19/04/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐, ๐๐๐ข: ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐
๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ, ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฌ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐จ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ
๐๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ต๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ฃ๐บ: ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐ข๐ป๐ฆ
In a vibrant celebration of colors, stories, and solidarity, two back-to-back events highlighted the lives and legacies of gay individuals in the Philippines. Organized by fourth-year BS Psychology students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) as part of their LGBT Psychology class, the events brought together participants eager to explore q***r identities through research, film, and personal narratives.
The series began on April 12, 2026, with a Zoom webinar named โ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ: ๐
๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ, ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐
๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌโ. Participants engaged in discussions that combined film analysis with local and international research, offering deeper insight into identity and pride across different cultural contexts. One attendee described the experience as โpulling the curtain off hidden stories,โ emphasizing how the session encouraged meaningful conversations on visibility.
The momentum continued on April 14 with "๐๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ซ: ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ข ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐" held at the Br. Ritchie Fernando, SJ Hall on the AdZU campus. This hybrid panel event transformed the venue into a lively space for expression and connection. Attendees enjoyed interactive activities alongside contributions from partner organizations such as Art Co, Ateneo Music Club, Bead Basket, Niza.Co, and Leo Magpantay. Handmade crafts, music, and creative spaces added to the atmosphere of openness and celebration.
Photos from the event reflected its energy, featuring rainbow-themed displays, vibrant booths, and participants capturing moments of joy and community. A key highlight was the panel discussion with Jerome Remillete, Kenneth Dagalea, and Rence, who shared personal stories shaped by diverse experiences. Their conversation explored both the challenges and triumphs of being gay in the Philippines, from confronting discrimination to embracing self-acceptance.
Led by Psychology students and supported by partners including El Fuente PH, Ateneo Peers' Circle, Bead Basket, Niza.Co, The Ateneo Art Company, Ateneo Music Club, and Leo Magpantay, the events went beyond academic requirements. They served as platforms for advocacy and dialogue, reinforcing the importance of visibility and storytelling. As pride flags waved and voices were heard, the gatherings stood as a reminder that meaningful change begins when stories are shared openly and without fear.