By Chester Cruz and Alex Lauricio

A parade of colors splashed across the Ateneo de Manila University campus last October 13. For others, it was just another day—but for many, this marked the first time they were able to proudly don their Pride flags behind their backs, and wave their colors to the blue of Ateneo. For many people, this was their first time attending a Pride event—and they’ll soon find out that in Pride, there is power.

Spearheaded by the Sanggunian Commission on Gender Equality, the 2023 One Big Pride (OBP) is a continuation of last year’s pride event, which set the stage for future pride events in the Atenean campus. While the entirety of OBP spanned from October 13-27, the Pride march on the 13th marked the start of the colorful festivities slated for the rest of the month.

The march was just beside the edge of the Ateneo Junior High School, which has a statue of Mama Mary—the promenade. They grazed through the side of the Bellarmine field on the way to Areté, where they organized the ever-growing crowd of parade-goers and formally started the Pride March back to the Bellarmine field.

While in Areté, thin orange slips of paper were handed out, serving as markers for minors and others who did not want to be photographed or published online. Alongside those orange strips of paper being distributed were free pride stickers—which for many, will be a piece of memory that will solemnly remind them of the first ever Pride event that they were able to attend.

“Makibeki! ‘Wag ma-shokot!”

In the distance, you can hear the loud cries of people yearning for safe spaces—to finally be able to express themselves. To many, this is what Pride means: a protest of defiance, championing the ability to be themselves in a world that continues to box them into what they’re not. In the larger scheme of things, pride is a colorful rejection of the stigma that surrounds the LGBTQ+ community.

“In a more general context, pride is the feeling of satisfaction for being who you are which correlates really nicely in the context of the community. The feeling of being free in expressing your own identity and sharing this culture with those who feel the same way in different parts of the spectrum,” said one of the attendees.

The rush of colors from the flags, rainbow fans, and other pride merchandise dotted the  gray walls of Areté with a world of diversity. Different communities within the LGBTQ+ gathered together, and raising their placards, numerous different pride flags, painted nails, and other symbols for Pride, they started their march. They trekked through the college grounds’ red-brick road through Leong Hall, and went inside the Bellarmine field after exiting the Loyola Schools (LS) territory through another exit.

In the Bellarmine field itself, they held a concert and invited performers from all over the country, including cast members from Drag Race Philippines and Drag Den, Lady Morgana and Naia Black, respectively. The organizers also tapped into home talents including organizations from the LS, Ateneo Company of Dancers and the Ateneo Musician’s Pool.

The concert included dance intermissions, performances from drag artists, as well as music played by the various bands and performers who were invited to the concert.

State of Inclusivity in the ASHS

“I think that inclusivity in the ASHS and in Ateneo at large is normalized, but there are still many steps we could be taking because it honestly feels like we can be queer and we can present as the identities we do with limitations,” said Lee Delos Santos, the Mayari first responders head.

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) is, for the most part, a safe space for everyone. The school population is diverse, with people coming from different backgrounds, areas of the country, and walks of life. The overall inclusive atmosphere of the school can be attributed to the diversity of the students themselves.

“The Mayari Committee is a student committee that aims to spread awareness regarding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and we essentially aim to uphold inclusivity by ensuring that everyone is aware of their autonomy and consent, along with the autonomy and consent of others no matter who you are or what you identify as,” Lee continued.

Mayari is one of many student-led initiatives present in the school that take charge of safeguarding inclusivity, doubling as a first-responder team for SGBV cases within the campus. They coordinate closely with the proper school authorities in order to handle sensitive cases and prevent them from escalating into bigger, worse scenarios. Its sister student committee, Lakambini, advocates for the protection and promotion of women’s rights as well as inclusivity within the ASHS.

Chasing Colors

“I’m glad to say that on my end at least, people seem to really be inclusive in the sense that even if I’m being glaringly obvious by the fact or am directly saying that I am what I am, my classmates wouldn’t turn a blind eye, which for me is already a win.”

Malayo na pero malayo pa: The ASHS may have gone a long way ever since the first year of its inception as a co-ed school, but there are still many steps that we should take in order to strengthen the current state of safety, inclusivity, and diversity in the school.

While others still hinge on being satisfied with tolerance of who they are, it is simply not enough; we should put it in the effort to recognize and uphold the safe spaces that Ateneo has. Are you simply content with seeing our colorful friends fade into the background, their struggles normalized in the face of an ‘inclusive’ society?

“One day, some way, we will see the end of that rainbow. Let it be known that you are not alone in this situation and when you feel like you’re ready, say it loud and proud and dance the night away!”

For those that are still stuck in the closet, keep those colors close—one day, those doors will open and the world will be ready to see you, in your full glory and color. For many, OBP showcased just a taste of the freedom that comes with being out and about, and will remain in their mind as a symbol of belonging, a symbol of protest, and a symbol of their power. Chase those colors, and never let go.