BulSU LGBTQ reality behind gender affirmative clothing
By: Jennyric Borromeo, Jeweleen Enriquez, Eleonor Reyes
At Bulacan State University (BulSU), inclusivity is valued highly and diversity is something to be proud of. But the path to a really inclusive workplace can be filled with difficulties. They look into the experiences and advocacy initiatives that BulSU SG Gender Equity and Sensitivity Committee (BulSUGESC) Chairperson Coco Caparas and third-year Malikhaing Pagsulat major Rian Hibo lead to fight discrimination and advance gender diversity within the university in this exclusive interview.
Coco Caparas, the BulSU SG Gender Equity Chairperson, clarifies the goals and objectives of the group, "Ang komite na ito ay naglalayon na mas maitaas ang panawagan ng mga estudyante para sa safe space. Pinupunan din nito ang nakasaad na MCOS or Magna Carta of Students kung saan kailangan magkaroon ng Gender Sensitivity Desk ang Student Government. Ang paglaban para sa pagkakapantay-pantay ay ang dahilan ng pagkilos ng komite."
(The committee aims to elevate the students' call for a safe space. It also fulfills the provision of the MCOS or Magna Carta of Students, which mandates the establishment of a Gender Sensitivity Desk within the Student Government. The committee's actions are driven by the advocacy for equality.)
Caparas highlights how important it is for them to be aware of and identify instances of discrimination in the school, "Sa pag-aksyon namin, una naming ginagawa ang pagkonekta sa SG patungong Gender and Development Center (GADC) para maaksyonan agad. Nakasaad sa Magna Carta of Students SECTION 12 o ang 'Bulacan State University Gender Sensitive Conduct,' ito ang nagiging gabay ng SG o ng University para ma-identify at ma-recognize ang mga instances na may kinalaman sa Gender-Based Discrimination/Harassment."
(In our actions, the first thing we do is to connect with the SG towards Gender and Development Center (GADC) to address issues promptly. It is stated in the Magna Carta of Students SECTION 12 or the 'Bulacan State University Gender Sensitive Conduct,' this serves as the guide of the SG or the University to identify and recognize instances related to Gender-Based Discrimination/Harassment.)
Speaking about particular instances, Caparas rejects prejudice against students such as Rian Hibo, "Lubos nating kinukundena ang mga ganitong bagay, patunay ang mga pangyayari na ito na laganap pa rin ang konserbatismo sa ating pamantasan, ito ay repleksyon at manipestasyon lang ng kung ano ang nasa labas ng ating unibersidad."
(We strongly condemn such things; these events serve as evidence that conservatism is still prevalent in our university. This is just a reflection and manifestation of what exists outside our institution.)
Rian Hibo, shares a personal experience, "Na-experience ko siya no’ng second-year college student ako, binato ako ng fries at inilabas ‘yon ng BulSU Bahaghari.”
(I experienced it when I was a second-year college student; I was hit with fries, and it was done by BulSU Bahaghari.)
In light of the event, Hibo highlights the necessity of taking quick action, "Nilapit sa BulSU Bahaghari yung case with Gov. Benj, kasi kahit na tayong nasa College of Arts and Letters na nasa Federizo Hall ay nakakaranas ng discrimination."
(The case with Gov. Benj was brought closer to BulSU Bahaghari, because even those of us in the College of Arts and Letters in Federizo Hall are experiencing discrimination.)
Hibo emphasizes the significance of reporting and awareness, "Importante na maipaalam sa estudyante ng university para maging aware sila sa nangyayare lalo na para sa mga estudyanteng walang boses na mag-report. ‘Wag matakot na mag-report if ever nakaranas sila nang ganito."
(It is important to inform the university students so that they are aware of what is happening, especially for students who may not have a voice to report. Don't be afraid to report if they have experienced something like this.)
Regarding BulSU's handling of LGBTQ matters, Hibo notes, "Kulang pa talaga ‘yong ginagawa ng BULSU sa protection against discrimination ng mga LGBTQ na miyembro ng BULSU administration. Kulang pa ang progressive university sa pagprotekta sa mga LGBTQ about protecting LGBTQ members na student."
(The efforts of BULSU in protecting LGBTQ members of the BULSU administration against discrimination are still insufficient. The progressive university falls short in safeguarding LGBTQ students and protecting LGBTQ members.)
Considering the future, when speaking about the campus environment as a whole, Coco Caparas recognizes the work that remains to be done, "Hindi tunay na inclusive ang pamantasan natin; kailangan pa ng mas malakas na panawagan para sa safe space at pagpapatibay ng Magna Carta."
(Our university is not truly inclusive; there is a need for a stronger call for a safe space and the strengthening of the Magna Carta.)
Both Caparas and Hibo express hope for the future of LGBTQ students in the university, "Alam kong sa ngayon ay tila wala talagang maaninag na safe space sa pamantasan na dapat ay ikalawang tahanan ng mga estudyante't kabataan. Naniniwala ako na malapit nang makamit ang tunay na mapagpalayang pagkakapantay-pantay sa ating unibersidad at lipunan," BM Coco Caparas stated.
(I know that at present, it seems like there is really no discernible safe space in the university, which should be the second home of students and the youth. I believe that we are close to achieving true liberating equality in our university and society.)
Together, Rian Hibo and Coco Caparas advocate for a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment at Bulacan State University, acting as change agents. Their experiences and initiatives show that students, administrators, and the community at large must engage in ongoing discussions, education, and cooperative efforts in order to achieve true gender equality.
In recent years, discussions surrounding gender identity and expression have gained momentum, challenging societal norms, and fostering inclusivity. Bulacan State University, a bastion of education in the Philippines, has emerged as a focal point for these conversations. In an exclusive interview with the Student Government President, Arianna de Jesus, she delves into the initiatives and perspectives shaping the university's stance on gender-affirmative clothing within its campus.
During the election, de Jesus laid out her major advocacy to the BulSUans, gender equity, which she is fulfilling during her term. According to de Jesus, “I condemn, of course, all forms of inequality and discrimination that is happening here in our university.” The SG President also acknowledged that the LGBTQ+ community encounters unique difficulties, with issues related to self-expression and acceptance taking center stage.
The President emphasized the importance of creating a campus environment where all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, can express themselves authentically. The lack of understanding and acceptance surrounding gender-affirmative clothing remains a hurdle, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere is key to addressing these challenges. “Mayroon kasi minsan, staff or personnel ni BulSU, sila mismo yung nagmi-misgender,” according to de Jesus.
(Sometimes, staff or personnel of BulSU themselves are the ones misgendering.)
In light of recent incidents involving Ann Valencia, who faced gender-affirmative clothing harassment from a university professor, the situation may escalate into an ongoing legal case within the university premises. The SG President, de Jesus, expressed her deep concern regarding this type of case. She said that the first time she heard the incident regarding Ann Valencia, a student from Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, she quickly reached out and encouraged her to speak up on social media because, “she really wanted to fight, she wanted to be the voice, of course, of her community.” In addition, de Jesus said that she was saddened by the fact that there are people that still act harshly against the LGBTQ+ community inside the university. She stated, “Bakit kailangan nating mangyurak ng katauhan ng ibang tao, just because it differs from our principle?”
(Why do we need to trample on the dignity of other people just because it differs from our principle?)
The incidents were viewed as stark reminders of the work that still needs to be done to eradicate discrimination on campus. She added, “It is time, of course, for the university administration to solidify, of course, along with the student government and Student Development Office, ‘yong mga policies natin, gaya roon sa Magna Carta, and of course, ‘yong pre-existing faculty manual or handbook.”
(It is time, of course, for the university administration to solidify, along with the student government and Student Development Office, our policies, such as those in the Magna Carta, and, of course, the pre-existing faculty manual or handbook.)
Arianna de Jesus also implied that the current and fourth President of Bulacan State University, Dr. Teody San Andres, gives his 100% support to solve LGBTQ+ discrimination and harassment issues inside the campus and even followed up on her latest update on the case. De Jesus said that she is currently handling a LGBTQ+ case and is waiting for the student to push the case, although this is the last month that the case will still be valid because of the 5-month tenure for the validity of the matter. The President emphasized the need for open dialogue and education to increase awareness about the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. It was acknowledged that incidents like these are not isolated and underline the urgency of implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
The Student Government's plans to prevent such situations that harms the peace of the LGBTQ+ community inside the campus, de Jesus outlined several initiatives. She highlighted that her administration is currently reviewing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Magna Carta, “It’s a really tough na pagsusulat ang ginagawa natin kasi inaaral talaga natin siya and kailangan kasi dumaan pa ‘to sa iba’t ibang opisina, kaya medyo nagtatagal siya, but I think this is a key para yung Magna Carta for students natin ngayon is magkaroon na siya nang mas masusing sistema.”
(It's really challenging what we're doing in terms of writing because we thoroughly study it, and it needs to go through various offices, so it takes a bit of time. But I think this is a key for our Magna Carta for students to now have a more comprehensive system.)
This ongoing initiative of de Jesus’ administration is to apply proper actions to take for concrete response in equity and discrimination cases within the university. “Mayroon din naman tayong Student Discipline and Ethics Committee (SDEC) na proseso; dumaraan din ito sa Board of Student Discipline.”
(We also have a Student Discipline and Ethics Committee (SDEC) process; it also goes through the Board of Student Discipline.)
In order to gather different cases inside the campus easily, de Jesus formed the Student Government Gender Equity and Sensitivity Committee (GESC) that she promulgated through an executive order that she disseminated through the BulSU Student Government group. “Ang nilagay po natin doon na committee head ay usually from BulSU Bahaghari dahil sila yung sole representative ng LGBTQ brothers and sisters natin within the university, and, of course, a student government member officer na bahagi rin ng LGBTQ community,” de Jesus added.
(We usually appoint the committee head from BulSU Bahaghari because they are the sole representative of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters within the university, and, of course, a student government member officer who is also part of the LGBTQ community.)
BulSU President Arianna emphasized that the student government does not need big and grand projects and processes to take actions in this kind of cases, “ang kailangan natin is umabot kamay sa kanila.”
(What we need is to reach out to them.)
When asked about how many have been LGBTQ+ issues addressed during their term, she said that during her 6-month as the President, she handles 6 recorded cases, some are from the preceded cases from the last administration and some are new cases during her term. Usually these cases involve misgendering, sexual harassment, and other transphobic remarks that the students addressed to them, inside the main campus and also satellite campuses. She also said that she can’t show the exact details of the cases due to data privacy and confidentiality. According to de Jesus, she handled a case where a security personnel from gate 1 of the main campus got suspended related to this kind of cases, “Mayroon tayong guard sa gate 1 na na-reprimand naman, suspended, I think for two weeks, and transferred to a different campus, tapos nag-undergo siya ng seminar regarding SOGIESC.”
(We have a guard at gate 1 who was reprimanded, suspended, I think for two weeks, and transferred to a different campus, then he underwent a seminar regarding SOGIESC.)
When asked for other data about previous cases during the preceding terms, she said, “Actually, ayon ang problem namin kasi nga sobrang, parang ngayon lang nagkaroon ng boses talaga ‘yong mga bata to speak up for themselves. Kaya hirap din kaming kalapin yong datos na ‘yon (translation).” Regarding the availability of documents comparing present data to past cases, the President acknowledged the lack of documents. While concrete records were not readily available, the President expressed the commitment to reach every hand of troubled LGBTQ+ individuals inside the university premises.
(Actually, that's our problem because it's just now that the youth really found their voices to speak up for themselves. So, it's also challenging for us to gather that data.)
Meanwhile, BulSU Bahaghari provided around 9 cases this year. These cases also include misgendering, gender affirmative clothing issues, comfort room issues, cases against sexist or enabler professors and guards, etc. However, some of it were past records that they’re able to retrieve the same with what President Arianna said in the interview.
BulSU Bahaghari is an LGBTQ organization of BulSU and was founded way back in 2016 due to an incident of a transwoman who was prohibited to enter the premises of the university because of her hair and how she dresses. They garnered almost 100 members and counting as of this moment. With the help of the former president of the BulSU Bahaghari, Miel, they were able to pass the Malolos Anti-discrimination Ordinance (MADO) that will help cater to the BulSUans.
It will be recalled that BulSU Bahaghari conducted an event called, “IpagLOVEan: Human Rights Day Celebration” partnered by UP Babaylan in honor for the International Human Rights Day last December 10, 2023. The community aims to voice out for the government to pass the SOGIE Bill immediately in order to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community. The event was attended by various students from different school who expresses their support
In an interview with Mrs. Tan of Drag Den 2, who participated in the event, shares that sometimes discrimination started at home, “Hindi nila ma-gets kung sino ka, ano ka, ano ‘yong identity mo and all.”
(They can’t seem to understand who you are, what you are, and what’s your identity and all.)
She then added, “Sila mismo yong magmi-misgender sa ‘yo… sila mismo iyong nagku-kwestiyon ng kung sino ka o kung anong gusto mong gawin sa buhay dahil bakla ka.” She says that with that it comes with a stigma of being a queer person.
(They are the ones who would misgender you… they are also the ones who would question who you are and what are the things you want to do in life just because you are gay.)
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(Actually, even if you just wear makeup outside, there will be a lot of people who will be looking at you.)
They also said that their gender expression is hyper feminine that’s why there’s a time that they wear a skirt and makeup. They also experience a lot of hand calling outside. They also stated that, “Kahit ‘yong mga lalaki pinagtitinginan ako… minsan sa school, lahat sila titingin.”
(Even the guys are staring at me… even in school, sometimes all of them will also look my way.)
When sharing about how they overcame the discrimination that they experienced, “If feeling mo nadi-discriminate ka, kasi parang may ayaw ro’n…parang it’s tolerated but not totally accepted. Na-overcome ko ‘to by honestly just embracing who I am. I accept myself, I love myself and I don’t really care what anybody else thinks.”
(If you feel that you are being discriminated, because it somehow feels like someone does not want that… like it’s tolerated but not totally accepted. I have overcome this by honestly just embracing who I am. I accept myself, I love myself and I don’t really care what anybody else thinks.)
During the interview, they emphasize the support they receive from their friends and family and not wanting to ask for validation from anybody else, aside from the people that they love and aside from themself.
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BulSU Bahaghari is currently facilitating a booth of Lavan Letters, a nationwide campaign for the SOGIE Equality Bill and is also taking place in other universities like University of the Philippines (UP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and many more. The organization also reveals that they’re planning on lobbying the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Guidelines (TGNC) and Institutionalized BulSU Pride to affirm the LGBTQIA+ community inside the campus.
As the Bulacan State University community grapples with issues surrounding gender-affirmative clothing, the Student Government, under the leadership of its President, is actively engaged in creating a more inclusive and accepting campus environment. The university strives to address the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding.
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