Minsang ikinahiya ngayo'y lubos na ipinagmamalaki: Pagyakap ng isang artist mula Melbourne sa kanyang pagka-Pilipino

Melbourne-born artist-singer and dance teacher Katie Archer grew up in a world that often mocked her skin colour, heritage, and identity. Years of racial discrimination made her hide her Filipino roots and feel ashamed of herself, until she found the courage to embrace all that she once tried to hide. Today, she proudly celebrates her Filipino identity. Katie’s journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing who we truly are. Si Katie Archer, isang artist-singer at dance teacher na ipinanganak sa Melbourne, ay lumaking madalas kinukutya dahil sa kanyang kulay, pinagmulan, at pagkakakilanlan. Taon ng diskriminasyon ang nagtulak sa kanyang itago ang pagka-Pilipino at ikahiya ang sarili—hanggang sa natagpuan niya ang tapang na yakapin ang lahat ng minsan niyang tinanggihan. Ngayon, buong pagmamalaki niyang ipinagdiwang ang kanyang pagka-Pilipino. Ang paglalakbay ni Katie mula pagdududa tungo sa pagtanggap ay makapangyarihang paalala ng kahalagahan ng tunay na pagyakap sa ating pagkatao.

Melbourne-born Katie Archer once felt ashamed of her skin, hair, and identity—so much so that she barely recognised herself. Over time, however, she found the courage to embrace the very parts of herself the world once made her hide. Credit: Katie Archer (Instagram)

Key Points

• Lumaki si Katie Archer sa Melbourne na humarap sa pangungutya ng iba dahil sa kanyang kulay at pinagmulan.
• Nasa edad 25 na si Katie nang magsimula itong lubos na yakapin ang kanyang pagka-Pilipino at ipangalandakan ito sa iba.
• Ngayon, buong pagmamalaki na ng music at dance teacher ang pinagmulan ng kanyang ina, ginagawang inspirasyon ang kanyang personal na karanasan upang hikayatin ang lahat na yakapin ang kanilang tunay na sarili.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

From feeling ashamed to celebrating: A Melbourne-born artist's journey to embracing her Filipino identity

SBS Filipino

15:00Filipino

Hinubog ng mga karanasan sa diskriminasyon at patuloy na presyur na itago ang kanyang pagka-Pilipino, unti-unting natutunang ikahiya ni Katie Archer ang kanyang itsura. Ngunit sa paglipas ng mga taon, natagpuan niya ang lakas na yakapin ang pagkakakilanlang minsang tinulak ng mundo na kanyang tanggihan.

I used to come home crying all the time. Kids at my preschool would tease me because they said my name sounded Asian. Even my dark hair became something I was ashamed of. I remember being in Grade 4, coming home in tears and telling my mum how much I hated my hair for being so dark—and she said, ‘Let’s bleach it.’ So we did. I was so young, and I felt so different… almost like I didn’t belong. I kept asking myself, ‘Why am I so dark?’ when all my friends around me were blonde and white. I tried so hard to be someone I wasn’t. Back then, I had no confidence at all.

Kaitren Archer, music and dance teacher

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