Members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community joined the "Pride March" held at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) in Quezon City on Saturday, June 25.
QC Hall Police Community Precinct 5 commander Lt. Col. Leonie dela Cruz said that some 5,000 participants marched from the North Avenue gate of the QMC which started at around 3 p.m.
They walked along the inner lane of the Elliptical Road until they reached the Commonwealth Avenue gate, then back to the park.
The Pride March is part of the "Alab for Love: Pride PH's Festival" which was hosted by the local government.
Tessa and Thea, an LGBT couple for more than three years who attended the march for the first time, said that they participated to experience the feeling of belongingness while being surrounded by other members of the community.
Meanwhile, another couple, Ayen and Mikhaila, said they also went to the event to celebrate with the community
"We want to remind everyone na Pride will always be a protest and that malayo pa tayo sa tunay na kalayaan (We're still far from real freedom)," Ayen said.
The event also features a "Pride Night" where various performances and solidarity speeches would be presented.
The city also held a free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and Covid-19 vaccinations for the community members.
Pride PH is the widest national pride network of the country's LGBTQIA+ organizations and individuals that advocates human rights, equality and diversity, and inclusion against discrimination.
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https://www.google.com/amp/s/mb.com.ph/2022/06/20/qc-to-hold-pride-month-activities-on-june-25/%3famp