Gender equality, gender binary, sexual orientation, gender identity: these are a few of the things that need to be understood better by now. We either shrug them off or call them first world problems or simply refuse to acknowledge the existence of these things.

We have called homosexuality a disease, and we have made fun of and made grotesque stereotypes of transgender folks. We have refused the acknowledge anything beyond the two genders that we see and we feel a man or a woman identifying themselves as an opposite gender is an abomination.

It is 2016 and we are still pretty regressive about our views on gender and sexual orientation. The word 'Faggot' and it's colloquial counterparts are still in use. Religious organizations still condemn the LGBTQI community. Heck, in India, "unnatural sex" is a criminal offense. And the latest tragedy the world witnessed, was the shooting at the gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When will the madness end?

YouTube Spotlight brought together several vloggers to talk about their identity and orientation and sexuality and they all open up. The video shows them talking about the kind of social stigma people still have against them and the kind of selective acceptance they receive. But that can not and will not ever stop them from accepting themselves. It is both heartwarming and empowering to see people finally open up and put their foot down and accept and celebrate themselves for who they are.

(Image source: YouTube Spotlight)

"Now, more than ever, it’s important that we help accept, love, and celebrate one another. In the wake of the tragic events in Orlando, we stand together in support of the LGBTQ community. We stand together with everyone who has the courage to own and share their identity. We stand together to show the power of solidarity, the power of love, the power of pride. To those beautiful and brave voices who continue to make YouTube the vibrant, diverse and empathetic community it is, we are #ProudToBe with you." says YouTube.

Watch this beautiful video, right here: