{"id":5062615,"date":"2025-03-26T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/walatinonews.com\/?p=5062615"},"modified":"2025-03-26T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T08:00:00","slug":"big-man-on-campus-pageant-encourages-men-to-help-end-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/2025\/03\/26\/big-man-on-campus-pageant-encourages-men-to-help-end-domestic-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Big Man on Campus&#8217; Pageant Encourages Men to Help End Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After witnessing his mother experience domestic violence when he was a child, Alexander Vicu\u00f1a Perez understood the importance of speaking out and standing up against what has long been considered a taboo issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I knew I had to take things into my own hands and try to do something for my mom because she was just too scared at the time,&#8221; the second-year student at the University of Washington (UW) said. \u201cWhen you&#8217;re in that position, I think it feels like you can&#8217;t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Feb. 27, the university\u2019s Latin Sorority Lambda Theta Alpha (LTA) hosted its 15th annual \u201cBig Man On Campus\u201d event (BMOC) at Kane Hall\u2014marking the sorority\u2019s largest and most anticipated event of the year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The male pageant is designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage men to take the lead in the conversation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proceeds collected from ticket sales and the event\u2019s \u201cDash for Cash\u201d were donated to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ywcaworks.org\/\">Seattle YWCA<\/a> to support its anti-domestic violence programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vicu\u00f1a Perez was crowned this year\u2019s BMOC winner. He said he was inspired to participate after attending last year\u2019s event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Photo-7-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5062589\" style=\"width:418px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Daniel Khani recites a poem he wrote about his father. Khani said that he doesn\u2019t normally participate in events like Big Man On Campus, but when he was asked to enter, he saw it as a great opportunity to step out of his comfort zone.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photography:&nbsp;<\/strong>Ayla Nye<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Photo-6b-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5062590\" style=\"width:418px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Alexander Vicu\u00f1a Perez starts his performance off by playing a soft melody on his clarinet and after a quick-change he gives an energetic hip hop performance. Vicu\u00f1a Perez said he wanted to surprise the audience with his contrasting acts.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Photography:&nbsp;<\/strong>Ayla Nye<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt was kind of near to my heart just because growing up, I was in a domestic violence household,\u201d he said. \u201cI remembered what I would see my mother go through and the fact that she still had to, like, be a mom and put on a brave face for me and my younger siblings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vicu\u00f1a Perez said he hopes his participation in BMOC will encourage other men to act.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s very important for men to really speak up and initiate that conversation, just because it opens up a new demographic that, you know, isn\u2019t used to really speaking about it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for them to learn more about the topic\u2013to learn more ways that they can combat the issue.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jasmin Rubalcava, vice president of LTA, said that months of planning go into BMOC, with preparations starting at the beginning of the school year and continuing until the day of the event. This year, the Samuel Ethnic Cultural Center and the Husky Union Building funded BMOC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot only is it a fun way to bring awareness, but also, it\u2019s just amazing to see the community come together all in support of this event,\u201d Rubalcava said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pageant featured a performance, runway walk, and interviews.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside Vicu\u00f1a Perez, three other contestants vied for the title, showcasing their unique cultures, talents, and personalities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the pageant was closely tied to Latino culture, students of all different backgrounds were encouraged to enter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daniel Khani, a third-year student at UW, said he chose to recite a poem for his talent because poetry is significant in his family\u2019s Iranian culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Khani said his poem was meant to reflect the domestic violence he experienced during his childhood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI just wanted to write something about my feelings towards my experience, kind of like a letter to my dad and how I felt about everything,\u201d he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Khani saw this year\u2019s pageant as an opportunity to work through his feelings while also supporting others who have endured similar experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m hoping a lot of growth comes from this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Photo-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5062591\" style=\"width:508px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>UW Lambda Theta Alpha president Allison Santos Rodriguez (on the left) and Lambda Theta Alpha secretary Estefanie Garcia (on the right) pose for a photo minutes before the Big Man On Campus event starts. Garcia played a key role in organizing 2025 Big Man On Campus, acting as this year\u2019s event lead.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Photography:&nbsp;<\/strong>Ayla Nye<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Photo-9-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5062592\" style=\"width:418px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Big Man On Campus judges intently listen to the contestants during the interview portion of the pageant. Sitting on the far is Dr. Kristian Jones, an assistant professor at UW School of Social Work; in the middle is Edgar Quiroz, a graduate student in child &amp; adolescent psychology at UW; and on the far left is Ruth Adame, medical department coordinator at Sea Mar. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Photography: <\/strong>Ayla Nye<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the runway walk, contestants showed off outfits inspired by this year\u2019s theme, Loter\u00eda.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loter\u00eda is a traditional Mexican board game of chance. Each of the 54 cards in the deck represents a symbol or caricature of Mexican history and culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carlos Pacheco, a fourth-year at UW, dressed as the El Valiente card, representing bravery.<br><br>On stage, he explained that for him, bravery means embracing vulnerability, especially when addressing topics like domestic violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat does bravery really look like? I think we can all really be brave in ourselves, we don\u2019t have to look a certain type of way,\u201d Pacheco said. \u201cOne of the strongest things that a man can do is know when to give up their crown.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pacheco said that he was inspired to compete in this year\u2019s pageant by the strong women in his life, including his mother, grandmother, and younger sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI thought of, you know, my little sister\u2013she\u2019s currently a freshman here at UW, so it\u2019d be like a cool Big Brother moment,\u201d he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A UW LTA alumni, Ruth Adame was one of this year\u2019s judges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having coordinated past BMOC pageants, Adame said she was \u201cproud\u201d to be involved in this year\u2019s event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going into the competition, she said that she was looking for key qualities in the contestants that, in her opinion, embodied the title of BMOC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI really just want someone that is not afraid to challenge societal norms. I think that\u2019s something that\u2019s really powerful. But beyond that someone that\u2019s not afraid to put on a show. Like, someone that\u2019s willing to step out of their comfort zone and really make the most out of the pageant,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vicu\u00f1a Perez said that his identity as a queer Latino individual inspired his outfit for the interview portion of the event. He wore a suit and high-heeled boots, which, he noted, are not typically worn by men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI like dressing like that because I get to showcase who I am to the world. But also, I think it\u2019s important to reflect that confident image and be unapologetically myself,\u201d he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apart from being able to express himself, Vicu\u00f1a Perez said that BMOC was ultimately a way for him to honor his mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI really want to win for her and for all the women and children who have to go through these kinds of things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/latinonewsnetwork.com\/waln\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ayla-Nye-Headshot-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5062587 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Ayla Nye (she\/her)<\/strong>\u00a0is a senior at the University of Washington studying Journalism and Public Interest Communications and Political Science. She is passionate about uplifting community voices through her storytelling and hopes to pursue a career in arts and culture journalism.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lambda Theta Alpha celebrates their 15th annual male pageant which is designed to help raise awareness about abusive relationships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":5062588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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