Reyna

As much as my cultural roots in the Filipino community have been such a pride and joy to hold as part of my identity, I cannot deny the heartache that was passed along as well. Western beauty standards have been passed along for generations - me, my Filipino peers, and many others can attest to hearing all the same harmful comments in this film and plenty more a thousand times over. For a collectivist culture that prides itself on closeness and respecting our elders and those that came before us, I think the greatest act of disrespect that we do to our community is reinforcing this negative perception of ourselves: I cannot deny the way that my ancestors physically persist within me through me appearance, and neither should my family and community members. Out of respect for my roots, my loved ones around me, and a step forward towards a safer and stronger community, this film is just the start of a conversation to decolonizing the way we view ourselves. It's a radical act of power to live your truth, accept yourself as you are, and maybe even love yourself. We need more people of all bodies encouraged to do so.