"Turning the pain into power is PRIDE-worthy," Vohjn Releigh Ilaguison

This #PRIDEdayFriday, we share the story of Vojhn Releigh Ilaguison who, despite being subjected to stigma and discrimination, stood up and used her pain to bring change and empower those who might be abused because of their gender identities and HIV status.  

Vohjn is one of the clients of TLF CARE who used his pain as a powerful tool to help those in need.

What pushed you to go beyond the pain and work that pain towards a positive impact?

"I advocated for SOGIESC Education because I had a close experience of its effects when institutions did not understand SOGIESC. The lack of SOGIESC understanding hindered them from being an inclusive institution. The line 'God only created Adam and Eve, Man and Woman' was the belief system that restrained them from openly exploring a more detailed discussion of a person's identity."

Share with us your story where you experienced stigma and discrimination.

"While finishing my bachelor's degree in a sectarian school, I was blocked from enrolling during my last semester at the University because of my Transgender Identity. Education is the foundation of our success, but the school almost took away my dreams because of its unjust guidelines that exclude students with diverse SOGIESC. During the three months appeal with the school, we were constantly reminded that our identity needed to be hidden. The school even told us that they did not force us to enroll in the institution, so why would the administration need to adjust for us? We have also been lectured about the Bible and why our identities do not subscribe to the Catholic Church's teaching.

"My experience made me a sounder advocate. I understood that to better instill acceptance in people's minds, we must start with the basics, like SOGIESC 101. Understanding SOGIESC would make people realize that we are diverse beings, which should be the norm in our society. My resilience also pushed me to speak for those who can't advocate for themselves. My voice represents millions of voices that have been silenced because of fear of not being accepted."

What did you do, and who were the people or organizations who journeyed with you during these trying times?

"During the unjust circumstances when the school blocked me from enrolling just because I am transgender, the CARE Program helped me file an appeal to the University's outdated and unfair student manual. Sir Lord Lawrence Latonio was my direct contact from the CARE Program and was there for me anytime I had questions or needed help. Mr. Latonio was introduced by Ms. Magdalena Robinson who was also with me during the hardship. They reviewed the legal basis of the discrimination I faced and towards the people with diverse SOGIESC in the University."

Read on TLF Share Facebook page

Read on the Online Legal CARE page