What began as a small team of advocates has now become Cebu’s most visible force for LGBTQIA+ rights. The Cebu Pride Movement (CPM) marks its third anniversary this year with a renewed commitment to meaningful change.
“In the past, it was always just us — familiar faces organizing the same events,” said Matthew Basabe, one of CPM’s leads. “But today, we’re seeing real progress. Businesses, brands, media, influencers and even the academic sector are stepping in to support the movement.”
Co-leader Enrique San Juan added, “At Cebu Pride Movement, we’re looking for volunteers. We’re a volunteer-led and volunteer-organized group, and after our day jobs, we meet at 6 p.m. That’s what June is all about for us.”
Meanwhile, LoveYourself Cebu, a partner advocacy group focused on HIV awareness and sexual health, recently celebrated its seventh anniversary in May. During the event, Regi Nam, head of the training department, addressed a growing concern:
“There’s been an alarming rise in HIV cases in Cebu, especially among Gen Z,” Nam shared. “In Cebu City alone, 289 new cases were reported this year. The youngest case was 12 years old.”
Nam emphasized the urgent need for stronger family guidance and community education, especially in the age of social media where young people are exposed to unfiltered content with little support.
To address this, LoveYourself Cebu opened a new hub, JEM, at Mactan Town Center. The facility offers comprehensive prevention services, including education, regular testing and access to PrEP and PEP. The group has also partnered with various organizations and launched HIV awareness caravans earlier this year.
“We want to build a stigma-free Cebu,” Nam said. “One where anyone can access help without fear.”
Now in its third year, CPM remains a community-first organization. While other LGBTQIA+ groups have occasionally been drawn into political agendas, CPM aims to diversify and still unite.
“We’re not saying what others are doing is wrong,” Basabe clarified. “But for us, the priority is building long-term unity. CPM was created to bring people together.”
Their long-term vision is to create a unified Pride celebration for the entire province, not just Cebu City. The goal is to bring Pride to municipalities and barangays, especially where LGBTQIA+ voices are still silenced.
“Many young LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative families still live in fear,” Basabe said. “We want to reach those places and let them know they are not alone.”
This follows the success of initiatives like the “Embrace Ko All” symposium in 2024, where youth leaders and LGBTQIA+ advocates from across Cebu came together to discuss real issues and pitch solutions that matter on the ground.
While social media remains a powerful platform, CPM recognizes its limitations in reaching those who need support most. That’s why the movement is shifting focus toward community events, partnerships and education, making real-world impact the priority. S