ICYMI | Illumination of perspectives on inclusive sex education and LGBTQIA+ community representation in media took center stage in PUP BroadCircle’s 2024 Pride Month Celebration
ICYMI | In their annual Pride Month celebration, the PUP BroadCircle recently held the “Sextragavanza! Illuminating Hues in the Media'' last June 21, 2024 at the PUP College of Communication, which showcased a spectrum of inclusive discussions on sex education and the media representation of the LGBTQIA+ community, partnered with striking performances from student artists, ranging from drag performances and awe-inspiring song numbers.
The event featured a round-table style question-and-answer talk with seasoned media personalities: Direk Rod Marmol, Pura Luka Vega, and Jamie Casiño. The discourse highlighted pressing issues of combatting the negative portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community in the media and the discussion of queer sex practices both in the media and everyday life.
When asked about their reactions on the misrepresentation of the LGBTQIA+ community in the media, Direk Rod Marmol answers “[ang pwede nating gawin is to constantly look at the content we are consuming, understand the structure] let’s constantly look at the content we are consuming, understand the structure, and [paano pa natin ipu-push ang structure] how to push the structure forward.” Jamie Casiño adds by stating that production companies should begin to become inclusive in their casting of actors who will star in LGBTQIA+ community-centered stories. Meanwhile, Pura Luka Vega agrees by stating that “roles should be given in a diverse manner” and that, “If your story is not being told, write your story now. You make your template for [pagbabago] change.”
On the question of proper representation of queer sex practices in media, Pura Luka Vega responds by stating that, “Let us be given a platform to show how we actually express our love for others.” Direk Rod Marmol builds on Pura Luka Vega’s response by expressing that queer sex should be seen as something that is not only done for lust, but for genuine love as well. Jamie Casiño then asserts that members of the LGBTQIA+ community have the power to take a space and creatively explore it when representing stories of queer love.
On their final note, the esteemed guest speakers reminded everyone that Pride is not only a celebration of the existence of the LGBTQIA+ community, but rather a protest for the lives they deserve to live with freedom. Their existence does not only come during the month of June, but extends all-year round.
Lastly, Dr. Rica Cruz also graces the event remotely with a talk on safe sex practices.
This year’s Pride Month event of the PUP BroadCircle was a brainchild of its Executive Producer, Elle Cunanan, who believes that the breaking of stigma regarding queer experiences and discussions of sexual wellness should begin with the younger generation.
Sextravaganza would not be possible without the support of the event’s sponsors: Motivo, Midoko, Profanity, FranchiseManila, and Safe Spaces PH.
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