When we think of the ocean and queer representation, our minds might drift to the enchanting image of a “sirena,” a symbol often associated with gay culture. But why not imagine a gay captain commanding the seas with pride and authority, battling the waves of gender discrimination?
Pink among the sea of blues
Coming from the male-dominated department of Maritime Education, Genesis “Madam Gen” Zerrudo went against the currents of prejudice and proudly displayed his colors, breaking barriers to become one of the department’s prominent figures.
“Gusto ko mag-break ng barriers… kahit babae kasi nadidiscriminate parin [sa maritime] and I want to break the stigma na kahit bakla ay may kakayahan parin [maging marino],” Madam Gen explained, discussing why he chose the maritime program.
However, despite his noble aspirations, Madam Gen was disappointed by the discrimination he faced from the department that he represented in various activities. “Pero mahirap, kase mararanasan mo talaga yung mga panlalait at pangmamata sayo. Minsan, nagkatinginan lang kayo ay tatawanan ka nalang bigla” he added.
Resilience against gender-based discrimination has become a common trait among members of the community. However, Madam Gen asserts that even if the LGBTQIA+ community is accustomed to discrimination, it is crucial to break free from the cycle of toxic resilience. “‘Yun ang nakakalungkot kasi nasasanay tayo. Parang nagpapaulit nalang yung cycle na maaapi ka, babangon, ta’s maaapi lang ulit.”
The gay President
Due to his experiences, Madam Gen believed that someone had to take the first step towards progressive change, and that is exactly what he did by stepping up to be the UCSC President and implementing progressive measures, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting university environment.
During his term as UCSC President, Madam Gen made significant strides for the queer community, recognizing the need for awareness not only regarding women’s empowerment but also within the LGBTQIA+ community, where the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) program appeared to be lacking.
Madam Gen didn’t stop at awareness seminars and pride walks; he also participated in the revision of the student handbook, implementing significant changes allowing for better self-expression by permitting practices like cross-dressing, wearing bold hair colors, and having piercings.
“I hope that what I did as the gay president is enough to show na ang rainbow community ay may maiaambag, especially here in our university, at hindi dapat inaapiapi lang,” he stated.
The Ally in United Pride Society
Despite his accomplishments in shaping an inclusive environment at our university, Madam Gen fears that once they graduate, all their efforts will go to waste. That is why, seizing the opportunity to establish an organization, Madam Gen, alongside Roxanne T. Cuala, the current Vice-President of the UCSC, and with the assistance of Vice-President for External Affairs, Celso Jaballa, founded the United Pride Society.
The United Pride Society aims to serve as a platform to amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, not only during Pride Month but on every occasion where their voices should matter.
However, the United Pride Society extends beyond the LGBTQIA+ community. Madam Gen emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, particularly highlighting the role of “A” or Allies. He states, “Kaya nga mayroong A sa LGBTQIA+ community, it stands for allies. Hindi mo kailangang maging tomboy o bakla para makibahagi sa amin at sa pinaglalaban namin.”
Madam Gen ensures that while offering unwavering support, he also upholds the standards of accountability and mutual respect, which are essential for the collective well-being of the community. He emphasizes, “Let everyone know na narito si Madam Gen to support you but not to tolerate your actions.”
His vision for the Envergan LGBTQIA+ community is more than a hope—it’s a manifestation of a future where diversity and inclusion prevails, and where every individual, regardless of their identity, can navigate their path with courage and dignity.
Now, when we think of the queer and the seas, why not envision Madam Gen battling the waves of discrimination with pride and authority paving a path not only for his personal triumph but for others in the LGBTQIA+ community to freely express themselves and rise up to challenges.
As he confidently proclaims, “In the next few years, we’ll see each other again at magkakaroon na ng baklang kapitan dito sa Enverga.”
