Advocate - Special Newsletter 2023

BLISSFUL HAVEN:WAVING OF THE RAINBOW FLAG

Among the Cluster 2 in Pampanga, Becuran High School is the only school that Implemented the New Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum (Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy) after it had been given final approval across all regions and levels.Students were once trapped in a four-corner place with a need of concealing their identities, like a butterfly inside its cocoon forbidden to be freed. But as the world continues to evolve and the minds of the people unfold, slowly the cocoon began to break that made them wave their wings proudly up to the sky.The “Gender Responsive Basic Education Policy” aims to ensure that all LGBTQ learners are protected from all forms of “Gender related” violence, abused exploitation, discrimination, and bullying. This is also for students to have a freedom of will to express their gender, orientation, and identity.The Principal of BHS, Ernesto S. Maninang eyes, were opened as he saw a great potential of implementing Gender Inclusivity into BHS. Now the Principal of BHS has no regret on adding the memorandum into the school, as he was pleased with the result.As BHS opened a friendly organization for learners who are part of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more) named Vibrant souls. From this group the students are now able to freely express themselves with less discrimination.Gender Freedom BenefitsMr. Nathaniel Guevarra, the head of the Vibrant Souls (LGBTIA+ Org.), claims that students of any gender, color, or size are welcome, given that they are free to express their identities and participate in any activity. This is one way they can experience everyone's acceptance and warmth toward them. It is essential for them to accept themselves and to be free from expressing themselves as they see a proper fit. “Yes, there are benefits,” said Aira Nicole S. Nacpil, the former President of the Vibrant Souls, in an interview where she agrees that there were advantages with the establishment of the club where the LGBT students were given a chance to showcase their talents, and to emerge from they are hidden skills and talents. The Felt Freedom from living the worldThe Vibrant souls for LGBT of Becuran High School do not feel afraid of coming out of the closet, as the current President of the Vibrant Souls club, Trixie Mercado stated. She added it is because all the students are aware with the rules and regulations of the memorandum.Jerome Libunan, a member of the LGBTQIA+ club stated "It feels good that there are people who supports and give us the freedom to express ourselves without any prejudice" as he talked about how he felt welcomed because he can express himself in school without any prejudice.Aira also shared that they were no longer hesitant in showing of their true identity, "The freedom they felt in the club, has been brought inside and outside the school" she added.LGBTQIA students are now allowed to wear uniform to identify themselves of who they are. Recently the Junior High School prom in BHS allowed gays to wear gowns and lesbians to wear suit and ties. For the hair, if they are part of the community, they are allowed to grow of their hair, according to Sir Nathaniel they should have freedom to express what they really feel and for they to be part of any kinds of activities.From Discrimination to Comfort" I always tell them that if you want to be respected, you should respect yourself first," Sir Guevarra gives remarkable advices on how to carry themselves around people with respect and dignity.According to Trixie, before having the organization, there were many reports regarding how people in school treated them, but after the club was born discrimination was lessened. The DepEd memo is what they are holding into, Trixie discusses they handle discrimination by educating people who have prejudice against them.A Motivation for All The club president agrees to inspire other schools for self-expression and self-freedom, as Trixie experience from her former school, where she gets bullied and discriminated for being a part of the LGBT. Now that she was transferred to a safe environment for LGBT at BHS, it was her sacred place for being able show her true authentic self.Creative, is a word Sir Nathaniel describes his LGBT students, He said that they are very helpful in school activities since the order has been approved by DepEd. He believed that LGBT students have benefits for adding colors to the school, as they have a potential to make a beneficial change. He is also in favor of carrying out the memo.ConclusionLike a fish trying to climb a tree, it was impossible for LGBTQIA+ students to have gender inclusivity, but through time made it possible. We are still steps behind from achieving gender equality, but with schools taking a step, it could lead to a positive change in our society.LGBTQIA+ are a group of vigorous people who are ceaselessly proving themselves to the society. LGBT are same as everyone; they have rights and they need freedom to express and enjoy from who they are. Opening a new and safe environment for LGBT, will benefit the school especially the LGBT from they can now break the chains from being insecure in the world, and to be free from discrimination.From this organization of BHS, LGBT showed that they have a potential, that they showcase their talents, and creativity caused by the feeling that they are now accepted into the society. They are now free from expressing their true colors.Becuran High School are loud and proud for having an organization for them. As they create fun and great ideas, building a much colorful school for all students and teachers. From this outcome some students learned to respect, embrace, and accept them from who they are.