The student government in Bulacan State University (BulSU), with the support of BulSU LGBTIQ+ organizations, submitted a petition letter to the administration to request for the implementation and institutionalization of gender-affirmative graduation rites. More particularly, they are asking for the use of lived names in non-legal documents and allowing gender-affirmative clothing for all graduates.
“Graduation ceremonies are momentous occasions, marking years of dedication, perseverance, and academic achievement. They are meant to be a celebration of each graduate’s unique journey and identity,” the student group stated, adding that for transgender and gender non-conforming students, “to be recognized by their lived name – the name they identify with and use in their daily lives – is fundamental to their sense of dignity, respect, and belonging. A simple, yet profound action towards genuine inclusion in educational institutions.”
Endorsed by the Bulacan State University – Gender And Development Center, it is now pending for approval of two chancellors, the BulSU-Malolos Campus and BulSU-External Campus.
The student bosy similarly reiterated that the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) Guidelines of BulSU remain pending for approval and implementation, “despite being campaigned by BulSUans for consecutive years.”
“(The) TGNC guidelines aim to educate the university staff, teaching and non-teaching personnel to practice basic guidelines to help them create an inclusive, gender-fair, and safe classroom and learning environment,” it stated. As such, “the administration’s support for TGNC guidelines will likewise affirm their commitment to inclusive practices”, so that “the approval of this petition means that the BulSU community will celebrate not only their graduation, but an institution that affirms their right to dignity and belonging.”
