The recent death of a teenager who couldn’t come to terms with her being a transgender — and the struggle that her family faced after the tragedy — inspired advertising art director Dennis Corteza to create the Bahaghari Love Bands. These bands are bracelets made of beads in the colors of the rainbow, the universal symbol of the LGBT.
“I personally witnessed a father go through the tragedy of losing a child who chose to end her life instead of coming out,” Corteza said. “To me, the greater tragedy is that the struggle was known only to her. The family didn’t have a clue.”
Corteza had always known he’s gay even as a little boy. Unlike other gays who experienced difficulty in coming out, he was wholeheartedly supported. “I’m blessed to have a loving family who fully embraces the person I am. Sadly, not all (gays) are as fortunate. Many LGBTs live in fear, scared of rejection and disdain by the people they love,” he said.
Corteza is aware that coming to terms with one’s true identity as a lesbian or a gay is difficult for both the person and his or her family. Which is why after seeing the father in agony over his child’s death, Corteza was motivated to make bracelets (bands) made of beads in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. He named these the Bahaghari Love Bands and created them as symbols of acceptance.
“Whether you’re LGBT or straight, you can wear it to say to the world that you accept and respect people of all kinds of sexual orientations,” Corteza said.
Aside from being a subtle yet powerful statement, Corteza also wants the Bahaghari Love Bands to encourage LGBTs, particularly those who are still grappling with who they really are.
“Wearing it could be a simple gesture that assures those who have yet to accept who they are that there is pride in being different. And the world loves different,” he said.
The bands are actually a family endeavor with Corteza’s mom Estela and his cousin Eva pitching in to string the stones and beads that he buys. Estela and Eva, by the way, make rosary bands for the church. Corteza buys the stones and beads and makes the designs.
The love bands come in different styles and are affordably priced from P40.00 to P160.00 per band. Corteza sells them via Facebook.
Available bands include:
BATO NI DARNA Band
Painted by Ding Bading for his Ate Narda. No two bands are alike. It attracts great power and great responsibility. Just wear the band, itaas ang kamay at sumigaw ng BAKLA! Right after, out ka na sa iyong pamilya.
PWERA USOG Band
Pang kontra sa lagnat or any skin blemishes. It attracts good health and posture. Siguradong sasabihin nila na gumanda ka, pag suot mo s’ya. ‘Wag lang huhubarin dahil mawawala ang bisa — ng ganda.
‘DI MURA-NO Band
‘Di mura ang halaga. Freshly picked murano beads. Anti-poverty love band. A yayamanin design for your so-called rich friends. It attracts wealth and success.
MAY 4EVER Band
If you still believe in soulmate this band is for you. It attracts hope and love. Kasi if you don’t hope there’s no love. Wear more bands for more chances of winning.
HUGOTSKI Band
Brother stones of Swarovski. Para sa mga taong may mga malalalim na hugot. Clinically proven against deep pain and bitterness. It attracts wisdom and deep understanding.
MOTHER FLOWER Band
Ceramic beads with floral design for all loving mothers. It attracts birds and the bees. Lakas makabusilak ang namumulaklak na love band. #mamaband
BATO NI DING Band
Ding’s own version of “Bato ni Darna Band”. ‘Di nagpatalo si baklita gumawa ng sariling murano love band. Mas bakla ang design at mga batong galing sa anim na planeta. It attracts good fortune and good-looking men!
For more information about the love bands, contact (+63) 998-8619869 or (+63) 915-3711016 or email cortezadc@yahoo.com.
