UPOU faculty, staff, and students during the launch of Pride Month at the UPOU headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), spearheaded by the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), led a colorful launch to celebrate Pride Month this June. Themed “Out in the Open: Building Pride through a Transformative ODeL,” the launch took place at the UPOU Main Lobby, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on 4 June 2025.
UPOU faculty, staff, and students participated in the event to appreciate the collective struggles of those who came before us, celebrate pride, continuously campaign for inclusivity, and stand by this principle of the University.
Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, OGC Director
Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, OGC Director, gave her opening remarks emphasizing the importance of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful space where the community can gather not only to celebrate but also to remember, reflect, and stand together in solidarity. She underscored the role of UPOU in being at the forefront of advocating for inclusive and progressive values. She also shared the efforts of the university leadership in affirming and protecting LGBTQIA+ rights through the development of institutional policies that cut across academic and administrative units.
Dr. Jarabe had a brief discussion on the history, roots, and meaning behind the celebration of Pride, tracing its origins from the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and the first Pride Marches in the United States to the pre-colonial babaylans, early expressions of activism, and contemporary Pride celebrations in the Philippines. She highlighted the role of UPOU and other educational institutions in shaping just and informed societies by becoming channels for truthful, empowering, and inclusive ideas.
Ms. Xandra Villareal facilitated the LGBTQIA+ Pop Quiz
To engage the audience, a lighthearted yet educational LGBTQIA+ Pop Quiz followed, encouraging everyone to deepen their understanding of queer history and culture. The OGC shared announcements and invitations for the month-long lineup of Pride events, calling on everyone to participate, show up, and stand in solidarity.
OGC staff members with the winners of the pop quiz.
The UP Open University upholds the principle that students, faculty, and staff shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and or expression, disability, class, or age.
Written by Marinela S. Hernandez | Edited by Primo G. Garcia, Anna Cañas-Llamas & Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe | Photo by Anthea Faye Peredo
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