The Frosh Walk is considered as the highlight of the Lasallian Personal Effectiveness Program; it is a one-day activity that welcomes the incoming freshmen, or frosh of DLSU. During the Frosh Walk, incoming Lasallians have their first encounter with various student-run organizations on campus.
These organizations represent a unique bunch of Lasallians, each with their own abilities and passions. Big or small, these quaint groups can become family for the members that join them—and for some, a safe space even. As the members of different groups greet the excited frosh, another one waits in the sidelines—wondering when they can finally join the uniquely Lasallian parade.
Coming to a standstill
Among DLSU’s legion of organizations catering to the student body’s varying interests, values, and advocacies, there exists a barely recognized name: PARADA, the unofficial LGBTQIA+-centered organization of the University.
Despite PARADA’s seemingly unsung presence on campus, it has been in existence since 2011 when it was founded by a group of students sharing the same goal: to create a safe space for people who want to feel a sense of community with others that have non-heteronormative expressions of gender identity and sexuality. Not many Lasallians are aware of the existence of PARADA as they have not gotten new members since 2016 because the organization “took a break”.
For older DLSU students, PARADA is better known as the “Queer Archers’ Alliance”. Reuben Madrona (IV, BS-LGL), one of PARADA’s current Officers in Chief, explains that one of the reasons behind the rebranding is to reach out and represent more groups of people and more advocacies. The name represents a platform not solely centered on queer people’s experiences. PARADA, as Reuben explains, aims to not only spread awareness about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), but to also be a helping vessel and a voice for other advocacies such as mental health and women’s rights.
Yet, behind its radiant vision is an ongoing hurdle: becoming an official organization. The reason PARADA remains inoperative was its failed accreditation. Reuben clears up that it was never DLSU’s fault as the administration has always been transparent and neutral; it was because of the requirements and processes that PARADA has yet to complete and comply with.
Reuben elucidates that the process for accreditation at that time included completing the Student Discipline Formation Office’s clearance—which needed the signatories of the founding members. Due to budgetary concerns and unaccomplished documents, alongside sudden changes in the processes, PARADA was not able to achieve official organization status.
Mark of colors
The LGBTQIA+ community has always been present, even before labels were established. At their core, the members of the community are humans just like everyone else. With that, some may question the need for an LGBTQIA+ organization. Ernesto Surigao III (AB-PHM, ‘18), a founding member of PARADA, states that while he believes that an LGBTQIA+ organization was necessary back then, he personally does not believe that anymore. “Why should there be a need to establish an [organization] especially for [the] LGBT when all [organizations] can, and should, accommodate members of the LGBT community?”
On the other hand, some believe that there is still an evident need to bust down the misconceptions that surround the community. James* (I, AB-CAM) believes that an organization composed of both members and allies of the community can “prosper further understanding” and “educational discourses regarding issues”. He elaborates that this can be achieved through hosting projects, events, and activities that educate others. “It would basically be an avenue in ending discrimination, since it does not only acknowledge our existence, but makes us feel part of a community in which we can freely express ourselves. Also, it may be a way to finally surpass the line of tolerance to genuine acceptance of the [LGBTQIA+] community.”
Whether DLSU gets an accredited LGBTQIA+ organization or not, some believe that the Lasallian community is generally accepting and open to everyone despite any differences that may exist. “I do believe that with or without this organization, DLSU remains true to its core principle—Inclusive Community, which tolerates other’s differences,” says Jacky Chan (I, AB-ISE).
A soon thumping parade
PARADA, despite a long series of setbacks, still marches. And PARADA will soon be parading with its bright, loud colors again as its current officers are now working on the organization’s internals—looking for members and a new Executive Board to set a new course of plans.
They are currently looking to partner with other organizations and Pride-related activities to gain exposure which, in turn, would entice people to join PARADA. According to Reuben, once the internals are firmly rooted, they can proceed with the accreditation process—hopefully culminating in their long-desired status. Seeing that Rueben and Billie Lorica (V, PSY-ADV), another Officer in Charge, are both graduating students, they are trying their best to bring back PARADA as soon as next year.
“Now is the time to step up and [come] back again,” Reuben asserts, saying that he has been noticing judgment even inside the LGBTQIA+ community—signifying lack of awareness and understanding about SOGIE. The prevailing misconceptions and mistreatment surrounding the community have made the existence of groups like PARADA more important. They may just be starting but they can be an effective vessel of acceptance by relaying correct information to the student body. “Once the [organization] is already properly established and accredited, there can already be proper programs, activities, and projects aimed to educate and spread awareness, ending homophobia and ignorance, one student at a time,” Ernesto points out.
Toward the end of the rainbow
PARADA’s flag stands on a pole of resilience—a foundation stronger than stormy weather. “It’s been years since it was conceptualized, starting with a different name, by different people, with different goals and targets. A lot has changed, [it is] still unaccredited, but PARADA is still alive,” says Ernesto.
While there may be a need to establish an LGBTQIA+ organization in order to represent and educate others, even without one, we must all remember to practice respect and kindness toward one another.
The march to accreditation may be a slow one, but PARADA continues to move toward the end of the rainbow.
*Names with asterisks (*) are pseudonyms.
