City to hold first freedom day for gays and lesbians

ANGELES CITY — For the first time, gays and lesbians are being given the chance to openly express themselves in a parade regarded to be one of the highlights of the upcoming Fiestang Kuliat.

The Freedom Parade scheduled on October 23 will give gays and lesbians the opportunity to wear their best dresses as a way to express themselves.

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“It’s the opportunity for us to come out in the open,” Jemi Nicdao, Freedom Parade press relations officer, said.

Nicdao said it was the city’s first woman, Herminia Pamintuan, who thought of holding the parade.

“Tita Minyang is really close to the gay and lesbian community in Angeles. So, siya ang nakaisip na magkaroon ng ganitong parade para lahat ng natatakot lumabas, magkaroon na ng freedom,” Nicdao said.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the parade would serve as a replica of the San Francisco Pride, an annual gay pride celebration in America. The Pride mainly symbolizes the struggles of the third sex to be recognized in the society.

“We once saw this parade in America where gays and lesbians were really dressed up by the best couturiers. We thought we can also have it here,” Pamintuan said.

Moreover, Nicdao said thousands of gays and lesbians are expected to join the parade since invitations were sent to third sex groups in Manila and other provinces.

“This is the best time for us to come out and be proud of our sexuality,” he added.

He said the funds that will be used for the parade were contributions from bar owners in the city.

The parade will pass the Bayanihan Park and Diamond Park and will end with a program in Fields Avenue. Known gay personalities are also expected to come.

Awards like best costume, best in make-up, best in hair style and queen of the night will be given away.