Embracing different colors

Cendana reminded attendees one of the main purposes of the upcoming march: As we march on Friday, I want you to march for people who are not as fortunate as you are. I want you to march for everyone who never had the chance.

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines transforms into a safe place for the LGBTQ+.

The country’s premiere learning institution and community, the University of the Philippines (UP), has always been progressive and at the forefront of advancing a deeper understanding of the country, the world and humanity. The UP Pride is a fun moment of education and connecting.

As much as it is a celebration, the UP Pride event is a protest and a valuable opportunity to learn and be enlightened about something integral to being human —- sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

Celebrated from 9 to 13 September, UP Pride 2019 had the theme “Embracing Diversity Towards Equality” and it supported the adoption of a system-wide UP policy on equality and non-discrimination on the basis of SOGIESC. It had several events such as an exhibit, lectures and a parade.

The Feminism and SOGIESC Workshop on 11 September featured guest speakers Dr. Nathalie Africa-Verceles, director of UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, and Perci Vilar Cendana, president of Babaylanes Inc.

“We have to ensure na sama-sama tayo (that we are together). Everybody needs to work together to promote diversity and inclusion. Nobody should be left behind,” Africa-Verceles said.

Cendana reminded attendees one of the main purposes of the upcoming march: “As we march on Friday, I want you to march for people who are not as fortunate as you are. I want you to march for everyone who never had the chance.”

UP Pride 2019 capped the event with Pride Night.

On 12 September, “Equality Talks: A Forum on the UP SOGIESC Policy and SOGIE Equality Bill” at the School of Economics Auditorium had guest speakers Dr. Marby Villaceran, deputy director of UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies; Sen. Risa Hontiveros; and Claire de Leon, executive director of Babaylanes.

Villaceran revealed that “the LGBTQI community is at greater risk at being discriminated against, marginalized and oppressed”

“Our fight for equality, our fight against discrimination has been ongoing for longer than your lives,” De Leon emphasized.

“Paano nating masasabi na mahal natin ang LGBTQ+ friends kung against tayo sa pagprotekta ng kanilang karapatan bilang tao (How can we say that we love our LGBTQ+ friends if we are against protecting their human rights)?” Sen. Hontiveros appealed.

In an effort to break the stigma, a free and confidential HIV testing and counseling were held 13 September at the Palma Hall Parking Lot.

The biggest event was the Pride March, serving as a rainbow of hope and jubilation after a couple of days of rain. It went around the Academic Oval, scattered splashes of colors and bringing messages of diversity and equality around the campus.

The UP Pride closed with Pride Night: PRIDEday the 13th at the Melchor Hall steps, hosted by UP Babaylan’s Harry Leonardo and Jessica Paula Dizon. It featured performances by Lance Reblando, Stef Aranas, Euge, Rose Ma-Rieyadh Velasquez and Anton Ragaza or Anton Diva and drag queens Lady Gagita, Queen Viñas, Aries Night, Riri Valencia and Eva Le Queen.

The UP Pride 2019 welcomed all peoples, enjoining them to fight for equality, “because the fight for gender justice and human rights will not be over as long as discrimination and violence against the LGBTQI community persist and equality remains elusive.”