The Office of Gender Concerns celebrated Pride Month by organizing a highly informative and engaging webinar titled “SOGIESC Orientation and Implications to ODeL Teaching and Learning.” This exciting event occurred on 21 June 2023, from 2 PM to 4 PM, at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) in the UP Open University Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, in hybrid mode.
Aligned with UPOU’s chosen theme for Pride Month, “ODeL4GEDSI: Connecting Identities, Creating Allies,” the webinar aimed to explore the role of Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) in fostering a fair, diverse, and inclusive society. It was a joyous occasion as participants gathered to celebrate and embrace the beauty of diversity.
The program commenced with warm greetings and a heartfelt welcome from the host. Dr. Finaflor Taylon, in her welcoming remarks, emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces and encouraging discussions surrounding SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics). The host introduced the resource person, Assistant Professor Roda Tajon, a faculty from the University of the Philippines Open University.
Assistant Professor Tajon began the session by engaging the audience through an interactive game and thought-provoking questions about SOGIESC. Tajon enlightened the participants by explaining that sex, gender, and sexuality are diverse and do not adhere to a binary framework. Furthermore, Tajon introduced the concept of “Malaya,” which encompasses the different aspects of SOGIESC, namely sex characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
During the webinar, Assistant Professor Tajon provided valuable insights into the historical context of gender diversity, tracing it back to pre-colonial times. Additionally, Tajon addressed the negative attitudes and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, such as homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
Another essential aspect discussed during the webinar was the inclusion of SOGIESC in education. Participants explored the impact of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression on teaching and learning within the Open and Distance eLearning framework. Tajon shared practical tips on creating safe and inclusive learning environments and promoting equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ students. Tajon shared that it is crucial to be present on students’ needs and provide a space where they can freely express who they are. Furthermore, Tajon added to recognize students’ names and pronouns and use gender-inclusive language like “heterosexual instead of straight.” The knowledge and experiences shared by Tajon shed light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in educational settings, offering valuable insights to the attendees.
Following Roda Tajon’s inspiring talk, the event continued with a dynamic question-and-answer session by Dr. Finaflor Taylan. Dr. Taylan also shared some mechanisms in the university where SOGIESC and inclusivity are being integrated in the various policies and activities. This interactive segment allowed attendees to deepen their understanding of the discussed topics and engage further with the speaker. The webinar fostered open and meaningful discussions, promoting respect, acceptance, and equality.
The Office of Gender Concerns extends its gratitude to all the participants who actively contributed to the success of this enlightening event. Together, we celebrate Pride Month and continue our journey towards a more inclusive and accepting future for all. It was a collective effort to create a university and society at large where individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Written by FALopez