The 16% That Sparked a Culture of Pride and Belonging

Every June, Pride Month gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the courage, struggles, and identities of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Dilaab Digitals, Pride Month is a reflection of the community we nurture, not something we simply mark on the calendar. With 16% of our workforce identifying as LGBTQIA+, inclusivity is deeply woven into our day-to-day culture.

This year, we brought that commitment to life through Bahaghari: A SOGIESC Webinar, an initiative born from purpose, community, and a shared belief: when people feel safe to be themselves, they grow - and so does the community around them.

Why We Created Bahaghari

The spark for Bahaghari was lit by a shared vision within our HR and community leadership, to create a space that educates, empowers, and respects all identities. It started with a conversation, a question: How can we help our virtual assistants better understand themselves and the people they work with?

Almart G. Bulabos, our Community Officer, grounded that vision in something deeply personal: "The inspiration came from a place of inclusivity and the continuous pursuit of diversity. The fight for equality is far from over, and as an agency that includes LGBTQIA+ individuals, raising SOGIE awareness is crucial. It helps everyone understand why the SOGIE Bill matters and reminds us that each of us has a SOGIESC. By advocating for basic human rights, we empower every VA to become more socially aware and responsible."

From there, the initiative grew. Chief People Officer Harvey Ayuban emphasized that it was about building a lasting culture. "One of Dilaab’s core pillars is diversity, and we believe that embracing different identities, backgrounds, and experiences is key to our success. This event was inspired by our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful space where everyone can grow. By continuously learning together, we help our VAs foster a healthy mindset that benefits both their peers and the clients they serve. In doing so, we trust we contribute to the empowerment and long-term growth of the VA community."

And in shaping that space, the role of education became clear. Jane Aive Kho, our Learning and Development Officer, shared how the HR team envisioned a webinar that didn’t just skim the surface, but went deeper into what it means to feel seen and accepted. "We in the HR team believed that empowerment begins with awareness, understanding, and inclusivity. In a remote workspace like ours, we recognize the importance of creating a space where all virtual assistants can feel seen, respected, and celebrated for who they are. By providing a safe, educational space to discuss what SOGIE really is, we hoped to go beyond just raising awareness. Our goal is to normalize conversations around identity, eliminate unconscious bias, and build a culture that promotes freedom and authenticity."

The Voice That Moved Us

Our guest speaker, Christian C. Sanchez, Chairman for Social Inclusion and Equity at the Local Youth Development Council, brought depth and clarity to the conversation. Christian reminded us that before colonization, Filipino society embraced gender fluidity. Babaylans - spiritual leaders - were revered, regardless of their assigned sex at birth. He posed a powerful question: Are the gender roles we live by today truly timeless? Or were they imposed upon us?

His message was eye-opening: gender roles aren’t fixed. They were shaped by history, belief systems, and power structures and they can evolve when we choose to see people as they are.

Through Christian’s engaging talk, attendees explored the meaning of SOGIESC - Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics - and how these aspects influence how we see ourselves and others. What made his session special wasn’t just the information, but how he created a space where everyone felt heard. Questions were welcomed, experiences affirmed, and every voice mattered.

Conversations That Live Beyond

What stood out in Bahaghari was how it opened up conversations we often avoid. Attendees shared their thoughts, stories, and realizations - from navigating identity to shedding stigma and embracing self-worth.

"Even before I was still in the closet, I was still in denial. I never heard of this line. I thought something was wrong with me before, so I was really holding back on my feelings towards my classmate. That gave me self-doubt. I mean, I lacked self-confidence before... It’s just that my environment was very distant towards that idea of having something like a same-sex relationship."

"Yes, it’s totally normal. It actually depends on your preferences or what you feel. Just being you - that’s all."

Where We Go From Here

At Dilaab Digitals, celebrating Pride is part of how we live our values - a continuation of the inclusive environment we’re shaping every day. Bahaghari reminds us that culture isn’t set by policies, but by people. And we all shape that culture with every meeting, message, and conversation.

We hope to keep normalizing dialogue, unlearning biases, and affirming the truth that diversity fuels growth. Our commitment is ongoing, because inclusion isn’t a single act - it’s how we show up, again and again.

When people feel free to be their whole selves, they don’t just do their best work - they become part of something greater. We’re proud to be part of a team that grows stronger through honest conversations, shared understanding, and a deep respect for one another.