By Ishia Eleanor F. Marquez

Far Eastern University (FEU) Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and various speakers voiced their calls for more inclusive policies toward the LGBTQIA+ community during ‘PIYU Pride 2026: Malaya Fest’ at the FEU Main Auditorium last April 29. 

Keynote speakers include Polytechnic University of the Philippines KASARIANLAN President Rianne Dacanay, FEU Tamaraw Alliance for LGBTQIA+ Advocates Adviser Cy Bustos, FEU SAGA Adviser Sara Mae San Juan-Robin, and FEU SAGA Director for External Relations Jeremiah Sanchez. 

Additionally, Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group Chairperson Gian Marcos, FEU Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator Ameerah Milano, Philippine Normal University faculty member Goldwin Castillo, and ‘Drag Battle 2025: FEU Drag Excellence’ winner Missy Rider were among the guest speakers present.

Citing his experiences as an LGBTQIA+ community advocate, Dacanay emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement in policymaking to have a meaningful representation.

“Meaningful representation goes beyond just being represented in a rewarding space… It means being [a] part of conversations where decisions are made, it means ensuring that policies and programs are informed by actual experiences of LGBTQIA+ people,” he noted.

Stressing the lack of policies concerning intersex individuals in various sectors, including medicine and law, Bustos called for the passage of House Bill No. 5474, otherwise known as the ‘Cagandahan Bill.’

The Cagandahan Bill aims to let intersex individuals have their lived names and gender be used in legal documents without a tedious process.

Furthermore, Marcos shared that the PAP submitted a position statement to the Committee on Gender Equality on the implications of the ‘Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIE SC) Equality Bill’ toward the mental health of Filipinos.

“This proposal mentions or is essential in addressing or preventing discrimination against individuals based on their SOGIE SC,” the statement read.

Additionally, Sanchez underscored the importance of fostering a safe space for the community by being mindful.

Despite the University’s inclusiveness toward queer individuals, San Juan-Robin shared that there are still reports of 'microaggression’ toward the members of the community inside the campus.

“May mga guro pa rin na nagbibigay ng mga ‘di kaaya-ayang komento sa suot ng mag-aaral… Mayroon pa rin ako nababalitaan na mga Transnene babies ay sinasaway sa CR [comfort room] ng babae, at higit sa lahat, ang mga sexual harassment cases… kahit ano pa man [ang] kasarian ng biktima (There are still teachers who make inappropriate comments about the students’ clothing… I still hear about transwomen students being reprimanded in the women’s restroom, and most of all, there are cases of sexual harassment… regardless of the victim’s gender),” she stressed. 

Aligned with the FEU SAGA adviser’s sentiments on the University’s commitment to inclusivity, Milano emphasized the students’ role in fostering a gender-affirming space inside the campus, urging the Tamaraw community to use their platforms to report any forms of harassment to the GAD to create a safer space for all.

“So ano po ang hinihiling ko sa inyo bilang paggamit ng ating espasyo ngayon… Sana po para sa mga gumagamit ng Reddit, para po sa mga gumagamit ng OPC [One Piyu Community], sana po gamitin din [nating] espasyo ang Gender and Development [Office] para sabihin ang tunay na nagaganap sa loob ng ating Unibersidad (So what I am asking from you as we make use of this space right now… I hope that for those who use Reddit and One Piyu Community, I hope we also use the Gender and Development Office to share what is truly happening within our University),” she expressed. 

Moreover, the GAD coordinator also shared that they are currently planning workshops for the community to further understand SOGIE. 

As the final speaker, Missy Rider emphasized that drag performances are not a crime, as it showcases art and the performer’s talent.

The event featured multiple performers such as the Institute of Arts and Sciences Dance Company and the University’s drag queens, including ‘Drag Battle Season 2: LoveLabanan’ winner Letisha Jasmine.

Organized by the FEU SAGA, PIYU Pride Fest is an annual celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community inside the University. 

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)