The Quezon City government on Monday, June 20, announced that it will be hosting the “Alab for Love: Pride PH Festival“ at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) on Saturday, June 25, to celebrate Pride Month.
In a press conference on Monday, Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with Pride PH lead convenor Mela Habijan, QC Tourism Department Officer-in-Charge Ms. Maria Teresa Tirona, and other city officials, said the event is part of the city’s advocacy to promote equality, inclusivity, and diversity among all, including the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
The festival, which will start from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight, will feature three key activities -- the Pride Expo, the Pride March, and the Pride Night.
Habijan explained that the festival will start with the “Pride Expo,” a gathering of LGBTQIA+ communities to be followed by the “Pride March” along Elliptical Road to convey the LGBTQIA+ community’s solidarity to achieve equality for everyone.
The last activity will be the "Pride Night" which will showcase different performances along with solidarity speeches from different LGBTQIA+ members.
Habijan also said the event will be a nationwide Pride Month celebration as members of the community from different parts of the country will join in the celebration.
“We are thankful for those who started this movement. Our sisters, lesbians, and transwomen paved the way for us. We also applaud Metro Manila Pride for continuing what started in 1992. But we also want to spotlight other pride marches happening in the country, and that is what #OnePride hopes to achieve” Habijan said.
According to Habijan, Pride PH aims to be a coalition of LGBTQIA+ organizations and individuals to foster a relationship with the local government, private sector, and non-government organizations to be able to address various issues and concerns, achieve an equal society, and to always instill respect and love to one another.
Quezon City is one of the first cities to implement the Gender Fair Ordinance to ensure equality among all residents regardless of gender and protect them against discrimination.
"This is a testament of Quezon City’s status as a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are always here to support all of your current and future endeavors. We remain committed to uphold and fight for the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community. In our city, you will remain protected and cared for,” Belmonte said.
The city government will also conduct free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and Covid-19 vaccinations for the LGBTQIA+ members during the festival.