De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) is set to conduct PRIDE Month activities from June 23 to June 27 through events such as educational talks, advocacy campaigns, creative exhibitions, and community engagements celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (OVP-LMSL), Student Publications Unit (SPU), and Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), is in line with the College’s commitment to social responsibility, inclusion, and holistic human development as well as integrating Gender and Development (GAD) principles into its institutional culture and operations.
Educating with Pride
On June 9, Ms. Nicole Trisha Panganiban, Benilde GAD specialist, conducted a seminar titled “GOD and GAD: Rediscovering Spirituality in a Gendered World,” at the Duerr Auditorium, Taft Campus, alongside the Center for Lasallian Ministry (CLM) and Benilde Student Government (BeSG).
While the first seminar is open for all students, Ms. Panganiban will conduct a separate Basic GAD and SOGIESC Seminar for employees on June 23 at the Duerr Auditorium, spearheaded by OVP-LMSL and People and Organization Development Office (PODO).
Health matters
The advocacy for health is stronger than ever with the rise of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) case rate in the Philippines to 500% for individuals aged 15 to 25 years old.
To combat this, SPU and CIE will host free HIV testing for all Benildeans from June 25 to 26 at the CIE discussion room at the Design and Arts Campus (DAC). This is in partnership with the Manila Social Hygience Clinic, which has conducted the free HIV testing in Benilde for the third straight year.
Showcasing stories and talents of pride
The LGBTQIA+ will showcase its community filled with talented people as a PRIDE gallery will open with art creations by Benilde Arts Management (BeAM) on June 23 to 27. At the same time, a PRIDE market will open, hosted by the BeSG.
Meanwhile, on June 26, a collection of pride stories will be told by inspirational queer people at The Loop, DAC.
One of the biggest events in the celebration is the Pride March on June 27, which will be followed by a closing ceremony at the Black Box, DAC, with drag performances, giveaways, and a photo booth, all to celebrate the spirit of pride.
