In this video, Nina discusses the cultural barriers to speaking out and emphasises the importance of support systems, including our services at On Your Side.

Our research has shown that many people in the ESEA community find it difficult to speak out when they experience discrimination or hate. Fear of retaliation, shame, and the stigmatisation of seeking help can all prevent people seeking the support they need. Additionally, a lack of awareness about available support services and a mistrust of authorities can contribute to this reluctance.

As Nina notes, it is crucial for people to speak out “because it’s a way of taking back our agency and advocating for ourselves.” One way to speak out is to contact our service through our 24/7 hotline or our 5-minute web form. Your experience matters.

On Your Side is a service for all members of the East and Southeast Asian community. You can reach out to us if you face hate or discrimination targeting any aspect of your identity, including gender and sexuality. Nina shares that “isolation” is a significant issue facing the Filipino LGBTQ+ community in the UK. This Pride Month, we want to reassure you that you’re not alone. You can reach out to us anytime. We’re on your side.