The highly anticipated 15th Annual Youth Congress is set to take place this July 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at Bulwagang Balagtas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Main Campus. This year’s theme, “Sikolohiyang Bakla: Balik sa Ugat, Yakap ang Bukas,” places a timely spotlight on the intersections of gender, culture, and mental health within the context of Filipino Psychology.
The event brings together students, educators, mental health professionals, and advocates for a full-day program of learning and reflection. Designed around the principles of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, the congress will offer two seminars and one interactive workshop, all aimed at unpacking the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos, while challenging dominant narratives about gender and identity.
Rather than simply presenting academic theory, the 15th Youth Congress seeks to create a safe and culturally resonant space where participants can engage with pressing issues such as gender-based discrimination, mental wellness, and intersectional identity. Through community dialogue and psychological insight, the event encourages attendees to trace back their understanding of self and society—while imagining a more inclusive tomorrow.
“We wanted this year’s theme to echo the call of many young Filipinos to return to their roots, reexamine social constructs, and challenge the stigma surrounding queerness,” says Raven S. Brion, Project Head of the Youth Congress. “This is more than an event; it’s a collective space for advocacy and cultural introspection.”
Among the highlights are expert-led discussions on gender formation in the Filipino setting, the cultural psychology of bakla identity, and the broader challenges faced by queer youth in both rural and urban communities. The workshop will serve as an interactive and healing platform, allowing participants to share stories, build connections, and reflect on personal and community-based narratives.
In a country where conversations about identity often remain confined within academic or legal circles, the Youth Congress offers an alternative—rooted in Filipino thought, language, and collective experience.
The event continues to attract participants from various fields, especially those in psychology, social work, education, and youth development, as well as campus organizations and grassroots groups.
Media outlets, bloggers, and community pages are invited to help amplify the voices and stories that will emerge from this event. Coverage opportunities, speaker interviews, and participant spotlights are welcome.