Therapist Doc Raf: Embracing Self-Care Amidst SOGIE Triumphs

Recently, we’ve witnessed significant strides in SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) rights, marked by landmark legal victories, energetic pride parades, and amplified discussions around equality. While these advances are indeed heartening, they come with a mix of anxiety, exhaustion, and burnout within the LGBT+ community. As I often remind the Bayothub family, practicing self-care is crucial, not just as a luxury, but as a necessity for survival during transformative times.

Seeing oneself reflected in media, politics, and daily life can be incredibly empowering for queer Filipinos, supporting a sense of belonging and mental well-being. This is a theme we’ve explored in Bayothub’s feature on the power of visibility, showing how representation fortifies our community VISIBILITY HEALS QUEER FILIPINOS FIND STRENGTH IN REPRESENTATION. However, with increased visibility often comes heightened scrutiny, online negativity, and familial tensions for many individuals.

Therefore, even amidst SOGIE achievements, it’s vital to balance activism with rest. Engaging in constant struggle without pausing for rejuvenation can leave one feeling depleted. Continuously encountering discriminatory remarks, engaging in debates with family, or participating in protests can keep your stress levels high. Over time, this can evolve into anxiety, depression, or trauma, challenges that many therapists like Rodolfo Jesus Mercado address in their practices.

Transforming SOGIE Progress into Personal Healing

So, how can we celebrate while also managing our fatigue?

First, allow yourself the grace to take a step back. It’s not necessary to attend every event, endorse every campaign, or provide explanations about SOGIE topics to every relative on social media. Saying “I need a break” is not a retreat from the cause; rather, it’s safeguarding your ability to remain engaged for the long term.

Secondly, establish daily rituals that affirm your identity. This could involve journaling your thoughts and feelings in a mix of English and Tagalog, curating positive content on social media, or setting boundaries with those who don’t respect your identity. These small but consistent acts of self-respect are themselves a form of resistance.

Also, lean on communal support. While self-care is essential, it isn’t sufficient when done in isolation. Connect with trusted friends, support groups within the queer community, or mental health professionals who are familiar with SOGIE-related issues. Healing becomes more attainable when you are acknowledged, understood, and supported.

Finally, remember that every SOGIE victory should inspire a kinder approach to yourself. Celebrate legal and policy successes, but also cherish the fact that you are still here, resilient in your identity, continuing the fight, and deserving of rest and care.