“OVER the Rainbow” is the theme of this year's pride parade slated on June 26 initiated by the Humanist Alliance Philippines International (Hapi)-Bacolod City Chapter, one of the main organizers of previous pride parades in Bacolod City.
A lot happened in the two years; the global pandemic has taken its toll in keeping the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community from celebrating its annual festivities during the month of June.
As we continue to thrive in fighting for equal rights and opportunities not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but also for everyone, the pride parade will also showcase inclusivity despite our distinct individuality, Junius Dale Capus, LGBT rights advocate said.
It is but fitting that an activity like this will be conducted in Bacolod as the city is one of the few localities in the Philippines that has adopted the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance as early as 2013, Capus added.
He said that with this, Hapi-Bacolod and partner organizations aims to call other cities and municipalities in Negros Island to adopt and replicate the anti-discrimination ordinance.
The group is also hoping that the national government will finally approve Sogie Equality Bill to seek to protection of each and every individual and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
“The pride parade in Bacolod is not just a commemoration or celebration of our presence and existence as LGBTQIA+ community, but also a call to continue fighting for our rights, to end hatred towards our community, the LGBT community, and to allow acceptance and love to fill the hearts of Filipinos,” Capus said.
The chapter aims the event to be a means to empower not just the LGBTQIA+ in Negros Island but also everyone who fights for equality; motivate the youth to be a voice for equal rights and educate everyone who may have/not participated in the importance of individual rights.