When it comes to being proud of things, of pride, each one of us has our unique definition to it. For some, it’s the grand achievements in life; for others, it’s as simple as helping someone out.

For a couple like May Leuterio and Vien Dela Calzada, it’s all about courage and self-acceptance. It’s all about loving one another despite what others think. It’s about being strong for one another and taking that into stride, day in and day out, and boy, do they take it in stride.

Just barely in their mid-20s, May and Vien show us that being proud is to be kind and be the better person, no matter what.

In an intimate interview, we sat down with the couple to talk about love, life, and what being proud truly is.

How long have you two been together and how did you two meet? 

We’ve been together for five years. We met when we were schoolmates back in highschool. We met again late in our college years when May was working for an event and she got Vien as her contact for the tickets in her school.  

What was it about the other that attracted you together?  

It was only until the second time we met that we both realized that something about the other sparked our interest in each other. We believe it’s the quirkiness of our personalities that somehow made us want to know each other more. 

So I know you both just recently came out about your relationship, how was that experience for the both of you?

It was like how you would want to share with others something you’re excited about, something you’re proud of, without thinking about the effect or consequences that came with it. We knew we wanted it to make it feel like it is completely normal, like “coming out” does not have to be so much of a big deal. We just wanted to show how our relationship is no different from that of other relationships. But so far, it was taken positively. We’re just happy we got to feel that slowly but surely especially from the people whose opinions we truly care about.

What did it feel like to finally come out and be honest with the world about who you are?

It was a relief to finally come to terms with yourself. As we know, your greatest enemy is yourself. To find the courage and stand for who you are is a different kind of rewarding. But it’s also a challenge in a way that it feels like it’s a movement that we’re hoping could influence and inspire you to choose yourself and choose love regardless.

Do you think that being “different” is a characteristic people should focus on? What would you like people to change about the way they view you and others who love who they want to love, regardless of gender? 

Being “different” is not something you should be ashamed of. Accepting yourself as someone unique is always something to celebrate. It’s also not really what needs to change. Our values do not change. No matter what gender, it is important to respect another human being. 

What do you think should be the first step society should take to just normalize loving who you want to love? Or what do you think we can do to help everyone understand that sexual preference does not define a person?

 Something a brother once said, “As long as you are not stepping on anyone or have not done anything wrong to someone, you are on the right track.”

There are so many great qualities and capabilities that each person possesses, and we think that’s just the best way to view every other person as, than to limit the person’s capabilities just because they are boxed in on norms or stereotypes, or worse, judgments because of personal preferences. 

What is pride to you and what about yourself are you most proud of? 

May: Pride, for me, means self-acceptance. We often struggle to do that for ourselves, especially being faced with discrimination or other people degrading you because of how they see LGBTQ+ as different from the society, and personally, I feel the same. But for me, when you truly accept yourself, you can use this to your advantage by remaining kind, helping more people, and being the voice to those who can’t. 

Vien: Pride, for me, is courage. It takes a lot to know yourself, fight off negativity, be comfortable with your own skin, and take the responsibility to inspire others. For me, those who are proud of themselves and unafraid to show are the strongest people.

If you could say something to your younger self, any sort of advice you could give, what would it be?  

You will be realizing some mistakes and lapses, but let these setbacks happen naturally. Do not be afraid of failure and just trust the process of growth. Everything will fall into place and everything that is best for you will find its way to you.

Lastly, what’s something you want to tell people that could have helped you in your journey to being who you are today?  

Every step in our journey was brought about by the people that have and are surrounding us  and we’re always grateful.

_{Photography by Clint Jason Deguitos}