With the recent passing of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill by the House of Representatives last month, various LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, and organizations joined the annual Pride March Festival at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Saturday, June 24, as they continue to call the government to pass the pending 23-year-old bill.
Hosted once again by the local government of Quezon City, thousands gathered for “Pride PH 2023: Love, Laban” carrying not just their rainbow flags but also their calls for safe space, anti-discrimination, recognition, and respect for the queer community highlighting the passage of the said bill that would protect the community from any forms of discrimination and attacks once enacted.
The event was joined by various government agencies, as well as Senator Risa Hostiveros, an LGBTQIA+ advocate. She also shared an inspirational message: “We are here, we are queer, we are loud, and unstoppable!”
Meanwhile, Rai Sumagaysay, a member of Lunas Collective, asserted that Pride is not only a celebration but also a protest and the House panel's approval of the SOGIESC Equality Bill is a big step as the community has been fighting for it for decades now.
“Ito ‘yung way para magkaroon tayo ng safe space. We know na in the Philippines talagang mayroon at rampant ang diskriminasyon sa mga members ng LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
Individuals in the event also shared their manifestations regarding the bill on the back burner.
"Mas mabuti na maipasa 'yun, talagang maisabatas na siya kasi dito mapapangalagaan, marerespeto ang mga LGBT community," Quezon City Ladies Organization President Marrites Fabunan also added.
PridePH attendee Tricia Borromeo, a PUP COC journalism student, also pointed out these protests demonstrate the youth’s power.
“Malaking manipestasyon ito na tayong mga kabataan, tayong mga member ng community ay hindi basta-basta umaatras sa laban," Borromeo said.
In line with the Pride celebration, the QC local government also launched the "Right to Care” card that allows LGBTQIA+ couples to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a press conference that they will make a "wide spread campaign" with all of the hospitals in the city to make this "special power of attorney card" recognized by healthcare providers.
PridePH 2023 also recorded a historic crowd stretching around 110,000 attendees, more than the estimated 50,000. It was the biggest Pride event in Southeast Asia so far, according to Pride PH organizers.
Article: Arlin Fabaliña and Alexandra Mae Uy
Graphics: Kayceline Alfonso
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