Ashlee Nicole L. Pacifico
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Jersey Eury Acosta, a 19-year-old college student identifying as a bi-romantic homosexual individual is currently a student in De La Salle University–Dasmariñas taking up his undergraduate degree major in psychology. Naturally gifted, he participated in a chorale in high school and is currently a member of a dance company in college. He used to sing with the school's choir, the MunSci Voices, at Muntinlupa Science High School. At the moment, he is a member of the RVNE dance group, which is dedicated to promoting equality for members of the LGBTQIA community and fostering their sense of empowerment by breaking stereotypes in the dancing community. Shrugging off the usual norm that ladies could only dance several sexy dances and men are supposed to do hip-hop is a big no, no for them. People of various genders, and orientation may appreciate the beauty and expressiveness of dance. However, many people are maybe putting off their passion for dancing due to negative preconceptions they may have heard. This narrow conception of who may and should enjoy dance is damaging. They make it harder for people to overcome their anxieties and uncertainties about dancing, which is one of the reasons why people avoid it. Acosta is a staunch champion for and fighter against the perpetuation of stereotypes, and he does so by encouraging dancers to have an open-minded attitude towards performing. Everyone, regardless of their gender, or sexual orientation, should be applauded for their bravery and originality if we watch them dancing.
Jersey's sexual orientation has always been a part of who he is, but he recognizes that not everyone is as accepting as he is. He has been the target of homophobia, bigotry, and prejudice from some of his friends back then as he was starting to explore more, yet he has never allowed those things to prevent him from being true to who he is and his commitment to authenticity. He is fiercely committed to advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA people and working for the creation of a world that is more accepting of all identities.
Jersey came to the startling realization that he will have to fight this uphill battle repeatedly for himself and for the community after having the enlightening notion that he would never want anybody to believe in. “Hindi nila deserve na in such an early age makakaramdam sila ng… yung thought na bakit ako ganito? Bakit ganito yung nararamdaman ko? Mali ba ko? Ano bang meron sakin? And ayon, yung mga... eye opening thoughts na yun ang nagpursue sakin na okay this is my battle, this was my battle and this is still my battle, kailangan ko labanan to and I will fight for it,” he emphasized. He strives and envisions a society in which people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are accepted and celebrated for who they are, and he wants to help make this a reality.
On his last pageant as a contestant for Mr. CLAC (College of Liberal Arts and Communication), he ignited the stage with his fiery presence while boldly representing the LGBTQIA community from the preliminary rounds, showcasing his advocacy, all the way to the final round. Acosta is relieved to realize that he was successful in gaining the hearts of many people despite the fact that he did not win any crowns on this pageant. After the pageant, he was showered with words of encouragement and congratulations. He is especially pleased with himself for having been the one to seize the spotlight and cast it onto the LGBTQIA community, to which he belongs and to which he has dedicated his platform.
Acosta is a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA community. His accomplishments are a testament to the power of love, determination, and acceptance. He shows us that it is possible to overcome discrimination and prejudice, and to live a life of authenticity and joy. He is a shining example of what it means to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. His story reminds us that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Let's hope, like Jersey, for a world where everyone is accepted and praised for who they are. A world where everyone, no matter what their gender or sexual preference, is accepted and loved no matter what. Like a world where people didn't have to wear an invisible mask or pretend to be someone else to fit in. A utopia where everyone has the chance to be valued. This is a world that should be fought for. A world dispelling bias and prejudice, maybe. Every one of us can resolve to be kinder and more tolerant of others despite our difference which won't be simple, but can possibly be done.
In peace and harmony, be a friend and an ally.