๐Œ๐ˆ๐‹๐„๐’๐“๐Ž๐๐„๐’ | ๐Ž๐’๐’๐ƒ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐š๐ฅ ๐†๐ž๐ง๐๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐’๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐“๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ฌ๐ ๐ž๐ง๐๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ
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In partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the Office of Student Services and Development (OSSD), through its Student Inclusion Unit, pioneered the Gender Support Session for Transgenders, dubbed Trans Journeys: Identity, Safety, and Empowerment, at the Farmersโ€™ Training Center on 14 March.
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Initiated by Ms. Erika R. Prado, said activity featured film screening and forum that aimed to foster dialogue and deepen understanding of critical issues shaping the transgender movement, emphasizing inclusive education and advocacy for equality.
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The participants watched the movie Alice Junior and participated in a film debrief and interactive exchange of ideas. Released in 2019, the Brazilian film follows transgender teen Alice who defied norms and expectations to embrace her identity and chase unconventional romance.
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In an interview with the Information Unit (IU), Mx. Navi P. Fagtanan, Co-founder and former President of TAU Bulalayaw, an OSSD-certified student organization championing the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+ members in the University, emphasized the importance of awareness and gender literacy among students. Highlighting that discrimination often stems from a lack of knowledge or understanding, Mx. Fagtanan further underscored the significance of visibility and acceptance within the University.
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โ€œPromoting gender literacy and enforcing laws such as the Safe Spaces Act within the campus to safeguard students belonging to underrepresented communities,โ€ Mx. Fagtanan said, explaining the objectives of the event.
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A crucial part of the program is a panel discussion featuring Mx. Elynmer C. Pascual and Mx. Jam B. De Asis, who shared their lived experiences as transwomen. The two narrated their transition years, highlighting the challenges they faced growing up. They recounted moments of resilience in overcoming discrimination and stereotypes, underscoring the importance of representation and empowerment.
Article and Pictures | Information Unit