The Far Eastern University- Sexuality and Gender Alliance (FEU SAGA) conducted its second webinar session last November 7
With the theme of optimizing solidarity and different strategies in building a strong volunteerism spirit using the online platform, the FEU SAGA, with media partners When In Manila and InqPop, along with partner organizations, continued its goal of amplifying advocacies in all media possible, regardless of circumstances.
The webinar, entitled Leaders in Action: Shaping our Future Together amidst the “New Normal,” sought to resolve the gaps of the student leaders’ skill and familiarity in migrating their advocacies or plan of actions to online settings.
Moderated by FEU SAGA’s Clofaye Anzel Abad, the webinar consisted of speakers such as Prof. Mark Lester M. Chico, Mela Habijan, and Felix’ Sassa Girl’ Petate, known for their advocacies in LGBTQIA+ and human rights.
Mark Nikco Gonzales opened the webinar with a remark regarding the country’s country’s situation during the “new normal” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stressed the importance of amplifying student leaders’ advocacies now more than ever and explained how the leaders could successfully express their advocacies in the new normal.
“Student leaders like you can find your voice to create a sense of hope, positivity and inspiration to others,” encourages Mark Nikco Gonzales to the audience.
Felix Patate, also known as Sassa Girl, explained how her use of comedy is an acceptable form of advocacy. She explained how it could directly give the creator’s idea to the audience and instantly garner a reaction from the audience.
Talking about slacktivism, Sassa Girl also emphasized the importance of maximizing its use as a new form of activism, advocacy, and awareness during the pandemic’s new normal. “[Slacktivism] is the best way to give awareness right [amidst] the pandemic.” she stresses.
Mela Habijan, the reigning queen of Miss Trans Global 2020, explained in her passionate lecture the fundamental explanation of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. She addressed the importance of passing the Anti Discrimination Bill as a law.
“The challenge is whatever the person wants to be identified with, sana ayun ang igalang natin. At saan ito nagsisimula? Sa pagtatanong [Hopefully, it is what we should respect. And where does it start? In asking the person]. Ms. Habijan explains during her explanation regarding the importance of recognition and respect for people’s SOGIE.
Ending the lecture series was by Mark Lester M. Chuco, a communications professor of University of the Philippines- Diliman, where he talked about harnessing various online platforms for different community advocacies.
“You have to continue speaking, because only then that you will be able to create an impact,” Mr. Chico tells the audience in regards to sustainability and strategy in using online platforms benefits advocacy from being an event to possibly a policy.
As the lecture series concluded, questions from the audience were given to the webinar speakers based on the topics they discussed during the hour.
To start to educate the audience about social issues using an online platform, Sassa Girl explains the importance of one’s proper knowledge and understanding of the advocacy they want to amplify.
“You talk to your audience using your own experience, and also you need to educate yourself,” Sassa Girl emphasizes.
Talking about the recently concluded Congress deliberations on Anti-Discrimination Bill, the guest speakers were asked how to educate people regarding the bill and its importance.
“It is a must to always know what you are trying to educate others, because you cannot give what you don’t have.” Mela Habijan emphasizes recognizing the main arguments, legal explanation, and information regarding the SOGIE and Anti Discrimination Bill.
Mark Lester Chico told the audience about how important it is for the advocates to educate the members of the House of Representatives itself as a way to amplify the education of SOGIE awareness to the members specifically.
“Remember to assert that they are representatives of the people. They are our representatives, they should represent us.” He exclaimed.
On the other hand, in cancel culture, Mr. Chico emphasized the importance of educating those who have been called out instead of getting them canceled instantly.
“We can call them out, but do not cancel them. Change them.” He added.
Lastly, Ms. Habijan told the audience how to handle homophobic parents, stressing out the societal context of sexuality that caused the parents to think and advised the audience of how important the people around an LGBTQIA+ person are in terms of support and coping mechanism.
“What I want you to do is find certain people you can trust and be grounded with. Because, you need a strong support system to be able to handle yourself,” she taught to the audience.
The webinar concluded successfully with a closing remark from Mr. Glenn Conception. He congratulated the organization for the project and hoped for the students’ inspiration to use their platforms to amplify their advocacies.
The webinar is available on the Facebook page of FEU SAGA.
ADVT