CAMARA, sa Kongreso, at hanggang ngayong pinaglalaban pa rin siya. So sana, in the near future, hopefully, maging batas na siya, para talaga lahat tayo pantay-pantay.”
Solomon echoed De Cartagena’s sentiments about the SOGIE Equality Bill.
“Siguro ‘yung pinaka malaking challenge pa rin is wala pa rin equal rights. Wala pa rin– mayroong parang Pride Month, may pagdiriwang para sa LGBTQIA+ community pero wala pa ring equal rights. Wala pa ring SOGIE, wala pa ring Same Sex marriage, mga ganong karapatan unlike sa straight people na mayroon na silang karapatan. Kami wala pa talaga.”
As for the #ProudToBe collection, Converse gathered personalities to represent the diversity of the queer community in the country. These include Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena, DJ Kate Jagdon, Shainna Gayle de Castro, Killa Kush, Fifth Solomon, Brigiding, Fuschia Anne Ravena, and Antonio Stevens.
The #ProudToBe collection features Converse products designed by LGBTQIA+ employees and allies at Converse. The collection includes the Run Star Legacy CX, Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel, Chuck 70 Plus, Chuck 70, Chuck Taylor All-Star Lift, and Chuck Taylor All-Star, as well as an assortment of apparel.
Each shoe features interlinked silhouettes of the Progress Pride flag stitched into each pair’s tongue. The collection also highlights adornments and embellishments, such as Pride laces weaving through the Run Star Legacy CX, rainbow outsoles anchoring the Chuck 70 Plus, or the chunky glitter upper on the recently introduced Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel.
In addition, the shoe brand also paid attention to the feedback from the community about offering a range of sizing options. The Converse Proud To Be Collection is available via Converse Philippines Official Site and stores nationwide.
