KNY-TSU Seminar highlights Queer Representation in Leadership

Report by Mandie Asejo and Diya Nicole Gurung | Photo by Mary Ruth Orendain and Diya Nicole Gurung

An event on queer representation in leadership titled, “QUEERnatawan: A Discussion on Queer Representation in Leadership,” was organized by Kaya Natin Youth - TSU, last April 7, held at Tarlac State University Main AVR.

The event featured two distinguished speakers who offered both inspiration and insight to the students.

Mx. Justine Garcia, a cum laude graduate in Public Administration and current Juris Doctor student at TSU, shared their journey as a queer student leader and educator.

“I had no representation growing up—no one to look up to but the Sexbomb Dancers,” Mx. Garcia said, emphasizing the lack of queer visibility during their childhood.

Despite working full-time in the BPO industry, Mx. Garcia pursued their studies with the help of the Free Tertiary Education Act and remained active in student leadership. They served as Vice President for External Affairs of the Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration and participated in various student activities.

“Leadership calls me, and I answer,” Mx. Garcia said, highlighting their passion for serving others through leadership.

Furthermore, after passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers in 2022 with minimal preparation, Mx. Garcia was invited to teach at Mabalacat City College, where they now head the BS Legal Management program.

“The biggest fear I had was that no one would teach me how to teach,” they admitted. “Learning doesn’t stop within the four corners of the room.”

They also emphasized the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind academic subjects, encouraging students to go beyond surface-level learning and recognize the value and purpose behind what they study. Additionally, Mx. Garcia shared a Latin phrase that highlighted the idea that perseverance through challenges leads to eventual success, reminding students to focus on progress rather than perfection.

Meanwhile, second guest speaker and adviser of the College of Sciences’ student council, Mr. Daniel Isiah Reymundo, shared their experience as a queer student leader.

Mr. Reymundo grew up in a Born-Again family, and as the only son among their siblings, they stuck in their mind a phrase, “Di dapat ako bakla.”

Nonetheless, despite the lack of queer representation in their life, it did not hinder them from “making their own spotlight.” 

“Noong ako po ay elementary hindi ako kusang nagr-run, noong high school hindi rin ako kusang nag-run ng any position, at noong college hindi rin ako kusang nag-run dahil gusto ko, pero dahil nakikitaan ako ng potential ng ibang tao,” Mr. Daniel said.

Mr. Daniel also discussed the qualities of a leader using “The Leadership Spectrum.” Each color from the rainbow represented characteristics of leadership.

The event featured several interactive segments, including a panel discussion, the “Rainbow Challenge – Find Your Color,” and a reflective activity titled “A Message to Younger Self,” where participants expressed messages of support and empowerment to their past selves through art and writing.

Kaya Natin Youth - TSU’s seminar was accomplished to inspire and share insights of being a queer student leader. It aimed to create a more open and safe space for queer people in leadership.