ISKOLAR NG BAYAN FOCUS:
by Cyrine Joy H. Batiancela
STAND, SERVE, PROVOKE: Bringing Rainbow Advocacy Straight to the Society
Baeron Malibiran Antenor
Inside the campus, in every classroom, and within crowded community halls, finding a space where you can simply exist without someone questioning you about who you really are may still seem like an illusion to many LGBTQIA+ youth. But the question is, can they really find that space? For Mx. Baeron Antenor, that fight isn't just an advocacy project, IT IS A PERSONAL HISTORY. Baeron has stepped up to bridge the gap between institutional leadership and everyday community struggles as the newly appointed officer of Wagayway Equality Inc.
Leadership was never the target. The journey began out of a basic human need for safe connection..
Mx. Baeron didn't come to the campus to create a movement but rather came from deep longing for inclusivity and openness. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who constantly seeks safe space, they instead experienced being silenced and questioned for being authentic. Everything changed after connecting with the SANTELMO, the CLB Pride Association. Finding a real support system revealed a shocking truth: the pain of being silenced wasn't an individual burden, but a cruel reality shared by countless others. That led Mx. Baeron to join Wagayway Equality Inc. as a volunteer in 2024, it was Mx. Baeron’s stepping stone that reshaped their understanding of service.
Baeron’s eagerness to represent the community strengthened his leadership by reminding himself that leadership is not about the position, it is about an assurance that no one feels alone anymore. For every initiative, they ask the most valuable question: “May batang katulad ko ba dati na matutulungan nito?”. Because of his dedication and hardwork, they can reach that one quiet student sitting in the dark, wondering if they will ever belong, and that is how every moment of their struggle was worth it.
“I told myself: this is not my title alone. This is the community’s title. I am just here to be their bridge.”.
- Mx. Baeron Antenor, Community Coordinator, Wagayway Equality Inc.
When the Official appointment announcement came on September 19, 2026, it brought a wave of self-reflection alongside the celebration. Stepping into the Community Coordinator seat means stepping up to represent and protect hundreds of personal stories across the community.
From the perspective of Mx. Baeron, the appointment was a mix of gratitude and responsibility. In the back of his mind, there was doubt—whether he could truly take on the challenge. He believes to carry the stories of the community which is a huge level to be in. But with all the doubt, gratitude highlighted trustworthiness, reminding that while a student like Baeron holds the position, the title represents the entire community. Mx. Baeron is focused on turning high-level advocacy into reachable local support. Digital campaigns raise vital awareness, but the real impact happens face to face where people live and study.
Mx. Baeron plans exactly one direction and that would be down into the actual communities themselves. He will be setting up safe spaces in the barangays, local schools offering his visions for anticipating powerful advocacy arising. With his dreams, he knows that he will have to reach out to each section of the community for Wagayway. Applying Safe Spaces in these local areas, will allow both effective, important SOGIESC & Human Rights Education to be put into these local areas for those in need. Finding more empowerment for young leaders to enhance their skills to become GAD advocates. For young individuals still searching for their rights or hesitating to speak up, Mx. Baeron's story serves as living proof that saying true to oneself can spark broader change.
“Your voice matters, even if it shakes. Your identity is valid, even if others don't understand it yet.” It was a direct call from the position of someone who has gone through it. Mx. Baeron expressed his feelings towards the next generation. “Huwag kayong matakot na magsalita, huwag kayong matakot na maging kayo.” Mx. Baeron knows how it feels to be that person hiding in the shadows and being scared to make your voice heard, but they were able to realize throughout their journey that there is something empowering in knowing you can own your voice. It allows others to do the same. Leadership for Mx. Baeron is about keeping your voice true to yourself. They are encouraging the youth to be kind, brave and always open their circle. Because ultimately they will become the voice that others need.
As Wagayway Equality Inc. opened a new chapter especially for Mx. Baeron Antenor, one thing is clear, when leadership is served with empathy, advocacy moves beyond policy and posts, it becomes an open door where every voice finds a place to belong.
