FILE PHOTO: Vice President Sara Duterte hands over livelihood assistance to LGBTQI+ during Pride Month. (Photo from Vice President Sara Duterte鈥檚 Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Vice President Sara Duterte urged the public to ensure that every Filipino, especially the youth, will be heard and accepted as the country observes Pride Month, the worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Duterte pointed out that the occasion should serve 鈥渁s a reminder of the power of love over hate, discrimination, and indifference toward a sector that had historically been subjected to shame, persecution, and inequitable opportunities in life.鈥�
READ: Holding of Pride Festival at Quezon City Memorial Circle peaceful 鈥� QCPD
鈥淥ver the past many years, we have witnessed how we have become a nation that promotes inclusivity, advances the welfare of disadvantaged sectors, and champions the cause for equality,鈥� the vice president said.
鈥淢agtulungan tayo upang tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang ating mga kabataan, ay ligtas, tunay na naririnig, at buong pusong kinikilala,鈥� she added.
(Let鈥檚 work together to ensure that every Filipino, especially our youth, is safe, truly heard, and wholeheartedly recognized.)
鈥淭his is a victory for all 鈥� not only for those who dreamed of a world without othering 鈥� a world where everyone is valued, accepted, and empowered, but also for all of us who toppled down the wall that isolated the LGBT sector and deprived them of recognition, respect, acceptance, and love,鈥� Duterte further said.
Reports revealed that thousands of individuals from various sectors of society attended the festival in Quezon Memorial Circle, which featured a food and art market, among others.
According to the Quezon City government, the event was conducted in partnership with advocacy group Pride PH.
During the 2022 national polls鈥� campaign season, Duterte claimed to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Then vice presidential candidate Durterte revealed that she cuts her hair when 鈥渟he wants to be a man.鈥� She, however, clarified that she is not attracted to women, adding that she is only drawn to work stereotypically associated with men.