Love means so many different things to different people, yet, at its core, it is best described as an intense feeling of deep affection and attachment to another individual — it is expansive, limitless, and infinite. Ultimately, love knows no labels, no genders, and no boundaries because love is free. With that said, it’s important for us to recognise that we have the power to define what love means to each of us.
In celebration of pride month, we spoke to our couple — Ariane and Justina, and they shared with us what love, pride, and each other means to them.
What does pride month mean to you?
Ariane: Pride month to me is a month to celebrate who you are fully and unapologetically (as long as it’s not harmful or unkind!) It’s for people who are open and out of the closet (or who are allies) to live proudly and to give hope to those who unfortunately still have to hide a part of themselves, to show them that a community and a bright future exists. In a perfect world we’d be able to be open every day but for now, pride month is important to show people that you don’t need to hide who you are. So go out and celebrate your authentic self!
Justina: Pride month to me is the opportunity to celebrate who I am as well as our (Ari’s and my) love. But, pride month is of course so much more than this. It’s for the queer community to truly celebrate who they are, whether they’re out or not (and like Ari said, it’s to give hope to those who still have to hide their sexuality). Despite it still being a sensitive matter, however you choose to put it — especially in Singapore, it’s lovely to see more people celebrate/be involved in pride month each year. Though we still have a long way to go, it’s a sign of progress!
What does love mean to you?
Ariane: Love, to me, is unconditional acceptance and support (as cliche as it sounds). But not just in the sense of loving without expecting anything in return, but also loving someone as they are and as they will be, through all the growth and changes. And for me specifically, as a chronic introvert, love is someone/somewhere that never drains me, that always feels like home and comfort.
Justina: Love is complex. I can’t quite put it into words and yet i feel it so strongly. With her, love is many things — knowing that I can always find comfort and peace in her presence, wanting to celebrate her during her highs and support her during her lows, striving to be better for her and for us, and so much more. She makes life a beautiful place and if i had to put it simply: she makes me happy and she feels like home.
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With pride month coming to a close, let’s not forget that everyone should be able to love freely and without judgment, any, and every day of the year. Because after all, love is love. We believe in telling your stories in the utmost rawness, because it deserves to be told as it is, no holds barred.
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