SkinABCs Philippines Sponsors the Launch of Bulacan's First Pride Lane: A Monumental Step Toward LGBTQIA+ Equality and Inclusivity

February 24, 2024 | Written by Sara Leones

Tags: Community Programs

Bulacan, Philipiines - In a proud demonstration of its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, RSI NGD Group, through its subsidiary SkinABCs Philippines, has sponsored the launch of the first-ever Pride Lane at Bulacan State University (BulSU). The vibrant Rainbow Crosswalk, officially opened on February 26, 2024, is a bold and visible statement of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and an essential milestone in the university’s efforts to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

The initiative, led by the university’s Student Government Gender Equity and Sensitivity Committee in collaboration with BulSU Bahaghari, received widespread support from students, faculty, and administration. The Pride Lane serves as a symbol of BulSU’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, marking a significant milestone not just for the university but for the broader community of Bulacan.

RSI NGD Group CEO, Mr. A.R. Sy: A Pioneer for Equality at BulSU

The story of BulSU Bahaghari, the student organization behind the Pride Lane, is deeply connected to RSI NGD Group’s CEO, Mr. A.R. Sy, who is one of the two founders of the organization. Established in 2015 during a time of heightened equality issues in Bulacan, particularly within Bulacan State University, BulSU Bahaghari has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

At the time, trans and gender non-conforming students faced severe challenges, including being forced to cut their hair in accordance with their birth-assigned sex. Students who dressed according to their gender identity, rather than their birth-assigned sex, were often denied entry into classrooms and even barred from taking exams. These discriminatory practices prompted Mr. Sy and other like-minded students to take action, resulting in the formation of BulSU Bahaghari, a group dedicated to fostering gender equity and creating safe spaces for all students.

Reflecting on the progress made since then, Mr. Sy stated, “It is a deeply personal journey for me to see how far we have come from when we started BulSU Bahaghari. Back then, many of us were just fighting to be seen, to be accepted for who we truly are. The Pride Lane is not just a symbol of inclusivity, it is a reminder of the battles we have fought and continue to fight for gender equality.”

A Visual Celebration of Inclusivity and Pride

The newly unveiled Rainbow Crosswalk is situated prominently in front of the BulSU E-Library and Activity Center, two of the most frequented spots on campus, ensuring that the symbol of pride is visible to everyone. The colorful lane is much more than a painted crosswalk; it represents the values of equality, respect, and diversity that the university seeks to uphold. As BulSU Bahaghari aptly stated during the unveiling ceremony, “This lane is not just for walking; it is a symbol of the fight for equal rights, safe spaces, and the recognition of all identities.”

SkinABCs Philippines, known for its inclusive skincare products and support of self-expression, stepped forward to sponsor the Pride Lane, further aligning its corporate values with tangible social action. This sponsorship is a testament to RSI NGD Group’s sustainability blueprint, which emphasizes humanitarian causes, diversity, and social responsibility.

“Supporting the launch of the Pride Lane reflects our core belief that everyone deserves a platform to express their identity freely and safely,” a SkinABCs Philippines spokesperson shared. “We are honored to contribute to an initiative that embodies inclusivity and supports the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines.”

Pride Lane and Its Symbolic Importance for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Pride Lane represents more than just a physical crossing point; it serves as a visible manifestation of the university’s commitment to creating an environment that celebrates diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions (SOGIE).

During the inauguration ceremony, leaders from BulSU Bahaghari and the BulSU Student Government delivered speeches underscoring the importance of fostering inclusive spaces for all students. Mx. Aries Pasno, representing the BulSU Gender and Development Center, described the crosswalk as “a vibrant symbol of acceptance and solidarity” for all who cross it. They added, “The Pride Lane is a reminder that this university stands for the protection and celebration of every individual, regardless of who they are or who they love.”

With this initiative, Bulacan State University joins a growing number of educational institutions in the Philippines taking steps to provide safe and inclusive environments for students. In their solidarity speech, Mx. Coco Caparas, the Project Head for the Rainbow Crosswalk, urged for continued advocacy for gender-transformative policies and initiatives within the university. “This lane is just the beginning of a broader effort to build an educational environment that is truly gender-responsive,” they said.

SkinABCs Philippines’ Commitment to Inclusivity and Social Progress

For SkinABCs Philippines, sponsoring the Pride Lane is part of a broader mission to promote self-care, self-expression, and social progress. Known for its line of skincare products that cater to diverse needs, SkinABCs emphasizes inclusivity not just in its branding, but in its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“As a company, we stand firmly with the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for equality and inclusivity in everything we do,” said a company representative. SkinABCs also encouraged participation in a Best Pride Lane Photo Contest, a creative way to engage students in celebrating the launch of the Pride Lane. Contest participants are encouraged to post their best pictures taken at the Pride Lane using the hashtags #RainbowCrosswalkToEightquality and #BulSUPrideLane. The winners will receive exclusive BulSU Bahaghari Polo Shirts and SkinABCs skincare packages valued at PHP 2,000, further connecting the brand with the community it supports.

RSI NGD Group’s Broader Humanitarian and Sustainability Mission

RSI NGD Group’s involvement in this significant event reflects its ongoing commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equality across the various markets it operates in. Through its Sustainability Blueprint, RSI NGD Group aims to integrate humanitarian causes into its core business practices, with a particular focus on marginalized communities and social equity.

As part of its mission, RSI NGD Group continually supports initiatives that promote equal opportunities, environmental sustainability, and community welfare. By sponsoring the Pride Lane, RSI NGD Group is not only contributing to LGBTQIA+ rights but is also setting an example for other corporations to follow.

“Our Sustainability Blueprint emphasizes that businesses should not only focus on financial success but also on making a positive social impact,” said an RSI NGD Group spokesperson. “Through projects like this, we are helping to create a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, has a safe and supportive community.”

The State of LGBTQIA+ Equality in the Philippines: An Ongoing Battle

Despite recent progress, the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality in the Philippines is far from over. While initiatives like the BulSU Pride Lane represent steps in the right direction, significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of legal protections and societal acceptance.

The proposed SOGIE Equality Bill, which aims to provide anti-discrimination protections for people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, has yet to be passed into law. Until then, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community remain vulnerable to discrimination and harassment, both in educational institutions and in society at large. Educational campaigns, advocacy efforts, and inclusive policies—like those exemplified by the Pride Lane initiative—are crucial in shifting public perception and enacting change.

By supporting the Pride Lane at Bulacan State University, RSI NGD Group and SkinABCs Philippines are sending a clear message that they stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to advocate for equal rights and social justice in the Philippines and beyond.

Expanding Inclusivity Across Bulacan: What’s Next?

The success of the Pride Lane at Bulacan State University has sparked conversations about expanding such initiatives to other campuses across the province. BulSU Bahaghari and student advocates are leading the charge, calling for more Pride Lanes and similar initiatives in other Bulacan State University branches.

In a statement, Mx. Jaime De Guzman III, the Punong Raya of BulSU Bahaghari, expressed optimism about the future: “This Pride Lane is just the beginning. We aim to establish safe, inclusive spaces across all BulSU campuses and, hopefully, inspire other universities to follow suit.” The BulSU Bahaghari Week of Colors, set for April 2024, will be another opportunity to highlight the importance of equality and inclusivity in academic spaces.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future

RSI NGD Group, through SkinABCs Philippines, is proud to have played a key role in making the BulSU Pride Lane a reality. This project not only aligns with the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

As the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality continues, RSI NGD Group remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote social justice, inspire positive change, and uplift marginalized communities. The Pride Lane at BulSU is more than just a symbol of inclusivity; it is a tangible representation of the collective journey toward equality—a journey that RSI NGD Group is proud to be part of.

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