Narito tayo, kasing lakas ng tubig ang ating paglaban, at patuloy tayong aahon para sa isang mapagpalaya at inklusibong lipunan.
Inclusivity for people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) must be embedded in every institution to serve as a strong pillar of society. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is an academic institution known for being home to many queer students.
With organizations like Kasarianlan—the university’s premier student organization for gender rights—and offices such as the Gender and Development Office (GADO), PUP provides students with the platform to organize events like PUP Pride.
For 2025, Kasarianlan invites the community to take part in its annual PUP Pride, themed “Tuklas: Paglayag sa Agos ng Kalayaan,” from March 26 to 28, 2025. Tuklas is the second installment of PUP Pride’s newly introduced trilogy, following the first part in 2024. This year’s theme focuses on the complexities of navigating adulthood as a queer individual.
While the 2024 edition of PUP Pride highlighted the future being shaped for queer children, Tuklas aims to shed light on the challenges of being both queer and an adult.
More Than Just a Tradition
PUP Pride is more than a celebration—it is a movement and a powerful show of solidarity. The event unites individuals from various SOGIESC backgrounds to advocate for empowerment, equality, and visibility.
For years, Kasarianlan has worked to foster a safe and inclusive environment at PUP, ensuring that all students—regardless of SOGIESC—feel seen, valued, and acknowledged.
Tuklas seeks to educate, advocate, and build a strong sense of community while celebrating diverse identities. The event’s activities are designed to challenge discrimination, increase awareness, and inspire students to take action. By highlighting the realities of queer adulthood, it ignites conversations and amplifies voices.
Through discussions, performances, and artistic exhibitions, attendees of PUP Pride 2025: Tuklas will have the opportunity to learn, engage, and embrace their truths fearlessly.
Beyond being a tradition, integrating PUP Pride into university life is essential. Schools shape perspectives, and by incorporating pride celebrations into academic institutions, we move closer to a future where equality and inclusivity are the norm. PUP Pride serves as a reminder that no one at PUP has to fight for their rights alone.
Diversity in Activities, Dialogues, and Performances
Day 0: Flag Hanging and Mobilization
The event launches with a powerful march around the PUP campus, raising the pride flag high and uniting voices in solidarity. The march is followed by a mobilization featuring speakers from partner organizations advocating for gender equality, safe spaces, and inclusivity.
Day 1: Usap Tayo – Holy Trinity
The first of the three-day celebration, Usap Tayo, unpacks the realities of people of diverse SOGIESC. It covers:
- SOGIESC 101 – Understanding identity and expression
- DEMOS 101 – Examining the struggles of discrimination, exploitation, marginalization, oppression, and subordination
- SOGIE Equality Bill 101 – Breaking down the long-standing fight for legal protection
- HIV & AIDS 101 – Dispelling common stereotypes and misconceptions through fact-based discussions
Day 2: Diversity Dialogues
Diversity Dialogues explores representation, activism, and intersectionality through three engaging segments:
- “Gaya sa Pelikula: Queer Representation in Film” – Examining the impact of LGBTQIA+ portrayals in media
- “Grey Skies, Prism Desires: In Light of the Climate Crisis” – Connecting environmental justice with queer activism
- “Sagwan: A Panel Talk on Navigating Adulthood as the Other” – Shedding light on the experiences of adulthood from underrepresented communities
Day 3: Solidarity Concert
The event’s grand finale begins with an extended march from PUP Sta. Mesa’s Main Building to the concert venue, parading proudly under the pride flag.
The Solidarity Concert brings together a lineup of artists who use performance as a form of activism and self-expression. Speakers advocating for gender equality and inclusivity will also take the stage to emphasize the power of collective action. Beyond a celebration, Day 3 is a movement—a promise that together, our voices grow stronger and our love knows no bounds.
Join the Celebration
Tuklas welcomes students from PUP and other universities, queer adults, allies, and the public for three days of pride and advocacy.
- Day 1 & Day 2: Accenture Room, PUP Sta. Mesa’s Main Building
- Day 3: PUP Theatre, PUP Sta. Mesa’s College of Communication Building
For registration and updates, follow PUP Pride on:
- Facebook: facebook.com/PUPPride2025
- X (Twitter): x.com/pupkasarianlan
- Instagram: instagram.com/pupkasarianlan
