“Quezon City is an inclusive city and we are an ally to the LGBTQIA+ Community. We assure the participants that this year’s Pride event will be fun, memorable, and meaningful for all,” said Mayor Joy.
Around 50,000 LGBTQIA+ members and allies from different parts of the country are expected to participate in the local Pride celebration, a projection that will surpass the 2021 record of 25,000 attendees.
With the support of the local government, Pride PH will serve as the organizing team of the festival under the leadership of Program Lead and Show Director Rod Singh.
Aside from colorful performances from queer performers and drag artists, the celebration will also feature solidarity speeches and a pride march to amplify the community’s call for the recognition of their equal rights.
In addition, some LGBTQIA+ merchants, non-governmental organizations (NGO) partners, as well as allied corporations will likewise be given the opportunity to showcase their products and services through a Pride Expo during the event.
An HIV testing booth will also be available at the venue for attendees who want to get tested and know their health status.
Meanwhile, to ensure the safety and security of all the participants, the local government will deploy personnel from the Department of Public Order and Safety, QC Police District, and the Transport and Traffic Management Department.
The Pride Festival will be open to the general public from 10 am until 12 midnight.
Prior to the momentous occasion, the city government will conduct an online forum through its ‘Usapang QC’ platform on Friday (June 23) to highlight proud pride stories from the community as well as to re-introduce the different local government initiatives in support of gender and development.
Among the resource speakers of the forum are Police Major Rene Balmaceda of the QCPD Women and Children Concern who is proudly a transgender woman, LGBTQIA+ celebrity Kaladkaren Davila, Former Vice Chairperson of Quezon City Pride Council Ging Cristobal, and Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) Trustee and pride advocate Thysz Estrada.
Last February 15, 2023, it can be recalled that Mayor Joy facilitated a commitment ceremony for 240 LGBTQIA+ couples which serves as a testament to the city government's thrust in establishing a gender-responsive governance. (PIA-NCR)
