THE passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (Sogie) Equality Bill and the creation of a separate government office for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community are some of the calls for this year's Pride Walk.
The fourth Pride Walk, happening on July 28, Sunday, will be attended by more than 5,000 participants from the LGBT community, according to event organizer and advocate Norman Baloro.
"It is just a very simple thing, just to showcase because 'Pride' will always be a silent and peaceful protest (because) until now ginapangayo (gihapon kini) sa atoang igsoong LGBT (until now these are the things our fellow LGBT continue to call for)," Baloro said in an interview on the sidelines of the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.
Baloro, a Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor commissioner, said although both the House of Representatives and Senate are willing to support the bill, but considering the number of opposition from faith-based groups and religious sectors, its passage would be unpredictable.
"In my case, ginaduso nako ang usa ka opisina nga LGBT Affairs Office, which will be under the Office of the President. If dili makaya sa RA (Republic Act), at least through an executive order (I am pushing for an LGBT Affairs Office, which will be under the Office of the President. If we can't push for it through an RA, at least through an executive order)," he said.
The LGBT advocate said this year's celebration will be simple, but they will make the event an opportunity to continuously call for their rights and equality in the society.
He said until now, families disown and evict their child once they come out in the open, adding that discrimination continues to exist in the school premises, and workplaces.
Meanwhile, Baloro said he is grateful to the local government for its continuous support for the LGBT community, particularly in crafting the landmark legislation, the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, which gave them confidence and opportunities.
Baloro also revealed that acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, along with other city councilors, will also participate in the Pride Walk.