Written by: Kat Torrefranca

At VCS, inclusion is not a campaign. It does not begin and end with rainbow graphics or a one-time shoutout in June. It is built into the way people relate to each other, how feedback is shared, how leadership listens, and how every person is encouraged to bring their full self to the table.

Pride started as a protest, and in many places, including here in the Philippines, the need for safe, affirming spaces continues. At VCS, we treat inclusion as part of the work, not an afterthought.

Pride Month gives us a moment to spotlight this, but for many on the team, the spirit of Pride is something they feel all year round. It shows up in the support they receive during tough days. In the way ideas are heard and considered. In the moments where being open about who you are is not a risk—it is respected.

Inclusion here lives in the day-to-day: the messages, the meetings, the check-ins, the silence-breaking laughs, and the small yet meaningful gestures that say, “You matter here.”

What Inclusion Feels Like, According to Our Team

*The VCS Team proudly standing with the Pride flag*

At VCS, inclusion is something people feel—deeply and often. It comes through in how ideas are received, how people relate to one another, and how support shows up beyond the expected.

For Associate Creative Director Kat Torrefranca, that feeling of being included comes down to presence and respect. “Inclusivity at VCS feels like being welcomed, heard, appreciated, seen, and supported,” she shares. “There is always space to thrive, to ask questions, to be creative, and to be confident.”

That sense of safety is echoed by Graphic Designer Simone Dauz, who highlights how approachable the team is. “It feels like a safe space for me because everyone in the team is easy to talk to. I feel like my opinions are heard and validated.”

Support is not just emotional—it’s practical. “The team would ask for my own input in projects,” Simone adds, “and they would cover for me in case of my absence.” These everyday acts of trust create a foundation where people know they matter, even when they’re not in the room.

Graphic Designer II EJ Uy describes the culture as one where individuality is not only embraced but actively celebrated. “VCS creates a space where collaboration thrives, individuality is embraced, and every contribution is recognized,” EJ says. “It is a culture built on trust, purpose, and genuine support.”

And for Josh Santos, that support often shows up in feedback—the kind that helps you grow without fear. “There is only constructive criticism shared with me—feedback that is entirely unbiased and always aimed at helping us grow. Everyone is free from judgment and given the space and time to share their thoughts.”

These reflections may come from different people, but they point to the same thing: inclusion at VCS is part of how the team works, connects, and supports one another every day.

How VCS Creates a Culture of Inclusion

*At the Quezon City LGBTIQ+ Business Summit, CCO Amrei Dizon shares VCS’ story as an inclusive, proudly LGBTQIA-owned creative agency.*

Inclusion at VCS guides how people lead, collaborate, and make decisions. It begins with leadership and extends through everyday interactions, creating a work culture where respect and openness are consistently practiced.

As an LGBTQ-owned business, VCS is led by Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon and Managing Partner TJ Joson, who are both part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their leadership helps set the tone for a culture where showing up fully is encouraged, not questioned. Team members like ACD Kat Torrefranca, who is openly bisexual, say that this kind of leadership makes authenticity feel safe, not risky.

Kat shares “As someone who’s part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I used to second-guess how much of myself I could bring to work—especially in a leadership role. But the culture at VCS made space for me before I even asked for it. That kind of safety changed everything. I didn’t have to work up the courage to be myself; I just became more confident because I was never made to feel like I had to hide.”

We recognize that people hold multiple identities at once—and we honor how gender, orientation, ability, and neurotype intersect to shape each person’s experience. From cisgender to nonbinary, everyone at VCS is respected for who they are, not who they’re expected to be.

We have welcomed interns who are neurodivergent, worked with freelancers of diverse identities—including trans and visually impaired individuals—and partnered with advocacy organizations that champion LGBTQIA+ and PWD rights. These real connections help keep our culture grounded and growing.

We do not always get everything right—but we remain committed to listening, learning, and doing better together.

Here’s what inclusion looks like in action at VCS:

Psychological Safety

At VCS, no one is expected to shrink themselves to fit into a mold. Being professional does not mean being polished beyond recognition. People are free to be fully themselves at work—whether that means sharing personal stories, proposing bold ideas, or asking for support. Diverse perspectives are met with openness, not resistance.

There is space to speak up, to disagree respectfully, and to bring one’s whole identity to the table. That sense of safety is real and reflected in how our team works together every day.

Everyday Allyship

Allyship at VCS does not wait for a campaign or a calendar. It is expressed in the way teammates advocate for one another’s growth, offer feedback that is clear and kind, and hold space for real conversations, even when they are hard.

Mental health is not taboo. Identity is not off-limits. From casual chats to major projects, the way people relate to each other is rooted in care, honesty, and mutual respect. Inclusion lives in these small moments, when someone says, “I’ve got your back,” and means it.

Representation That Matters

Representation at VCS is intentional. It reflected in who’s included in decisions, who feels safe to speak up, and whose voices are listened to. LGBTQIA+ team members are supported—whether or not they choose to be visible. The space is built to be affirming, not performative; a place where people can show up fully, or quietly, on their own terms.

While many women take the lead, support here transcends gender or position. Every role is valued, and every perspective shapes the way we work. Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives that strengthen our work. People from different backgrounds do more than fill roles; they actively shape strategy, culture, and the future of the company.

Here, representation is consistent, meaningful, and continuously evolving.

Why This Matters

*CCO Amrei Dizon with fellow LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs from the Philippine* *LGBT Chamber of Commerce*

When people feel free to bring their full selves to work, something shifts. They stop second-guessing, and start creating. They contribute more boldly, listen more openly, and trust more deeply. As Kat shares, “There’s always space to thrive, to ask questions, to be creative, and to be confident.”

That kind of environment does not happen by default. It grows from shared values, is sustained through action, and strengthens every time someone chooses to show up with care. At VCS, authenticity is not only welcome—it is protected.

Beyond Pride Month: What LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Looks Like at VCS

What Inclusion Feels Like, According to Our Team

How VCS Creates a Culture of Inclusion

Why This Matters