QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --A record-breaking crowd of 110,752 LGBTQIA+ members and allies took part in the Pride PH Festival held in Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) on Saturday (June 24).

The day-long Lovelaban festival, which capped off the month-long celebration of Pride Month in the city, was four times bigger than last year’s 25,000 participants. Pride PH spearheaded the festival together with the Quezon City Government.

This year’s festival figures were derived from foot traffic data provided by the QMC Administration, based on counters in all of the park’s entrance gates.

According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, equality champion and  vocal ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, the grand Pride Festival in QC is not only a celebration but also a protest. 

“Ipinapakita natin ang ating suporta sa sigaw na wakasan ang iba’t ibang uri ng abuso at diskriminasyon. At higit sa lahat, binibigyang-diin natin ang kahalagahan ng pagkakapantay-pantay at pagsisiguro sa kaligtasan ng bawat isa, anuman ang kasarian,” Mayor Belmonte said. 

Pride PH expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support and love extended by the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

“Galing sa 25K attendees sa unang taon namin last year, mahigit 100k ang nakisaya sa amin ngayong taon. This is a solid signifier of our growing courage and strength as a community together with our allies. Hindi na kami takot to be seen and heard. Kasi alam natin lahat that what we fight and stand for is fundamental — to live a life free from prejudice and discrimination.” Pride PH convenor Mela Habijan added.

Since June 1, the QC government has conducted Pride-related activities to echo the call of the LGBTQIA+ communities for equality and the passage of the SOGIE Bill in the Philippines.

“Sa dami nating narito ngayon, LGBTQIA+ community at allies, I can proudly declare: Our voice is stronger than ever. Hindi na pwedeng maliitin, hindi na pwedeng balewalain, at hindi na pwedeng magbingi-bingihan sa ating panawagan na kayo ay tratuhin nang tama, at buong pusong tanggapin,” Mayor Belmonte said.

A first in the country, the QC government also launched yesterday the “Right to Care Card” that gives power to queer couples to make medical decisions for their life partners. The card operates under a special power of attorney and shall first be valid in the city government’s three hospitals. 

The city government also offered free HIV testing for festival guests where around 1,500 individuals got tested. Mental health consultations and medical check-ups were also conducted. 

The whole-day celebration kicked off at 10:00 AM with the Pride Expo and bazaar where nearly 100 booths were set up by various organizations, sponsors, partners, food merchants and LGBTQIA+ businesses. 

The Pride March in the afternoon was attended by thousands from the community, allies, government and non-government organizations, private businesses, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community. The march started in QMC, and headed to East Avenue, V. Luna Road, and Kalayaan Avenue. 

Pride Night featured  song and dance performances by various LGBTQIA+ artists, drag queens, and celebrities.

Hundreds of police officers, traffic personnel, and public and order safety marshalls were deployed to assist festival goers and man traffic in and around the Quezon Memorial Circle. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and Philippine Red Cross QC Chapter also assigned a medical team, while Barangays Central and Vasra provided manpower and logistical support. (qc paisd/pia-ncr)