To encourage the celebration of Pride Month 2024 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the PUP College of Business Administration Student Council (PUP-CBASC) is organizing an event called “Tayo ang Kalayaan!: The Sweetness of Acceptance” themed after the popular game Candy Crush’s Candy World: All Flavors of Identity.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Community has always been a stigmatized topic in the Philippines, despite the existence of gender-crossing practices occurring way back in the country’s pre-colonial history. With the times continuously evolving, so are its people’s beliefs and acceptance; the Filipinos welcome the community with open arms, allowing each individual’s colors to shine brightly, thus bringing everyone love, pride, and joy.
For Pride Month this June, we celebrate the empowerment of the people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ Community through inclusivity and representation, further creating a safe place for all individuals regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In line with this, this month also highlights and honors the bravery and love of the iconic people who have stood up and fought for the freedom and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, as their efforts then are what made this generation be able to enjoy greater aspects of life.
Its celebration serves great importance to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether they are young or old, as they get to see various representations of themselves through their respective pride flags, parades, and many more, allowing them to embrace their true selves, and to slowly unlearn the hatred that was once instilled to them. Pride Month is the month of love, peace, and hope that someday, we will be able to see a world that is accepting and kind to anyone regardless of who and how they may identify themselves.
This celebration of Pride aims to recognize and empower all the members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the PUP College of Business Administration. Through carefully curated sets of activities, such as pageants, these students will have fun and exciting opportunities to engage in initiatives that promote inclusivity and support for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, fostering a more diverse and accepting environment for all students.
The main goals of this event are to provide an informative platform for students to showcase their talents and capabilities while also emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Additionally, the event aims to strengthen student relationships and offer more opportunities for students to contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive community.
Save the date for Tayo ang Kalayaan!: The Sweetness of Acceptance happening from Thursday, June 13, 2024, to Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at PUP Oval, PUP Condotel, and PUP Theater on PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila Campus.