OSS trains staff on gender sensitivity, supporting LGBTQ+ students

The Silliman University Office of Student Services (SU OSS) recently trained its personnel on gender sensitivity, positive masculinity, and inclusive care and support for LGBTQ+ students to improve the SU campus environment as a safe space for all students and personnel.

The poster of OSS’ virtual training for its personnel.

The training follows the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) and the SU Policy on Gender-based Sexual Harassment, both implemented on campus with the OSS as one of the main implementing bodies.

“One of the forefronts in the implementation is the Office of Student Services whose main clientele are the students. It is common knowledge that students are amongst those who are usually susceptible to the offenses identified by RA 11313, gender-based offenses and violations against persons; hence the OSS is expected to be nothing short of being advocates of the Safe Spaces Law,” said the OSS in their rationale for the training.

Dr. Jaruvic C. Rafols, Silliman University (SU) Guidance and Testing Division head, trains Office of Student Services (OSS) personnel on “Inclusive Care and Support for LGBTQ+++ Students on Campus.”

The virtual training held last February 1, March 3, and March 10, 2021 covered the following topics: “Gender Sensitivity and Positive Masculinity,” with Abe P. Cadeliña, SU Student Organizations and Activities Division head, as resource person; and “Inclusive Care and Support for LGBTQ+++ Students on Campus” with Dr. Jaruvic C. Rafols, SU Guidance and Testing Division head.

Among the topics discussed by Cadeliña, who is a Gender Awareness and Empowerment Advocacy facilitator-educator under the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation, include differetiating gender and sex; identifying institutions that influence gender roles; and gender stereotypes, among others.

“(The training) gave us an opportunity to re-examine what we believed about gender roles based on our own personal views and cultural context. So to speak, both sexes are given the break to empower one’s capacity that leads to foster mutual respect and dignity for both men and women. More so, the seminar helps minimize the presence of sexists in the environment,” said Sabinita P. Condicion, SU Junior High School counselor who is one of the trainees.

As for the training on inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ students, the OSS said: “The webinar training is designed for OSS faculty and staff to have a broader perspective on sexuality and gender to support LGBT students and create a safe space for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The training is a guide to being an ally and provides all personnel with practical ways to be allies to LGBT students and create a safer school environment for all students.”

OSS required all its personnel to attend the training on gender sensitivity, positive masculinity, and inclusive care and support for LGBTQ+ students. The last batch of OSS personnel were trained in a face-to-face setting, while the first batch were trained virtually.

During the training, Rafols discussed about SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Sex Characteristics); challenges and problems of LGBTQ+ students in the Philippines; and inclusive practices for LGBTQ+ students in schools, and other related topics.

Led by Dr. Edna Gladys Calingacion (3rd from the left), SU dean of students, the OSS presents a certificate of appreciation to Abe P. Cadeliña (4th from the left), SU Student Organizations and Activities Division head, for being their resource person on “Gender Sensitivity and Positive Masculinity.”

SU Student Scholarship and Aid Division Head Rodora T. Sagun said the training was “enriching and crucial” because it enhanced their understanding of the concept, realities, and nuances of SOGIE, especially for those who are not familiar with the topic.

“As an OSS practitioner, it is important and necessary to be aware and to be sensitive of the differences between genders as one’s biases will have an impact on the students we are dealing. Being sensitive to the differences helps to create respect for the individual and understanding of the diversity helps to ensure that the students are valuedand will have the same access to opportunities,” said Sagun.

The first batch of OSS personnel attend the virtual training on gender sensitivity, positive masculinity, and inclusive care and support for LGBTQ+ students.

The OSS plans to conduct another seminar-workshop on “Positive Masculinity and Violence Against Women” for its male personnel and “RA 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children” for its female personnel.