In celebration of Pride Month 2024, Speak OUt: Voices and Stories of LGBTQIA+ Students of UPOU, the most recent episode of the OPEN Talk series, was held on June 18 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It was live streamed on Zoom and on the Facebook page and website of the UPOU Networks in partnership with the Office of Gender Concerns.

This OPEN Talk episode emphasized the importance of recognizing gender diversity and creating safe spaces, while acknowledging the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community struggled with to achieve an inclusive society. The event was moderated by Ms. Dannah “Dani” Mercado, Project Staff of the Office of Gender Concerns, alongside host, Ms. Denise Palisoc, also from the Office of Gender Concerns.

Students from the University of the Philippines Open University were invited to share their stories as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Among the speakers were: (1) Mx. Mx. Lara Flynn Gonzaga, a second year BAMS student who is a proud queer and non-binary artist; (2) Mx. Roniel Chester “Cheche” Franco Payos, a Junior BAMS student from Bataan who is an avid graphic designer, desktop publisher, programmer, and photographer; and (3) Mx. Ronacel Dela Rama,  a graduate student in UPOU taking Diploma in Women and Development who is a Gender and Development Advocate.

Breaking the Ice

The first question was about the students’ journey in their discovery as part of the LGBTQIA+ community as they gained a greater understanding of themselves. For Flynn, it was their curiosity and how they felt a balance between feeling feminine and masculine, whereas Cheche gave tribute to different representations in media, such as popular music (Lady Gaga, Beyonce) and BL (boy love) series. Furthermore, Ronacel emphasized following one’s instincts. “Okay lang kung ano ‘yung mayroon ka dati and kung ano mayroon ka ngayon”, she said.

Challenges

The second topic of discussion revolved around the challenges they have faced as LGBTQIA+ individuals and students. Flynn talked about the struggles they faced growing up, talking about the difficulties of heteronormative narrative in line with their own gender expression. Cheche added that social institutions are also a source of oppression on the LGBTQIA+ community, such as schools asking students to abide by a dress code based on gender roles. Ronacel, on the other hand, noted that her challenges stemmed from explaining and defending the misdoings of a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, stating that the actions of one does not reflect the rest of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Open Distance and e-Learning

The third topic of discussion was about UPOU and its ODeL framework facilitating or hindering their potential as a student of diverse SOGIESC. They were then asked about their aspirations for the LGBTQIA+ students of UPOU. For Flynn, the diversity of UPOU community members has made the online set up more comforting and safe, and has limited the challenges Flynn faces as an LGBTQIA+ student. The speakers also praised the prevalence of gender neutral pronouns being used within the UPOU community, with Cheche feeling this as a monumental win that the inclusivity and respect is felt within the confines of UPOU.. Ronacel talked about the comfort she experiences in her classes, stating that she does not have to worry about being judged by her peers due to the nature of ODeL and how she is being treated. 

Allyship and Support

Lastly, the students’ were asked how allies within the UPOU community better support the LGBTQIA+ students in UPOU. Flynn and Cheche both stated the importance of recognizing one’s privilege and letting go of biases, and that the privilege of a straight or heteronormative person is different from that of an LGBTQIA+ person. Furthermore, Ronacel noted that advocates need to be more vocal about laws protecting LGBTQIA+ rights on various social media platforms by posting, explaining, and defending these laws and rights.

Speak OUt: Voices and Stories of LGBTQIA+ Students of UPOU marks a successful celebration of Pride Month in UPOU, advocating for the recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights, safe spaces, and inclusivity.

Written by Samuel Benjamin Zach III Basiao Edited by Finaflor F. Taylan