Pexels updates search algorithm to increase visibility for LGBTQ+ community

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Pexels’ algorithm update gives LGBTQ+ couples equal presence, another step in strengthening its overall quest to improve representation for marginalized communities

Pexels shows photos of families with straight couples, same sex couples, and interracial couples when you search for the term ‘family’

Pexels, the multimedia library dedicated to sharing diverse, free stock photos and videos, announced that it has made a major update to its algorithm to increase visibility of content that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. This announcement follows Pexels’ previous partnership with Nappy in March of 2018 to highlight photos representative of diverse cultures and races. A company that values inclusivity at its core, Pexels has been on a mission to improve its search results to provide more well-rounded offerings since it launched in 2014 and was later acquired by Canva in 2018. Now, in light of Pride month, Pexels is permanently adjusting its algorithm for all relationship-based search keywords to deliver more diversity across genders and sexualities, giving presence to all types of relationships.

Searching for the term ‘couple’ on Pexels returns images representing all races, genders and identities

Pexels sets itself apart from its competitors with its artful, high-quality and curated library that offers over two million photos and videos for free. Additionally, Pexels’ library is the first truly inclusive collection focused on diversity across cultures, ethnicities and genders. While other stock photo sites do have images to reflect diversity, these do not naturally surface in the search results.

To find these photos, users must use search terms that clearly indicate whether they want a photo of a straight or a same-sex couple. Pexels’ algorithm update is focused on inclusivity and prioritizing LGBTQ+ imagery, democratizing all images, not requiring a user to delineate between same sex or other descriptors. Search terms like ‘couple’ or ‘holding hands,’ that typically only return images of heterosexual couples, now yield photos representing all races, genders and identities, increasing visibility and encouraging mainstream use. In a space that is crowded with cisgender, heteronormative, and white-washed content, Pexels continues be a pioneer in supporting underrepresented communities. The company hopes to empower its own community to tell better stories and inspire other stock photo sites to do the same.

“As one of the premier free photo and video libraries, we understand the power a photo or video can have,” said Monica Silvestre, Head of Community at Pexels. “Media has the power to make or break ideologies, challenge the status quo and humanize experiences. Images fuel stories and create movements, and it’s our responsibility as a global platform to act as a force for good; a force that helps power progress. This is why we’re improving our learning algorithm. The next time someone searches for “couple” or “love” they will find refreshing content that reflects life as it really is around us—straight couples, same sex couples, interracial couples, non-binary folks and more.”

In addition to the algorithm update, Pexels has amped up its efforts to partner with creators and companies that prioritize images and videos that challenge relationship norms and offer LGBTQ+ perspectives. The team will continue to adjust how its algorithm learns, making it intentionally calculate equal representation in order to offer its users choices they might not have previously considered. Pexels also employs a team of curators to specifically view, tag and boost submitted images to ensure the highest level of diversity and equality across the platform. Pexels encourages all photographers and creators to upload their LGBTQ+ photography to the platform. 

For more information about Pexels, please visit pexels.com.

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ABOUT PEXELS

Launched in 2014 and acquired by Canva in 2018, Pexels is a free to use photo and video library powered by a community of photographers. Its beautiful library of images and videos is donated by a global community of talented contributors who upload their work for everyone to use freely, helping millions of creators around the world develop beautiful products and designs. Pexels believes in diversity as a force for good and creative innovation. The team of over 30 people worldwide celebrates strength in different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds and embraces its community of imaginative photographers.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Google Philippines to hold Pride Conversations online event on YouTube to honor the LGBTQ+ community

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MANILA, Philippines--As part of the concluding celebration of Pride Month, Google will hold an online event called “Pride Conversations” to create a discussion and champion some of today’s inspiring members of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community. This will be streamed live on Google Philippines YouTube channel on June 30, 2020 at 5:00PM. 

The speakers of the event continue to bring pride to the LGBTQ+ community through their achievements in their respective fields. Taking part in the discussion are Antipolo City Barangay Councilor Kristine Ibardolaza; Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Fellow Dr. Berry Beriña; motorcycle enthusiast and vlogger Gaki Azurin, more popularly known as “GakiMoto”; comedian, host, and YouTube creator Mikey Bustos; and Google Philippines Program Manager Melai Lopez. 

“Google is committed to inclusion and this Pride month, we’re excited to share how we always support the LGBTQ+ community in a number of ways--from sustaining a diverse workplace culture, to providing grants, to hosting events around the world to continue the discussion on equality,” said Mervin Wenke, Communications and PR Head for Google Philippines. “We are glad to further show this commitment through our products like Google Maps which is helping enable a virtual Pride March initiative this year.” 

A home to LGBTQ+ employees

Google fosters a diverse and inclusive culture where LGBTQ+ employees are respected, celebrated, and empowered. The company ensures that they enjoy the same opportunity to shine, be heard, and succeed in the organization just as much as any other employee. Below are just some of the benefits for Google’s LGBTQ+ employees around the world including the Philippines:

• Same-sex health benefits: Google is committed to and provide same-sex health coverage for Googlers and their partners. 
• Employee assistance program: Google offers free emotional wellbeing support, 24/7, 365 days for Googlers and their dependents, as well as access to free expert information on legal, financial, and other topics. These services are confidential. 
• Parental leave: 
• A non-birth parent has at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave to spend with a new child (any parent who has a child born or adopted). 

• A ramp-back policy to help a non-birth parent transition back to work after a long leave is available. 

Googlers also have the freedom of establishing their preferred pronouns (he, she, xe, they) so colleagues will know how to best address a LGBTQ+ employee in the workplace to show inclusion and respect. 

“At Google, the use of preferred pronouns lives beyond work profiles and email signatures. Before a meeting begins, we may ask each other our preferred pronouns to address our colleagues accordingly and show respect. This demonstrates that LGBTQ+ employees are important and are always included in the discussion,” shares Melai Lopez, a trans woman and a Program Manager at Google Philippines.

Melai adds, “Google encourages us to form and participate in employee resource groups like Pride@Google. With this, I am able to use my voice to spark necessary conversations in the company and to contribute to the external LGBTQ+ community through high-impact programs and initiatives."

The “Pride Conversations” live event is part of Google’s initiatives for Pride Month, championing LGBTQ+ personalities whose stories serve as an inspiration for the community. Tune in on June 30, 2020 at 5:00 PM (Ph time) at Google Philippines YouTube channel.

About Google

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet, Inc.

Shopee and Unilever promote charity with successful #BeautyThatCares Sale

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UNICEF, The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Future Faces benefit from the sale 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with Unilever, the leading beauty and personal care company in the Philippines, for the #BeautyThatCares sale in August. The campaign was a big success as it leveraged e-commerce to increase awareness for UNICEF, The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Future Faces. 

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “We are very proud to partner with Unilever for this philanthropic cause. This partnership has given us the opportunity to empower our users to support causes they believe in. Through the #BeautyThatCares sale, participating advocacy groups are able to reach a wider audience. Aside from our post-sale donation, we hope the continued support from our users will go a long way for these groups." 

At the same time, Dorothy Dee-Ching, Unilever Philippines’ Vice President for Beauty and Personal Care says, “The #BeautyThatCares philosophy is grounded in purpose: to care for the people, the society, and the planet. Each brand under the Unilever Beauty and Personal Care category has its own thrust, acting as a compass for all its campaigns and innovations. It's not just about what products we put out, but also why we develop them at all. We want Filipinos to feel that they are being cared for by the brands they love. We are grateful for our partnership with Shopee—they have allowed us to reach more people online and raise the visibility of our purpose.” 

The sale, which ran from August 7 to 9, gave Shopee users the opportunity to show their support for causes they believe in by buying Unilever products on the shopping platform. 20% of the proceeds from the sale went to the three partner organizations of Unilever. 

Benefitting from the sale are: 

● UNICEF - champions the rights of children everywhere in the world so they can reach their full potential. 

● The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce - advocates for safe workplaces that promote equality. 

● Future Faces - a group of young adults that use repurposed plastics to provide nutritious meals to children in impoverished areas. 

Shop Unilever personal care products on its official store on Shopee at https://shopee.ph/unilever_personalcare. 

Visit the Shopee website at https://shopee.ph/ and download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

LGBT Champions honored at the first Boy Abunda LGBT Awards (BALA)

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Dr. Boy Abunda

Boy Abunda, the television host, publicist, talent manager, celebrity endorser, known as "King of Talk" and an advocate, honored LGBT Champions - lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders in Philippine society at the first ever Boy Abunda LGBT Awards (BALA).

The awardees included individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to create further visibility of the LGBT advocacy and raise awareness about LGBT struggles.

The list was an exciting combination of respected personalities in the LGBT community, young and up-and-coming voices, as well as institutions that have committed to uplifting the LGBT plight. The trophies were distributed to the winners last May 17.

BALA may be considered by some as bold and brash, mirroring the personality of its founder– Boy Abunda, Ph.D.

Dr. Abunda and his team of close-in panel of advisers and advocate/activist friends selected the winners through a tedious deliberation process. Dr. Abunda, who is a known television host and gay rights advocate, was the final determinant of the list of winners.

BALA is Dr. Abunda’s own personal recognition of the awardees’ work as LGBT advocates. It is an award that recognizes the leadership and contributions of LGBT leaders and personalities in different fields of society. The award is his modest contribution to the LGBT community, with the goal of motivating the younger generation of LGBT-rights advocates and activists.

Bemz Benedito Managing Director of Make Your Nanay Proud with J. Neil Garcia,
BALA awardee

True enough, the awardees were not the ‘usual suspects’ and amid the expected raised eyebrows, the merit of the awardees and their bodies of work for the advocacy speak for themselves. Even the awards ceremony was unconventional. Instead of the usual fête for awardees in glittery and glamorous ceremonies, the awards were formally and personally given to the awardees without much fanfare.

The trophy designed by Badon

Vice Ganda holds his BALA trophy

Dr Abunda was inspired by his GLAAD Media Awards and Eric Butler Philanthropy Award in establishing BALA. The awards are as brave and as no-nonsense as the giver. The awardees are as follows: 

* VENIR CUYCO - the founder of UP BABAYLAN, the first LGBT STUDENT ORGANIZATION, and LAGABLAB, the earliest LGBT organization in the country

*   J. NEIL GARCIA - champion of LGBTs in Philippine Literature and the Academe

*   CHRISTIAN BRYLE LEANO - student leader and activist

*   KRISTINE MADRIGAL – one of the founders of TAO, Transpinay of Antipolo Organization 

*  DANTON REMOTO – founding chair of ANG LADLAD Party-List — the first and only LGBT party-list in the world

*   AIDA SANTOS - lesbian and women’s rights development worker and poet

*  JOHN L. SILVA - Filipino writer, arts and culture savant, blogger and modernist vanguard

*  JOSE MARIE VICERAL - LGBT Superstar in multimedia platform

*  MONIQUE WILSON - world-renown artist actively advancing issues that matter to LGBTs

*  PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATION OF GAYS IN THE PHILIPPINES

(ProGay Philippines) - for more than two decades of service as an LGBT organization in the Philippines

* TEAM MAG - the only existing LGBT lifestyle magazine in the country today, courageously facing the odds to publish content that reflects the lives and concerns of the Filipino LGBT community

*  OUTRAGE MAGAZINE - the brave and trustworthy online source of LGBT stories, editorials, and opinions in the Philippines

* NIKE – LGBT ally and corporate brand that promotes pride, terminating Manny Pacquiao as endorser after he made homophobic remarks

*  PHILIPPINE EDUCATIONAL THEATER ASSOCIATION (PETA) – a theater company that features LGBT themed plays and performances

The certificates 

Dr. Boy Abunda is also the founding chairman of the Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation. 

Congratulations to LGBT Champions and more power to Boy Abunda LGBT Awards (BALA).

“Echorsis”, an out-of-the-box brand of comedy movie opens on April 13

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The most awaited horror-comedy film of 2016 “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil”  held a special screening at the Cinema 11, SM North EDSA, April 3, 2016. "Echorsis" starring John Lapus, Kean Cipriano, and Alex Medina.

It has been the talk of the town even weeks prior to its April 13 opening in cinemas nationwide, "Echorsis" official trailer has so far gone viral and received over four million views.

An appeal to moviegoers: Support “Echorsis” by watching it on April 13, its opening day

Just like any independently produced Filipino film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” by critically acclaimed director Lemuel Lorca is at risk of being pulled out of movie houses if it doesn’t perform well on its first day. 

Alex Medina

Thus, the cast and crew of the much anticipated horror-comedy film appeal to Filipino moviegoers to watch “Echorsis” on April 13, its opening day.

“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa ‘Echorsis’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, who plays the lead role of a gay-swindling gigolo in the movie. 

“Naranasan namin sa ‘Heneral Luna’ na matanggal dahil mahina ang benta ng ticket nung first day,” he relates. “Mabuti na lang naging matagumpay ang campaign sa social media na madagdagan ang mga sinehan.”

In “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” Medina portrays the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo, who was possessed by a gay spirit after the death of his lover Kristoff (John Lapus). 

The film, which likewise topbills Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as Father Nick, was written by Jerry Gracio and produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360.

Kean Cipriano

It is rated R13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Lapus is optimistic that Filipino audiences—particularly the lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community—will rally behind “Echorsis.” However, he encourages them to come out and watch the film on its first day, to ensure its long run in the cinemas. 

“Nababasa namin sa comments sa official trailer ng Echorsis na maraming naghihintay na ipalabas ito. Sana lang maglabasan sila sa April 13 kasama ng kanilang mga friends para manood bago pa maging huli ang lahat,” he stresses. 

Out-of-the-box Comedy

According to Cahilig, “Echorsis” is an intelligent and out-of-the-box brand of comedy.

‘Echorsis’ producer Chris Cahilig of Insight 360

“The Filipino moviegoers are ready for a black comedy like ‘Echorsis.’ The box-office records of well-made films such as ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,’ ‘English Only,’ and ‘Heneral Luna’ gave us the courage to push through with the project despite its unconventional plot,” explains the producer.

“I am confident that apart from enjoying the patronage of the LGBT community, ‘Echorsis’ will likewise lure the straight population to the cinemas because of its organic humor and its message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance,” says Cahilig. 

“Echorsis” takes pride in bringing together a powerful and award-winning production team led by Lorca, who recently won the best picture trophy in CineFilipino for his film “Ned’s Project.” He is joined by cinematographer Sasha Palomares, editor Benjamin Tolentino, production designer Paul Infante, assistant director Lorna Sanchez, line producer Sarah Pagkalinawan-Brakensiek, and production manager Rowena Concepcion. International composer and arranger Jonathan Ong and his Sonic State Studio team did the music and scoring.

Lemuel Lorca 

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero. 

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.

Filipina transgender Bemz Benedito Receives NY Award

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Many people have never heard of or don't understand things. Being transgender is something some people feel uncomfortable thinking or talking about. Transgender, the realization that they feel different from others also can be very difficult. They may face rejection, discrimination, and even anger from people who don't understand transgender identity, and it can be a challenge to deal with others' reactions. 

Life is a beautiful chance given to all to make the best of it, to learn and to provide others the best  of us. 

One blessed Filipina transgender Bemz Benedito was honored by a US organization with an award as one of four Global Transgender Heroes in celebration of International Women’s Day this March.

The award was given by the True Colors Fund, an LGBT organization based in New York. True Colors, co-founded by international pop star Cyndi Lauper, “is working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth by creating systemic change”.

Benedito learned about the award when an article appeared on the True Colors website (https://truecolorsfund.org) announcing conferment of it on her and three other global transgender heroes: Lohana Berkins of Argentina (who passed away last February 5) Cecilia Chung of the US and Hong Kong, and Liesl Theron of South Africa.

The award’s primary criteria was how a certain individual challenged the status quo and as well as the ways and means of stereotypical boxes for the LGBT. Next to that, says Benedito, is how the awardee struggled to uplift the condition of her community to be recognized and respected.

The award made this year’s International Women’s Day more significant for her, says Benedito, “because I was affirmed as a woman and my small contribution for equality in my country was recognized”.

To be hailed a Transgender Hero is a very humbling experience.

“Just like what I always say in my interviews, I am not the best and there are others who are doing better than I do, but please be it remembered that there was a transgender woman who worked hard fearlessly in her little ways to represent the Filipino LGBT community as one sector fighting for equal rights."

The recognition, says Benedito, is a reminder to her that despite being elected into public office in 2010 and 2013, “the ray of light comes shining like it never was before, to continue with fight and to keep up with the challenges that cripples our dignity as human beings and citizens of our country.”

The award does not come with any monetary recognition, but according to the LGBT activist, it is more than enough for her and others working to advance the cause of LGBTs and keep them in the thick of the fight despite sometimes feeling that they are doing a thankless job and in the long run allowing even personal relationships and personal ambitions suffer.

“We owe it to the next generation that being LGBT must be kinder and dignified.”

In her own case, the award is encouragement to keep pursuing equal rights and recognition not just for other transgendered women, but for all members of the LGBT community.

“We (LGBTs) are only tolerated and our dream and our goal is to be accepted,” says Benedito. 

“Because if we are indeed accepted, policies and laws must be present to protect and uplift us. Hindi na sana second-class citizens ang tingin sa amin at sana may kinatawan na rin sa Kongreso ang sektor ng mga Pilipinong LGBT. At higit sa lahat wala na sanang mambabatas at boxing superstar na hahamakin kami at tatawaging mas masahol pa sa hayop. We are not exaggerating our struggles, we are here giving a face and voice to the oppression that dehumanizes us every day of our lives while living the truth in our being.”

Their biggest goal is the basic right to self-determination. 

“Then there is our common fight with our lesbian, gay and bisexual brothers and sisters for the passage of the anti-discrimination bill that has languished in Congress for 18 years. Imagine a human rights bill, the only one for that matter, that will protect LGBT Filipinos ay nabubulok sa Kongreso habang naghihirap ang maraming LGBTs sa diskriminasyon at opresyon. In an egalitarian society that has passed the Magna Carta for Women, Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, Violence Against Women and Children, the LGBT community is ignored and discriminated.”

Benedito recalls what the struggle was like for her as a transgendered woman.

“It was difficult especially for me growing up in my province in Abra, which is laid-back, backward-thinking and conservative. While growing up, I would cry whenever I would see my naked body as a young child in the mirror because my anatomy was incongruent to what I thought and felt about myself. It took me a long time to realize that I am not a simple case of a girl trapped in a man's body. I found out about transgender people when I did my research during my college days. It was then that I found out that I am not an effeminate gay or thepa-girl na bakla but I am a transgendered woman. That is why, as in all journeys, the wrong has to be righted, the flaw corrected. In my mind, in my heart and in my soul, I am a woman, a Transpinay, the other Filipina.”

Finally, says Benedito, if there is a message that she, as a transgendered woman, would like to put out there, it would be this: 

“Stereotypes are like cardboard cut-outs; they do not form the complete picture. Not even a fragment of who we are. Our genitalia should not be the basis of one's right to self-determination and gender identity. We should not be defined by our bodies nor our sexual orientation and gender identity defined our capabilities, skills and strengths.”