As the calendar turns to June, the celebration of Pride Month follows suit. We see the casting of rainbow-hued spotlights on the paramount importance of embracing diversity within various schools as well. This celebration, if anything, serves as a reminder that as the world evolves, so too must our institutions.
In the context of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), the ethos of such diversity and inclusivity infuses every corridor, classroom, and conversation. It runs through a space where tradition meets progress, where faith coexists with identity, and where acceptance signifies both the expedition and arrival point. In the midst of this environment, what do LGBTQIA+ members of the AdZU community have to say about their experiences and sense of belonging?
Adrienne Lee, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student and the Nursing Academic Organization (NAO) Vice-Governor, recalls a “transformative” moment during their Inclusive Healthcare Right NAO! Campaign. This initiative, accordingly, highlighted the disparities in healthcare experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, which inspired him to advocate for inclusivity not only within AdZU but also in the broader healthcare sector.
“I was reminded of the distressing truth about the disparities in the healthcare system experienced by the members of the LGBTQIA+ Community either as patients or nurses. It has been impactful for me such that it moved me to partake in initiatives that rally for inclusivity—not only on the grounds of Ateneo but on the healthcare system as well. Because of this, I felt included, safe, and empowered,” he shares. Lee’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare for all reflects the Ignatian values deeply ingrained in AdZU students.
Despite institutional support, Bryan Vergara, a faculty member in the School of Liberal Arts (SLA), reflects on the fear, hesitation, and challenges that some LGBTQIA+ individuals experience in revealing their true selves. He explains, “Ateneo de Zamboanga is a Jesuit institution, and we value here what is good for and with the people and the community. Despite having this concept, we are all bound to its core values and simultaneously respect the mandates given by the university. Being on this spectrum, I find it somehow difficult to really express my real identity. I am totally out, but I am in an institution that is sacred. Hence, limited actions are allowed.”
Nevertheless, Vergara values the backing from Jesuits and administrators for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, he also recognizes those who harbor fears of revealing their true selves, worrying about judgment and discrimination. To address these concerns and promote a more inclusive atmosphere at AdZU, Vergara advocates for the establishment of dedicated organizations and educational initiatives to further drive inclusivity and understanding within the AdZU community.
Ray Rollan Rodriguez, Accountancy Academic Organization (AAO) Vice-Governor and a second-year student, finds fulfillment in the daily celebration of Pride at AdZU. For him, Pride at AdZU is not confined to a calendar month but permeates daily life as a commemoration of identity and a manifestation to the university’s inclusive spirit. This supportive environment juxtaposed with the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals often face beyond the campus, highlighting AdZU’s role as a “refuge” of safety and acceptance.
“When I entered this university, I barely felt any discrimination and awkwardness that I often encounter [sic] in public or even at home. I have heard stories of closeted queers who suppress their identities and are only comfortable to show them at school. Ateneo acts as a sanctuary for them—a place where they can be open and authentic without fear of judgment,” he mentions.
In terms of personal growth, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) sophomore student, Matthew Miguel, reflects on his achievements and experiences since joining AdZU. Recalling his fourteen-year journey as an Atenean, he emphasizes his academic accomplishments, active engagement in organizations, and valuable life lessons. “Embodying the Ignatian values helped me grow as capable and prove to myself and society that even though I am one of the LGBTQ[IA]+ students on the campus, I can fully contribute to the community, inside or outside the campus, upholding the university motto with perseverance and radical solidarity.”
Despite the challenges of gender discrimination, Miguel finds strength in the support of his family, friends, and the university community. “Honestly, the campus environment may not always be healthy due to gender discrimination and other cases that make me and other students who are part of the LGBTQ[IA]+ community smaller because of our gender identity. However, [like] what Cinderella said, having the courage and being kind made me more prouder [sic] to be myself and continuously move forward,” he adds.
Maneuvering the intersectionality of his queer identity with cultural and religious beliefs, Ahmed Fa-ez Wahab, a third-year BSN student and staff writer for The BEACON Publications, shares his journey within the AdZU community. Wahab discusses the importance of redefining values and broadening horizons to reconcile aspects of his identity, while reflecting on the cultural and religious challenges faced by many LGBTQIA+ individuals who advocate for openness and understanding within AdZU and beyond.
“I have found that reflecting on my core values, redefining them, and continually expanding my horizons have been crucial in building the most authentic and harmonious version of myself. However, I also acknowledge that certain aspects of who I am may not always align seamlessly, and sometimes, it’s necessary to let go of pieces that do not contribute to my best self,” he asserts.
Moreover, Wahab’s experience highlights the challenges of reconciling cultural and religious beliefs with his queer identity. “The cultural and religious faith I was born into and grew up with were not nurturing of my queer identity; struggles like this were not unheard of within our queer community. That’s why we have conversations like this, after all. While I sometimes feel an invisible pressure to strive and weave these aspects of myself with my queerness to achieve the ideal ‘harmonious and congruent self’, I believed the best decision was to cut them out of my life and I think it’s okay. Beyond everything, the world is vast and offers endless possibilities of what-ifs and exploring whatever I could be while dignifying my queer identity.”
Hearing these stories enlightens us about the struggles the LGBTQIA+ community faces in fully embracing their identities without restraint. This includes reconciling their identities with religious beliefs and the fear of being too outspoken about who they are. And while AdZU is on the road to being an open and safe space for queers, there is still so much work to be done outside the corners of the campus. However, the progressiveness of the institution is still something to be celebrated. At the core of the Ignatian values lies a common denominator: love. It is this love that enables members and non-members of the community to coexist and thrive regardless of differences in orientation. By upholding the Ignatian values of love and compassion, AdZU exemplifies how embracing differences can enrich and strengthen our collective humanity. Moving forward, let these narratives propel us towards a future where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live authentically and thrive in a world that celebrates diversity as its greatest strength.
Written by: Khwynn Geollainne Mitra and Mia Shalom Cuna
Layout by: Liezel Go
Photos by: Christia Labinghisa
