International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. It’s a time for awareness, education and insight into the discrimination and violence still perpetrated around the world against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a time to come together in healing, support and joint resistance against discrimination and prejudice.

At KCG, we believe in proudly celebrating and supporting sexual and gender diversity. Inclusivity is woven into our DNA, and we know that we succeed only when we build a world that is filled with a truly diverse set of voices. That means creating safe spaces in which people can truly grow.

We would like to hand the mic to Joezel, a superstar Project Manager at KCG, for her insightful perspective in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

A Message from Joezel Maglajos
Growing up, I knew there was something different about me, and I knew that I belonged somewhere else, but I couldn’t figure out where. Even though society dictated the norm, I found a way to be who I am – but because it was not the way people were used to seeing me, the way they used to perceive me, I received many physical and emotional distraught, rejections, and insults. These raving critiques made me question my capabilities and identity to a point where I blamed myself – asking ‘why am I like this’ and ‘why am I different’?

So, I pretended to be someone else, becoming who they wanted to perceive me as, instead of who I perceived myself to be. And that was one of the hardest moments of my life. I was a prisoner of my own identity, I was lying to myself, I was creating another persona that is not me, and ultimately I was allowing myself to be a different person. This is because of the hatred I got, the range of negative attitudes and feelings, and the discrimination I got.

As time goes by, I realize that some people who are against someone like me will not stop their conclusive judgment, that some people will not accept the reality of who I am. I learned the hardest possible way to accept who I am and to be my own human shield against discrimination. I learned to respect others’ opinions about people like me and understand why they treat us differently, even though it’s the hardest thing to do. Then, I finally realized not to please other people and be who I wanted to be, be free, and be ME! I finally got the support I needed and support that made me believe in myself and what I could achieve.

This day marks the day of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Let’s end the stigma and be an ally in putting all challenges and setbacks in my community’s path to bring us to an inclusive and protective environment. Be our hope and guide, especially to those who still suffer and encounter these apprehensions, and be our light to a clear and accepting society.

I am Joezel, a proud and loud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a Transgender Woman who will fight against Homophobia and Transphobia.

At Kings Crest Global, we are proud to loudly voice our support for the LGBTQIA+ community and vehemently condemn homophobic and transphobic discrimination in every form. We bring our commitment to diversity to our work every day, and are passionate about spreading further awareness and hope on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.