From moments like a first transwoman politician winning a congressional seat, stories of celebrities coming out, up to a city in Metro Manila landmarking a pro-LGBTQ ordinance, the Philippines – despite being a conservative and dominantly Catholic country – is soldiering on.
Little by little, the Philippine society seemed to veer towards the complete celebration of love, respect, and pride for the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community.
And earlier this year, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has joined these LGBTQ defining moments in history as it welcomed Ianne Gamboa, its first transwoman valedictorian.