Jess grew up in a conservative, religious household, hiding his true identity to avoid judgment and rejection. Despite his inner struggles, he stayed strong, finished college, and moved to Manila, where he found love, freedom, and purpose. Coming from a humble life as a farm helper, he is now a Marketing Manager and national awardee, proving that your beginning doesn’t define your future. His journey from silence to self-expression inspires others to live authentically and shows that love and acceptance can bloom even in the most unexpected places.
“Manila gave me freedom—not just to work, but to breathe.”
This quote from Jess captures the transformation he underwent—from living in fear to finally embracing the person he was born to be.This feature explores the personal journey of Jess, a proud LGBTQIA+ advocate, and how his story reflects broader themes of courage, identity, and societal acceptance in the Philippine context.
Relevant Research and Statistics
According to a 2023 Pulse Asia survey, 61% of Filipinos still believe LGBTQIA+ individuals face moderate to severe discrimination.
A study from the UP Center for Women's and Gender Studies shows that acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people increases significantly in urban areas, particularly among younger generations.
Human Rights Watch Philippines (2022) highlighted the emotional toll of hiding one’s identity, linking it to high rates of depression and anxiety in LGBTQIA+ youth
Interview with Jess
When did you first realize you were different, and how did it feel growing up in a conservative environment?
“I knew from a young age that I was different. I acted like a boy, but deep inside, I knew I didn’t fully belong to that mold. Growing up in a religious and conservative household, I felt I had no safe space to express what I really felt. So, I stayed quiet and tried to act the way people expected.”
What challenges did you face while trying to hide your true identity?
“It was exhausting. I had to monitor everything—my gestures, my voice, even the way I laughed. I pretended to be someone I wasn't just to blend in. At school, I held back from excelling because I didn’t want attention. At home, I took on roles that felt unnatural to me just to be accepted.”
Humble Beginnings:
Jess grew up in a small rural town in a religious, Catholic family.
He was raised primarily by his grandmother while his parents worked far away.
As a child, Jess took on “masculine” roles like being a tapasero (farm helper), hiding his true identity to blend in and be accepted.
Educational Background:
Jess studied in a public school, always holding back his expressions to avoid ridicule. Despite this, he managed to excel quietly and eventually earned a college degree—though his parents only accompanied him once throughout his academic journey.
In college, he met his first male partner, which became a turning point in discovering and embracing his identity.
Challenges and Obstacles:
Struggled with gender identity and acceptance in a conservative environment.
Suppressed his personality, dreams, and self-expression for fear of being “found out.” Hid his relationship with a man from his family, eventually choosing to elope rather than risk being rejected.
Lived in Metro Manila without financial support, working independently to survive.
Interview with Jess
How did moving to Manila change your life?
“Manila gave me the freedom to breathe. For the first time, I wasn’t surrounded by judgmental eyes. I found a partner, built a new life, and finally stopped hiding. Manila became the place where I was reborn—not as someone new, but as someone finally real.”
What inspired you to keep going despite fear and rejection?
“I held on to the dream that one day, I could live for myself. Every hardship reminded me that I was getting closer to that freedom. My partner also became my strength—he accepted me completely, and that love gave me courage.”
Success Stories:
Jess was accepted by his family after two years when they saw how genuinely his partner cared for him.
He rose through the ranks in a marketing firm and became a Marketing Manager. He received a national award for excellence in communication and advertising.
Original Song: Rise & Shine
Interview with Jess
How did your parents come to accept your relationship and identity?
“At first, they didn’t know. I kept everything secret. But over time, they saw how well my partner treated me. They saw I was safe, stable, and happy. That opened their hearts. They thanked him for taking care of me—and I knew then that acceptance was possible, even if it took time.
What message do you want to send to young LGBTQIA+ people who are still hiding?
“Don’t rush, but don’t lose hope. There’s no timeline for coming out. What matters is that you’re true to yourself when you're ready. You are not alone. Your story matters. And there will come a time when you can live in truth—and that will be the most beautiful moment of your life.”
What does success mean to you today, and how do you define it?
“Success isn’t just the awards or the job title—it’s the peace I feel when I look in the mirror. It’s knowing I didn’t betray myself. It’s the ability to walk into a room without fear and to speak my truth confidently. That, to me, is real success.”
Jess was later invited as a guest speaker at his former school, symbolizing how far he had come and how his hometown now sees him with pride, not shame.
Reflection:
Jess’s story is a powerful reminder that authenticity is the key to fulfillment. From a young boy silenced by fear, he evolved into a proud voice for the LGBTQIA+ community. His courage, resilience, and achievements show that identity should never be a barrier to success.
“Success is walking into a room and not having to pretend. That’s the peace I worked for.”
Through Jess, we learn that true change starts when one decides to stop hiding—and starts living.
D. References
Human Rights Watch. “Philippines: LGBT People Face Abuse, Discrimination.” 2022, www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/22/philippines-lgbt-people-face-abuse-discrimination
Pulse Asia Research. “Public Opinion on LGBTQIA+ Rights.” 2023.
University of the Philippines Center for Women's and Gender Studies. “Attitudes Towards SOGIE in Filipino Youth.” 2022.
Personal Interview with Jess, May 30, 2025.