Marlon Baldago 
“I am more than willing to have a conversation with our administrators, if we will be given the chance to plead that they should let us express our true [selves]…”
Words uttered by the newly crowned Queen Samar State University (SSU) 2024 on her inclination to use her voice and discuss uniform policies regarding the LGBTQIA+ community, among other issues, with university officials.
College of Education (CoEd) representative and proclaimed Queen SSU 2024, CJ Babon is a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student, and was recently instated on Friday, May 17, at the SSU Gymnasium.
Beating seven other candidates from the different colleges of the main campus to the coveted crown, with one more queen also hailing also from CoEd who finished as a runner-up, Babon expressed delight in the pageant’s return after five years.
“Of course, I am grateful that the pageant is back ngan it was rebranded na, from Miss Gay SSU to Queen SSU. Kasi mas na-lift an real purpose hini na pageant — asya an pag-advocate han sinisiring nga ungod nga pinaglalaban han community, nga siring ko pa this is not just a show and for entertainment, but this is a protest,” she said.
However, her fight towards achieving the title, was nothing short of difficult. In an exclusive interview with The Tradesman, Babon disclosed that she even wanted to quit at some point due to lack of support and compounding issues.
“Actually, in the middle han pageant, nawawarayan na talaga ako gana mag-continue kasi asya na ito nga diri ko na-fe-feel an support. Even an advocacy video, waray talaga ako may na-ca-call for help… then, the Student Government Organization of the College of Education, waray hira may nahihimo or naihahatag nga support,” Babon expressed.
“…and also, I went through a breakup during the pageant. So, parang kadadamo han nasulod [ha akon mind,] kadadamo han naduroy ngan gusto ko na adto sumuko pero nag-reflect anay ako… after all, I am doing this to represent the [College of Education,] and of course, para mag-advocate talaga for overall wellness han [transgender] community dinhi ha aton university,” she added.
Determined to be the voice of the voiceless, she persevered and focused on her task at hand despite the odds, which at that time was seemingly against her, standing tall and braving the competition.
Moreover, as an on-demand makeup artist, she was not new to the world of pageantry. Her skills proved helpful backstage, but she could not say the same for when it finally came to appear before the crowd.
“Mas challenging hiya, mas double an pressure kasi unlike kun aadto ka la ha backstage, the people are not looking at you. Pero if aadi ka na kasi ha stage, all eyes are on you na talaga… Pero mas gin-relax ko nala nak sarili kay after all, akon man performance an maapektuhan kun magpadara la ako’t kulba,” answered Babon when asked whether it was more difficult to be be makeup artist or a candidate.
“I was really pressured ngan nalilisang talaga ako during the production, iba kasi an feeling during the rehearsals la [compared] han mayda na mga lights, audience, ngan real music na talaga tas may mga judges pa nga nagkikita ha imo,” she elaborated further.
Additionally, as an advocate of freedom of expression and social justice, she conveyed dismay over the school uniform segment during the coronation night being pulled out from the competition due to its restriction of having all candidates only wear pants.
“…parang nasina la kami didto han part nga we’re not allowed to wear skirts… kasi kun ha everyday life namon diri talaga kami gintutugutan, at least for now, let us have this avenue na ipakita ha iyo na okay la kami mag-wear hin skirts and there’s nothing wrong with it… Just let us wear our preferred uniform kasi if prefer namon mag-pants, then we will wear pants, if prefer namon mag-wear skirts, then we will wear skirts,” she stressed.
Now wearing the crown and representing the LGBTQIA+ community in SSU, she expresses inclination in working with our school officials to create a safer and and a much more inclusive environment for the Tradesman community.
“I think it is only in the College of Education that transwomen are not allowed to wear their preferred uniforms, especially during the internship year… But according to the laws of the Department of Education, they are now allowing transwomen to wear the female uniforms,” she claimed.
On the topic of rules she finds restricting of her gender identity, she pointed out her aversion to having her hair cut short for her internship which is set to be next academic year, “… kung iisipin ko pa lang na magpapagupit after years of letting my hair grow tapos magpapagupit lang pag fourth year [na ako,] it’s actually causing me a mental turmoil.“
She asserted that it is long overdue that there should be policies that protect the students from oppression and discrimination against their gender identity and self-expression, “…so that’s it, I am going to grab that opportunity if they are also willing to let us talk our plea.”
Consequently, just only a few days into her reign, Babon already experienced contentions from conservatives who are on the opposition of her advocacy. According to her, “I was even called as rebellious daw against the administration or whatever the rules or policies here are [because of my final answer.”]
“I think it’s not about being rebellious, it’s about proving that there’s nothing wrong with us. They see us [like] we’re demanding for a special treatment, but it’s actually just demanding the right treatment for us,” she commented.
The Queen SSU further addressed the “rebellious” remark against her, “This type of thing, maybe it’s a simple issue para ha iyo but it’s actually a big deal for us… So, it’s the least thing you could do—to shut up if it does not affect you… Your opinion will not matter kun ini nga issue diri para ha imo.“
Lastly, Babon revealed that she, along with the concerned offices in the campus, are already on the works on creating a university-wide organization that focuses on addressing the concerns of the LGBTQIA+ students and that they should expect more developments regarding the matter, saying everyone is welcome to join the cause, “kasi nga we’re being inclusive, not exclusive.”
