Tritons Call March 2017, Volume 42, Issue 2

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Spring 2017, Vol. 42, Issue 2, March

UOG CELEBRATES CHARTER DAY

By Jose Castro Triton’s Call Staff The heat and humidity did not deter the thousands who showed up to UOG on Tuesday, March 14 to celebrate the 49th Charter Day. This year’s event offered participants a full day of live entertainment, presentations, language competitions, games, souvenirs, food, picture booths, rock climbing, virtual reality games, and student organization activities.

“We expected to hold about five to maybe 6,000 people, but today

Continued on page 3

This year’s Charter Day drew thousands of visitors to the UOG campus. Photos courtesy of UOG Integrated Marketing Communications.

38th CLASS Research Conference attracts local, international scholars

By Woody Castro Triton’s Call Staff The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences held its 38th Annual Research Conference on Friday, March 10 at the Humanities and Social Sciences Building The theme for this year’s conference was “Science & Art: Convergence in Oceania.”

The participants represented a wide range of scholarly disciplines, and discussed various topics related to art, communication, culture, language, science, and Pacific Island Studies.

This year, there were over 60 presentations.

Fifteen of the presenters were from other countries such as the

Philippines Japan, and others.

The conference’s keynote speaker was Vincente Diaz, Ph.D., a faculty member of American Indian Studies and History at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and the author of “Repositioning the Missionary: Rewriting the Histories of Colonialism, Native Catholicism, and Indigeneity in Guam.”

The keynote address was held at the UOG Lecture Hall, where Diaz presented his topic on “Stepping In It: Decolonizing and Indigenous Nation Rebuilding through Olfaction and Multisensory Analyses.”

Diaz spoke to a

Keynote speaker Vincente Diaz, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, discussed his research with conference attendees in the UOG Lecture Hall. Diaz is originally from Guam. Photo by Woody Castro

standing-room-only crowd of about 300 attendees.

His presentation discussed the possibility of retracing and acquiring indigenous knowledge through an olfactory approach, which refers

to using the sense of smell.

“I talked about an article I wrote recently that called people to learn how to smell our histories,” Diaz said.

“This presentation continued that by ask-

ing exactly how do you do it and I used that as an example to open up more complexities about smelling.”

Irena Keckes, Ph.D., assistant professor of art, and chairperson of this year’s CLASS Conference said she was very satisfied with the conference’s outcomes.

“The novelty was also to engage students and teaching assistants to chair and time keep the sessions,” Keckes said.

“It was the first time for the event to take place on a separate date from the Charter Day, which enabled the UOG community to more actively take part in the conference.”

University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017

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President meets and greets students at recent event

By David Borja Triton’s Call Staff For the first time ever, UOG President Robert Underwood held “Beat The Heat,” a meet and greet with the entire campus held in the School of Public Business and Administration Atrium.

The students who attended the event received free giveaways, like free Pacific Island Mangge’ Popsicles, Triton Apparel shirts and fans.

“President Underwood wanted to host an event this semester to interact and meet our students in an informal setting, just to relax and to just really talk with students,” said Jonas Macapinlac, UOG director of Integrated Marketing.

Macapinlac also said students were welcome to ask any campus-related questions directed to Underwood.

One question that was brought up re-

President Robert Underwood addressed attendees during the “Beat The Heat” event. Photo courtesy of Integrated Marketing Communications

garded plans for the construction of a new School of Engineering.

Currently, students who are interested in this field on campus can only declare pre-engineering and are encouraged to finish their final two years of undergraduate studies abroad.

“We’ve announced that we are building the new School for Engineering, as well a new

student services center.

We’re hoping to break ground (on the School of Engineering) some time within the next few weeks actually,” Macapinlac said.

Although some attendees were pleased with the plan to construct new buildings, one of the concerns brought up was the potential that there would not be enough parking spaces to accommo-

date a larger influx of students.

“Parking is always a concern and the new school will take additional slots but with combination of the overflow parking and planning of alternate parking is still enough space to include all the students and faculty”,” said Macapinlac said.

Other issues that were covered included campus security and

the possibility of hiring of a new nurse.

“Although there is currently no nurse on campus, we are looking into contracting with local health service providers such as clinic or urgent health care center to help fill this need,” Macapinlac said.

The event also gave the first 50 students early access to the Triton’s Online Store to grab clothing made in partnership with Hafaloha. Students are urged to lookout for similar events coming in the next months.

Matt Miguel, a thirdyear UOG student, was pleased with the outcome of the event.

“It was nice to see all of our student body voice their concerns and what they thought was good with the programs,” Miguel said. “It also didn’t hurt that they gave away free Mangge’ Pops.”

UOG Regional Public Policy Center to be established

By David Borja Triton’s Call Staff The creation of a Regional Public Policy Center was announced in the School of Business and Public Administration on Thursday, Feb. 16.

John Rivera, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of the SBPA board, stated that there is an opportunity to affect change with this plan.

“More than lacking, we prefer to see the opportunity, potential, and what this can mean for our island communities,” Rivera said. “Aside from the obvious work that the Regional Center can foster, as the president has stated, we have the potential to pool expertise and research and provide robust, meaningful, and non-partisan information.”

Publisher Francis Dalisay, Ph.D. Co-editors-in-chief Woody Castro Amanda Dedicatoria Circulation Manager Jose Castro

Over the course of the past two years, SBPA has hosted various events addressing pertinent issues such as the Enhanced Collaborative Model to Combat Human Trafficking and Project Foresight, a campaign focused on anti-sexting.

The idea itself is the brainchild of what the SBPA sees as an asset to the island.

According to Rivera,

Staff witers and copy editors David Borja Jose Castro Woody Castro Amanda Dedicatoria

it took almost two years to come to fruition. An initial discussion occurred months before the first official proposal was given.

“The first official proposal was transmitted to the SVP on Sept.

28, 2015. On October 31, 2016 the President officially endorsed the center,” Rivera said.

For now, the formation of tasks is the primary focus of the

Regency Center.

“We are currently setting an agenda for priorities of our policy focus” Rivera said. “In particular, one of the main reasons the Regional Center was started was that SBPA saw community engagement and the creation of relevant policies as a need for the island.”

Continued on page 5

Contributors Jason Aquino Rianne Peredo

Email us: tritonscalluog@ gmail.com tritonscall.com facebook.com/tritons.call twitter.com/tritonscalluog

By Amanda Dedicatoria Triton’s Call Staff

Established over a decade ago, the UOG Triton Farm serves as an integrated model that encourages agricultural research and the use of sustainable farming methods.

The farm grows crops and raises animals such as chicken and fish. It is also one out of three UOG research facilities, two of which are located in Inarajan.

The one described in this article is located in Yigo.

“Our goal is to always reduce waste,” said Jessica Nangauta, manager of the Yigo Triton Farm. “We’re trying to transition into a phase in which we don’t have a lot of costs associated with [maintaining] the farm.”

In order to achieve that goal, everything on the farm has to serve a purpose. In the farm’s aquaponics section, tilapia is raised to grow vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, basil, and mint.

The fish produce waste that is used as fertilizer for filter the water to make it safe for the fish to thrive.

The cycle is constant, so no water is being

The UOG Triton Farm offered volunteers a chance to learn how to grow food and farm sustainably. Photo by Jessica Nangauta

added to the tank. All the waste, such as the rotten plant parts, are fed to the chickens.

The chickens themselves are raised in a freerange, open pasture system where they are free to graze on the plants which then a field where there are a number of fruit trees.

Manure from the chicken houses is taken and used in the compost. Once the compost is a couple of months old, it is applied to the trees.

Fruits from the trees are then ground up and formed into pellets

used for chicken feed.

Because the farm also doubles as a research facility, agriculture professors from the University are tasked with performing research projects associated with their specialty, whether it’s horticulture, aquaculture, or apiculture.

“We test what varieties of plants could grow here,” Nangauta said.

“One year, we did zucchinis. We tried growing six different strains to see which one would grow the best in our environment and soil.”

As a way to get the

community involved, the Triton Farm encourages people to volunteer to help maintain the area’s four-acre grounds. Activities include harvesting, preparing orders for vendors, and planting seeds. The farm also provides service-learning hours to high school students.

But while managing the farm is fun, it comes with its challenges.

Factors such as inclement weather and insects make growing food difficult. Because the Triton Farm staff

are natural farmers, they cannot use chemical pesticides. Instead, they use ground hot peppers to repel soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars.

Although it can be hard, people like Nangauta remain passionate about their disposition. She described her role in the farm as her dream job, saying that she and the rest of the staff pride themselves in being a part of a group that grows produce naturally.

“Farming takes patience and time,” she said. “And just being okay with [that] it doesn’t work out sometimes. There are insects and unpredictable weather that might take over your crop. It means being okay with that and trying something else that might work.”

The Triton Farm sells local eggs at $5 for a dozen and is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in purchasing produce or volunteering at the farm, contact Jessica Nangauta at 686-6980 or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/UOGTritonFarm/ work.

49th Charter Day: Turnout has improved Continued from page 2 seemed like more,” said Jonas Macapinlac, director of Integrated Marketing Communications.

According to Macapinlac, turnouts have been slightly increasing over the past few years, with growing

attendance among the young.

“Many kids from all schools on island look forward to attending Charter Day each year,” Macapinlac said.

Triton’s United This year’s theme of “Triton’s United” was formulated with the idea that all Tritons, past and present, are standing

together in unity and wholeness.

“If we all work together and pave the way for our future successors, Guam will definitely have a brighter future,” Macapinlac said.

Charter Day History Former Governor Carlton Skinner founded the Territorial College of Guam in 1952,

which was a two-year training institution. The college was the first and only of it’s kind in the region at this time period.

Sixteen years later in 1968, the name was officially changed to the University of Guam.

Our newly announced University eventually became an accredited,

four-year institution that still to this day offers various programs in place to prepare our up and coming leaders of the region.

Since then, the University has presented more than 20,000 degrees in all schools, most of which people reside elsewhere for their call of duty.

3 University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017

Triton Farm promotes natural farming

University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017

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Theatre’s “THE CRUCIBLE” intrigues audiences

By Jose Castro Triton’s Call Staff The University’s Theatre program showcased Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” on March 2 through March 5 at the University of Guam’s Fine Arts Theatre.

UOG Associate Professor Michelle Blas directed the play. Blas emphasized that this particular play recreated and fictionalized the actual Salem witchcraft trials that happened in Massachusetts in 1692 and 1963.

Blas explained that her direction and inspiration for putting together “The Crucible” came from reading Miller’s work.

“My students do such a wonderful job of working as a team to make this production come to life,” Blas said.

Stage manager and Theatre major Roki Calvo said, “Student

Theatre student Chelsea Cruz led the play with her fellow actors in full costume on stage at the UOG Fine Arts Building. Photo by Jose Castro

talents make a play that much more enjoyable to watch. It’s their drive as Theatre majors that help pave the way for each successful show.”

Trevor Boykin, who was one of the audience members, said he’s been watching Theatre productions since last semester and he was very excited to

watch and attend once “The Crucible” was announced.”

“It was truly an amazing experience,” Boykin said.

“Each semester I attempt to produce at least two plays,” Blas said. “It takes hard work, late nights, and a whole lot of dedication; which, is what many of

the Theatre students already have.”

Arthur Miller was inspired to write “The Crucible” because of his experiences during the McCarthy era – which was a time in American history in which tens of thousands of citizens were wrongly accused of being communists.

Joseph McCarthy, a Republican senator at the time, carried out special investigations of suspected Communists, many of whom were accused without proper evidence.

During the 1950’s, people who were believed to have communists ties were immediately questioned and thoroughly investigated by the government and special agencies in order to verify their commitment to the United States of America.

Although the budget for “The Crucible” was slim to none, the students were able to make the set, props, and costumes with the materials that were used from previous plays.

The next play that the UOG’s Theatre program will exhibit will be “The Laramie Project.”

Auditions will take place sometime this month.

Residents concerned about Pago Bay development

By Amanda Dedicatoria Triton’s Call Staff

FCB Planners announced the development of a condominium project near Pago Bay. The project would consist of two structures - a 12 story tower and an 11 story tower, which would include a pool and other amenities.

While the developers claim that the project would provide the island with more jobs and benefit the surrounding area’s infrastructure, residents have voiced strong opposition against it.

On Feb. 23, members and supporters of Save Southern Guam Inc. waved at passing motorists during an awareness event by the

On Feb. 23, activists waved during an awareness event concerning the Pago Bay condominium development.

Photo by Amanda Dedicatoria

Pago Bay Bridge.

Save Southern Guam Inc. is a local grassroots movement whose mission is to preserve the coasts and shorelines of southern Guam.

It was established in

2015 when its founder, Lasia Casil, heard that they were going to develop the project.

“I just thought that the developers never reached out to the community,” Casil said.

“This is is gonna affect our utilities, our traffic.

No one asked the people what they want.”

For some residents, the bay has been an integral part of their identity and lifestyle.

Amy Castro, a member of the movement, attended the event with her family. Castro comes from a family of fishermen who have fished at the bay for five generations.

“My children enjoy fishing,” she said.

“What we’re trying to do [here] is perpetuate the culture. Fishing grounds [here] are rare, because many of the fishing spots have been designated as marine preserves. Pago Bay is one of our spots and we

do not want to see how the towers would affect us.”

The future of development “It’s [going] to be a great big eyesore,” said Linda Tatreau, George Washington High School’s Marine Mania advisor. “Pago Bay is the gateway to the South and [these] high-rise towers are going to be the gateway for uncontrolled development in the South.”

According to Tatreau, a large part of the problem is with government entities not being more particular about development projects.

Continued on page 5

By Woody Castro Triton’s Call Staff The Guam Systems for Assistive Technology (GSAT) held their 23rd annual fair at the Micronesia Mall on Saturday, March 4 at the mall’s center court.

The event hosted a number of organizations that came out to support and offer helpful information about their services.

Organizations such as the Guam Early Intervention System, the Guam Head Start Program, Project Karinu, Project Tinituhon, the Autism Community Center, the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, the Guam Vet Center, and the Guam Community College ASL Program were among those that participated in the event.

Established in 1995, GSAT is administered and federally funded under UOG’s Center for Excellence in Develop-

A GSAT organization member assisted an onlooker about their services. Photo by Woody Castro

mental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDARS) and authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.

“The purpose of this fair is to provide awareness to individuals with or without disabilities about assistive technol-

Public Policy Center Continued from page 2 Stated within the rationale of the RCPP is the University of Guam’s “responsibility to examine and research the economic, social, and cultural issues that affect Guam and the region.”

The opening of this Regency Center for Public Policy calls upon the roster of professors and faculty with the requisite knowledge in UOG to improve issues such as education and healthcare.

Rivera explained that the formation of tasks is the primary focus of the Regency

Center. The Center is currently setting an agenda for priorities with a certain policy focus.

When asked about whether the RCPP will work with schools such as the University of Hawaii to develop policies, Rivera said that members of the center are certain that such collaborations will be in the near future.

Rivera only sees more growth in the center. “In the next 5 years we envision that we will continue the good work we started with the same veracity and passion as that when we first brought this Regional Center to life.”

ogy or AT,” said Leah Abelon, GSAT center coordinator.

According to Abelon, AT is any item, equipment, or product system, such as mobility chairs, that are used to help increase, maintain, and improve the lives of individuals with disabil-

ities.

“Our mission here is to help people acquire these types of assistive technology to help them live independently and be part of the community,” Abelon said.

One of the members of the Guam Early Intervention System

showcased assistive technology for speech, and provided a free developmental assessment for children at their early stages of growth.

“The GSAT fair is important for the community to see what services are available along with their related assistive technology,” said Ramon Castro, a GEIS social worker.

The fair also had a fair number of entertaining local performances to liven up the mall.

Recording artist from Saipan, Candy Taman, was among the performers. Taman sang some of his popular songs that debuted 20 years ago.

Students of the GCC American Sign Language class staged a flash mob around the center court, signing to one of Bruno Mars’ recent hit songs.

Concerns over Pago Bay development Continued from page 4 “We just don’t believe that issuing anyone who wants a variance is a responsible way to go,” she said.

From an environmental standpoint, the project raises some concerns. According to Else Demeulenaere, the associate director of UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability (CIS), the development’s effects on the wetlands would be of primary concern.

The most important functions of a wetland are minimizing flood-

ing and preventing erosion while providing a habitat for native fauna and flora.

Other areas of concern include stormwater runoff, domestic wastewater, water pollution from pesticide use, and human impact.

Low Impact Development (LID) techniques would reduce the impact of stormwater runoff. In order to maintain good water quality for the wetland and ocean, the development would have to assure compliance with wastewater regulations.

“The last concern is

the increased human activity in the wetlands,” Demeulenaere said. “Increased use of boats, trash, and trampling can have a negative impact on the environment.”

To discuss the planning and possible impact of the project, a panel session on the topic will be held at the 8th annual Island Sustainability Conference on April 19 and 20.

The conference’s theme is “Cultivating Communities for Sustainable Action” and will be a forum to discuss the project with all concerned parties.

5 University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017

Guam Systems for Assistive Technology holds annual fair

University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017

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Opinion: Guam should raise smoking age to 21

By Jason Aquino For Triton’s Call According to the Tobacco 21 website, 217 cities in the U.S. have raised the smoking age to 21. Raising the smoking age from 18 to 21 will add Guam to that list.

In my opinion, raising the legal age to 21 can help limit the rate of tobacco use among youth in high schools and middle schools in Guam.

In a recent study, Winickoff and his coauthors concluded that raising the age to 21 would limit the probability of addiction among young smokers.

Needham, Mass. was the first town to implement the change back in 2005. Data from the study showed that there was a 47% drop in the high school smoking rate from 2006-2010.

According to the Tobacco 21 website, Guam’s youth had the

highest rate of smoking among U.S. states and territories at about 20%.

If Guam experiences similar results to that of Needham, Mass, then the island would lower that percentage.

Speaker Benjamin Cruz first introduced Bill 141-33 on July 2015, which would raise the smoking age from 18 to 21. After Gov. Eddie Calvo vetoed that bill, Cruz then introduced Bill 9-34 on Jan 11, 2017 that again would raise the smoking age from 18 to 21.

The bill would prohibit the sale, distribution, and display of tobacco products to people 21 years and under.

Speaker Cruz stated that over 300 youth die each year to diseases related to tobacco use.

Cruz stated that health care treatment for smokers is about 50% more than of nonsmokers. He added that it’s about saving money

and the future generation from addiction.

The Guam Legislature held a public hearing regarding Bill 9-34 on Feb. 22.

Kim Dolores, a UOG senior majoring in Public Health, believes that raising the smoking age to 21 would improve the overall health of Guam’s residents.

She stated the the rate of tobacco use among high school and middle school in Guam is really high.

According to researchers Wickinoff et al., 18 to 20 year olds who legally purchase tobacco can then provide what they’ve bought to high schoolers. However, high school students are less likely to have friends who are 21 years and older to provide them tobacco.

Raising the legal age would limit the access of tobacco among high schoolers.

Matt Miguel, a sophomore majoring in Communication, stated that he feels indifferent about the implementation of the bill because he is already 21. Miguel has been vaping for over a year. He said, “I think it doesn’t really make a difference because younger people will still get cigarettes either way.”

Miguel said a good percentage of vaping businesses would be affected with their sales. He mentioned that most people who vape are under 21.

The same study by Wickinoff et al. suggested tha tobacco business will be affected by raising the legal age to 21. Sales would drop by only about 2 percent. Even if the drop is only percent, the effect of limiting tobacco access to younger people benefits the health of the youth at the cost of almost nothing.

There have been efforts to reduce the smoking rate in Guam.

UOG implemented a non-smoking policy on their campus. The policy has a total ban on sales, smoking, and distribution of tobacco products.

The Guam Legislature also expanded the provision of the Natasha Smoking Act of 2005. This prohibited smoking in bars on Guam effective January 2017.

If Bill 9-34 passes in the Legislature, the bill will add to the efforts already implemented by previous causes. This effort will limit smoking among the people of Guam.

The bill mainly targets the youth, which will limit the number of teen smokers and hopefully save the future generation from tobacco addiction.

Review: The mistreatment of jazz in “La La Land”

By Amanda Dedicatoria Triton’s Call Staff

When you first set your eyes on “La La Land,” you gain an understanding of the amount of hype surrounding it.

The film is a charming romance that addressed insecurity, sacrifice and ambition. It played enchanting songs that are still stuck in my head and presented beautiful cinematography while channeling the magic and nostalgia of Hollywood.

There is this delicate, yet exciting chemistry between the two leads.

The movie is stunning, awe-inspiring.

But if you know anything about music and

representation, the movie will give you a sour taste in your mouth when Sebastian, the stoic pianist played by Ryan Gosling, talks about jazz.

“What do you mean you don’t like jazz?” he asked, staring at Mia, who is played by Emma Stone, in disbelief.

It is not Seb’s passionate love for jazz that is the problem. It is how the film handles his love for jazz.

Seb is presented as a man who wants to resuscitate jazz in Los Angeles as if it is on its last breaths. He is not just obsessed with jazz, he is set on restoring it to its former glory.

Seb’s pursuit to pre-

serve the purity of jazz music feels loveless and hollow. His enemies come in the form of an indifferent public, ignorance from his significant other, and musical pragmatists such as Keith (John Legend), who produces synthheavy jazz hybrid music with his band.

There are many instances of musicians, such as Robert Glasper, who have innovated the jazz genre while drawing inspiration from other sources. According to Jon Caramanica of The New York Times, it is as if Damien Chazelle, the movie’s director, can’t entertain that complexity.

In making Sebastian

dead set on preserving the old form of jazz, the movie ends up having very little respect for jazz as a living art form.

Looking backward is prized, while anyone advocating for change is mocked.

Furthermore, it did not seem like the people of color who were included in the movie were important to the story.

Black people invented jazz. The genre of music emerged from New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The only black person in the film was Keith, who was portrayed as a sellout for making music inspired by jazz. While Gosling would wax poetic about

music, the black musicians playing behind him would be obscured by shadows, as if they were only there to provide a background for his angst.

Instead of having its roots in black history acknowledged, jazz is reduced to be exploited as a pop culture trinket, made romantic by nostalgia.

“La La Land” was beautiful, but it could have done so much better. If Sebastian really wanted to save jazz, he could have venerated its history and let people choose to like what they like about the genre instead of presenting it in such a rigid light.

By Rianne Peredo For Triton’s Call YouTube, a US-based video sharing website created in 2005, has continually promoted its content as original and community-based.

One YouTuber who has used the platform for outreach and personal enjoyment is 24-year-old Gigi Loren Lazzarato, known by her online handle, “Gigi Gorgeous.” Gigi is a Canadian transgender woman who initially joined the site in 2008 and mainly posted makeup tutorials.

Gigi was born as Gregory Allan Lazzarato but was known as “Greg” or “Gregory Gorgeous” pre-transition. However, Gigi has amassed 2.5 million subscribers, 317 million video views, and numerous sponsorships and collaborations with clothing and beauty brands.

YouTube afforded Gigi with the opportunity to tell her story through a biographical documentary by Barbara Kopple in 2017, enti-

tled “This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous.”

The film premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 24 and in select theatres on Feb. 3, followed by availability on YT’s paid membership service, YouTube Red, on Feb. 8.

I think that despite the personal struggles she experienced pre- and post-transition, Gigi has has had a positive impact on the LGBT community. Secondly, Gigi’s platform allows her to form parasocial relationships with her viewers through easily accessible content.

She recorded and posted videos about her various surgical procedures and after care, which were also featured in the film.

The conflicting emotions and other circumstances that occurred were indicative of minority stress, which builds upon Meyer’s minority stress theory.

Although Gigi did voiceover narration in the film and stated her family and friends sup-

ported her, it was not a stress-free experience.

According to her, coming out as a gay man pre-transition to her parents, Judy (known formally as Judith), and David, was difficult.

Gigi said she knew she was different when she was eight years old and was at that time, participating in diving.

She excelled and won her first championship at a young age but said her mind was focusing on makeup and clothes.

She later quit diving as an adolescent due to being unhappy.

Gigi said that her mother “knew from the minute he was born” but was scared of the possible backlash, especially in the future.

However, Gigi also said that her dad, who she described as a conservative man, would interpret the news differently. David said he was “shocked but not surprised.”

Eventually, Gigi told her siblings, Cory and Adam. Cory, the youngest of the Lazzarato children, claimed he

knew already before the confession and Adam, the oldest, learned via the video posted to Gigi’s YT channel in September 2010.

Gigi displayed moments of emotional pain indicative of minority stress during her pre-transition and post-transition periods.

The film shows a montage of some negative comments submitted by video viewers. While such comments may have caused her to feel insecure, Gigi acknowledged that some of her viewers were motivated to express and openly admit their sexuality publicly to friends and family.

This was apparent in the film, which featured some video clips of viewers who referred to her as their inspiration.

She also said the situation, at times, was “depressing and lonely.”

The situation worsened when Gigi’s mother died from cancer in 2012.

In Gigi’s YT video entitled “I Am Transgender | Gigi,” she appeared

happy but said she was actually nervous about the news she was sharing publicly.

Gigi was also undergoing hormone replacement therapy, which results in a prescription of estrogen to aid in the transition. The film then portrayed her dad’s insistence on going to Boston where Gigi had an appointment for facial feminization surgery.

In addition to FFS, which included tracheal shaving and rhinoplasty, Gigi also had a breast augmentation and electrolysis. She came out as a lesbian in 2016.

The film ends with Gigi returning to her high school. She reintroduced herself to some of her former teachers, asking if they remember her when she was known as Greg. Then Gigi changes into a swimsuit and does one dive into the school pool. She emerges from the water, looks at the camera, and says her tagline, “Stay gorgeous.”

Review: Why “Moonlight” won the Oscar for Best Picture

By Jason Aquino For Triton’s Call The 89th Academy Awards was held on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles, Calif. The story of that night was the mix-up for the winner of Best Picture.

“La La Land” originally won in that category.

However, minutes into the acceptance speech, it was announced that “Moonlight” had won Best Picture instead.

“Moonlight” by Barry Jenkins received the award not by mistake but because the story was more compelling and harder-hitting.

The film ran over 100 minutes, portraying family and school matters in the suburbs of Miami. The film portrays the struggle of the main character, Chiron, who was growing up as a gay African-American living with mother struggling with drug addiction.

The film’s real-life aspects such as drug abuse, bullying, and sexual orientation are tied together well. Audiences are able to relate to either one or all of those issues like bullying, which people have experienced or witnessed.

“Moonlight” was more

than discovering one’s sexual orientation. Drug addiction and bullying are covered more often in the storyline.

Jenkins gathered a talented cast that included Mahershala Ali, who played Juan, a father figure to Chiron who appears in the first part of the film. Juan took care of Chiron by feeding and housing him.

The supporting cast included Naomie Harris (Chiron’s mother) and Patrick Decile (Terrel).

Harris’s role as a caring mother who turned into a drug addict showed the decline of the rela-

tionship between mother and son.

Decile’s constant bullying tested Chiron’s patience as a passive student who wanted to avoid trouble.

Jenkins divided the film into three parts: “Little,” “Chiron,” and “Black.” Respectively, these parts portrayed the young, adolescent, and adult life of Chiron, and because they were presented in that order, the film was easier to follow.

“Little” focused on Chiron’s difficulty to fit in at school, his growing relationship with Juan, and his struggles with

his mother.

“Chiron” continued with him getting bullied by his classmates, having issue at home with his mom, and discovering his sexual orientation.

“Black” concluded the movie with Chiron living his new life and resolving his issues with his mother and his close friend, Kevin.

The actions in “Little” led to the changes seen in “Chiron” and the actions in that part resulted in “Black”. However, each part of the film can stand alone as its own short film.

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Review: Documentary of Gigi, YouTube transgender star

University of Guam, Triton’s Call, March 2017 8