QC to host Pride Festival on June 22
MANILA, Philippines — A Pride Expo, food and art market, and Pride Night celebration are among the highlights of the #LoveLaban2Everyone Pride Festival set on June 22 at Quezon Memorial Circle.
Organizers announced details of the all-day LGBTQIA+ pride celebration at a news conference on Tuesday. LGBTQIA+ refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual community.
The festival is a partnership between the advocacy group Pride PH and the Quezon City government and aims to highlight the diversity of the city’s gay community while drawing attention to the need for a national antidiscrimination law.
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“Our beloved city stands loud and proud alongside the LGBTQIA+ community,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Belmonte added that the city was committed to “creating a supportive environment where everyone can live freely and authentically.”
Article continues after this advertisementAngel Romero, a Pride PH convener, said the volunteer-run event was “organized by the community for the community.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Our call for equality is a declaration of our right to live and love without fear and with full dignity,” said Vince Liban, another Pride PH convener.
“The time for the #SOGIEEqualityBill is now.” The proposed Sogie (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill prohibits discrimination in employment, education, health services, and other areas nationwide.
Rod Singh, the festival’s show director, said the event allows LGBTQ people to “dream of a more inclusive Philippines.” —Russel Loreto
