IV Mier dela Cruz The Initiative Philippines - Department of SOGIE Rights As a member and an ally of the LGBTQIA+, community, I, for instance, face hindrances that prevent me to cope in the new normal brought by the pandemic. My school has been my second home. It is where I found a community that has opened its arms for members of the LGBTQIA+ individuals like me. There I met people whom I can call my shelter whenever I face gender-based discrimination in my own home. In school, I am also much more comfortable in showing my “true colors” – a persona that I can proudly say “this is me”. However, now that universities and academic institutions are prohibiting physical classes and are instead promoting online learning, I am now physically disconnected with the home where I can bring out my true persona without judgements and discrimination. Sadly, for LGBTQIA+ members like me who take shelter in communities within academic institutions, the new normal cut our physical ties with our second home where we feel safe, connected, and accepted.