An open discussion on the media's influence on stereotypes, sex, and sex education took center stage in PUP BroadCircle’s roundtable discussion “Sextravaganza! Illuminating Hues in the Media,” as part of its Pride Month commemoration at the PUP College of Communication Theater on June 21.
Film director and writer Rod Marmol, TikTok content creator Jamie Casino, and Drag Den performer Pura Luka Vega were the speakers for the discussion, answering attendees’ queries.
(Photo by Romar Andrade/The Communicator)
On breaking stereotypes in media
According to Marmol, there is no perfect solution to eradicate stereotypes but to look at the content consumed and understand its structure.
“Stereotypes are not entirely bad. Stereotypes are necessary sa kuwento, para maging effective ang kuwento.”
Marmol added that stereotypes are useful for understanding the context behind it to get the bigger picture of the issue.
Casino pointed out boy love stories in media (also known as “BL”), where there are stereotypes in the roles of the main characters and actors who are not a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, calling for proper representation and back the advocacy the community is fighting for.
Pura also furthered Casino’s concern about actors who are representing the queer community and called to break the stereotype by creating a new template for others to follow.
“We need to just challenge it. If your story is not being told, it’s best to make your story and write a story now. Kung hindi tayo mabigyan ng tamang representasyon, ikaw na mismo ang gumawa ng template para magkaroon ng pagbabago.”
Casino mentioned that the community has the mind and the creativity to end stereotypes online by creating content that people can relate to, and inspire other aspiring queer directors and story writers to enter filming, as proper representation remains lacking in the industry.
(Photo by Romar Andrade/The Communicator)
On illuminating sex and sexuality
Pura emphasized the importance of consensual sex and communicating with the partner, highlighting that sex should be fun and pleasurable despite the influences of pornography where a person may feel degraded.
Casino added to practice safe sex and should come with love and treat it as a sacred thing.
Pura noted that some still treat it as a game but cautioned the audience to know their limits, protect themselves, and not be self-destructive.
On the other hand, Marmol’s tip is to fully process their sexual journey by starting with forgiving themselves.
“Ang dami-dami nating judgment sa sarili. When I got older, I realized na para kasi tayong naghahabol ng oras na ninakaw sa atin. Growing up, we were never free to express ‘yung simplest attraction to [the] same sex… So when you’re finally ready to come out, naturally maghahabol ka ng nawawalang oras sa’yo,” Marmol stated.
Marmol added to understand sexual settings that are healthy for them, noting that it could change over time and not rush people to come out of the closet.
Marmol suggested to members of the community to educate the younger generation and form bridges with heterosexuals by normalizing the topic of sex where they can also relate to them.
The speakers underlined that educating teens before the urges is essential because they may act misinformed—a factor in teenage pregnancy, which is not usually talked about by politicians—presenting that there are online sources available for them.
Marmol suggested changing the term “sex education” and applying it to subjects already being studied by students, such as health and values education.
(Photo by Romar Andrade/The Communicator)
On ensuring Pride Month’s inclusivity in a diverse community
The fight for inclusivity should not end during Pride events and celebrations and bring home the community’s pride in their homes, according to the speakers.
“This Pride Month, huwag natin kalimutan na hindi lang ito dapat sine-celebrate o pinoprotesta tuwing June;e exist every day, we exist not just in the month of June. Hindi siya mahirap, hindi mahirap na kapag may nakikita kang trans na binabastos, kausapin mo,” said Casino.
Casino suggested educating heterosexuals regarding the issues, challenges, and oppression being experienced by the community and inviting them to be a part of the fight for equal rights since everyone deserves respect. The TikTok influencer also encouraged the audience to repost educational posts that could help in the advocacy.
Marmol urged members of the community to be proud of themselves and celebrate each other by preserving their stories and honoring the fights in the past.
The film director also suggested not just fighting for the community but also for women who are also subject to discrimination, suggesting that women are the only people who can understand the community.
“Magiging effective ang laban, ang advocacies natin if we also fight for other people, especially our allies. Feeling ko ang mga karapatan ng mga bakla ay naka-ceiling lang kung gaano kataas ang karapatan ng babae. Hangga’t mababa ang karapatan ng mga babae, parang imposible rin magkaroon ng tamang karapatan ang LGBT,” said Marmol.
Article & Graphics: Lourence Angelo Marcellana
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