For Gay Pride Month, Billboard asked numerous pop culture luminaries to write "love letters" to the LGBTQ community. Below, K-Pop star and Girls' Generation member Tiffany Young shares hers. Read more Pride Month love letters here.
I want to take this moment to sincerely give thanks and express my love back to the LGBTQ community that has given so much love, beauty, inspiration, and light in every corner of the world. You inspire so many with strength, courage, humility, and compassion through the struggles and pain that sometimes only you may know.
Throughout my career as a Korean-American living between Korea and the US, there have been times where I felt culturally misunderstood, lost, and alone. The focus on self-love, unconditional love, acceptance, freedom of expression, and hope are a few of the uplifting themes the LGBTQ community have continuously inspired me with, making a huge positive impact on my life by giving me the courage to keep going during the times I felt there was nowhere to go. I’m thankful and blessed to be able to work with and love so many amazing individuals in the LGBTQ community that have contributed so much love to my art and my life.
I write this letter to send you words of love and encouragement. Though there is so much more to accomplish, together, you grow stronger and more beautiful. You are unstoppable. The Unity and equality shown at the Pride March every year speaks truth on how this world can grow to be a better place through your example. I stand by you and celebrate you not only on this day, but every day.
???! (Fighting!)