"I realized that what the LGBTQ needs [are] not [just] representation, not just to be seen or to be heard, but to be represented and included in each of the sectors of the society."
This is the winning answer of the first-ever crowned Mx. COC, Harley Palubon from Bachelor in Advertising and Public Relations (BAPR), for the final question and answer portion of the pageant at Tanghalang PUP on June 30.
Palubon advocates for #YourClosetIsASafeSpaceToo, an initiative emphasizing the choice of LGBTQIA+ members to come out of their closet at their own pace, asserting the idea that closets are not merely jails that prevent people from living their truths but a space where they could feel safe.
"I realized that if we could build a space of tranquility, then we can build a space where everyone feels freedom, where everyone is heard, and everyone can enjoy themselves with no pressure with their gender identity," Palubon added.
Donning an abstract outfit made out of clothes in different shades of red, Palubon symbolized the closet they feel at home as they strutted on stage for the Creative Wear category.
On the other hand, Michaela Baldoza of the Department of Communication Research was hailed as 1st runner-up while notching special awards such as the People’s Choice Award, Mx. Creative Wear, and Best in Formal Wear, followed by Mark Christian Pagtalunan who won 2nd runner-up from the Department of Broadcasting.
Additionally, Kyla Vivero and Jerico 'Eula Hoops' Rosales ended their Mx. COC journey as the pageant’s Top Five, with Eula Hoops bagging the title of Mx. Photogenic. Lastly, Lyric Alolor got the special title for Mx. Congeniality.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗘 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹
As the PUP College of Communication Student Council (COC SC) spearheaded the pageant, they also organized a flash mob to demand the passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, allowing the LGBTIA+ community to finally be granted their well-deserved rights after two decades.
"Isa lang ang panawagan ng sambayanang Pilipino at ng sangkabaklaan, ang kailangan namin, ipasa niyo ang SOGIE Equality Bill. Kailangan namin ng tunay na pagkilala sa aming karapatan at pagkakakilanlan. Sa mga senador at kongresista, ipasa niyo na ang batas kung totoong may malasakit kayo sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa karapatan namin," stated Ronjay Mendiola, President of PUP COC SC.
The SOGIE Equality Bill aims to affirm everyone's inalienable rights, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to view the LGBTQIA+ community equal to other genders.
"'Di namin kailangan ng inyong rainbow pedestrian lane, o ng mga putsu-putsung pubmats ng mga government agencies, at mga advertisements mula sa mga sikat na brands. Ang gusto ng sangkabaklaan ay ipasa ninyo ang SOGIE Equality Bill now!” Mendiola exclaimed.
Article: Rhoze Ann Abog and Marc Nathaniel Servo
Graphics: Emar Lorenz Samar
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