Report by Rainier Acosta | Photos by JM Magday
Tarlac State University – Safe Space Society (TSU-SSS), a socio-civic organization, successfully conducted its first General Assembly themed, “CATEGORY IS JEJEMON REALNESS: W3r nA u? d2 nA uSSS,” yesterday, October 4, at the Engineering AVR, TSU-Main Campus.
Hyping up the event were the lip sync battle of SSS lead volunteers and a drag performance from Mx. Patrick Kyle, the organization's Executive on Ways and Means.
Following their performance, Mx. Patrick Kyle imparted a message where they pointed out the university’s lack of inclusivity.
“Reclamation is power. I urge you to reclaim your rights as a student. Wag nating hayaang gupuin tayo ng primitibo nilang patakaran at hindi maka-estudyanteng paninita,” they stated.
“Samahan niyo akong lumangoy patungo sa mas ligtas na espasyo para sa lahat, sa karagatan na walang serena ang puputulan ng palikpik at buntot, ang kabibe at perlas ay hindi pagdidiskitahan. Alon lamang ang maririnig, walang masisigawan at manginginig. We should make TSU inclusive. We demand safe space,” they added.
Meanwhile, the event highlighted the organization's achievements last term and discussed their General Plan of Action for the current year, which aligns with the needs of marginalized students in the university along with their Income Generating Project.
Moreover, wearing their Jejemon outfits, the event introduced the newly elected executives along with their lead volunteers in the oath-taking ceremony for the academic year 2024-2025.
In their opening remarks, SSS President, Mx. Nixe Alviar, clarified that the organization is not only exclusive to the members of the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone who demands a safe space.
“Gusto lang naming iwasan ang maling akala na ang Safe Space Society ay isang organisasyon na pang bading lamang, pero hindi naman kasi yun totoo kasi ang ligtas na espasyo ay para sa lahat,” Mx. Alviar said.
Formally closing the event, SSS Adviser Daniel Dizon, RPm, MA Psy, acknowledged the limitations in addressing current policies on haircuts and dress codes, since the students of the university have long followed them.
However, he stressed that the fight is not over and that changes cannot happen overnight, as the process takes time.
The assembly also featured interactive games and awarded vouchers to the student attendees who won and participated in the mid-event activities.
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