By Richielyn Canlas
To celebrate Pride Month, the ANGAT-Lahat Malabon, a non-governmental organization (NGO) held a Pride Parade program in Malabon City on Sunday, June 18.
The program, called "BINHI: Makibeki! Wag Mashokot!,” is an advocacy program made by the NGO to amplify their calls for gender equality and recognition.
The Pride March celebration started with a Pride Parade, where advocates marched from Concepcion, Malabon to Hulong Duhat, Malabon City on Sunday morning.
Ralph Emerson Vicente, president of ANGAT-Lahat Malabon, said the purpose of this program is to expand the space of LGBTQIA+ community in the society.
"Sigaw ito ng mga mamamayang nagsasabi na itigil na ang diskriminasyon at karahasan sa mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ (This is a call from the people who want to stop the discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ members)," he added.
(Photos from Ma. Cristel Cube/MANILA BULLETIN)
First ‘Pride’ in Malabon
The "BINHI: Makibeki! Wag Mashokot! was proudly announced by Vicente as the first-ever Pride March in Malabon City.
The program was a tribute to the historical events of 1969 when the Stonewall Riots erupted in Manhattan, New York.
During that pivotal moment, brave gay and trans individuals stood against violent law enforcement transforming the gay liberation movement.
Marsha P. Johnson, a transwoman who actively participated in the Stonewall riots, tragically lost her life fighting for the rights and against the discrimination that the community has experienced.
The unwavering fight for equality and resistance against discrimination remains an indelible symbol.
Knowledge is power
Aside from the Pride March, a major component of the program were the educational talks about the history of the Pride movement, the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill, and the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law).
The founder of Philippine Stuttering Association, Sarah Elago talked about the SOGIESC equality bill.
It tackled the importance of the SOGIESC equality bill to stop the discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ and to protect the rights of every person regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
The importance of the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) was also shared during the program.
The Bawal Bastos Law covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplace and online space.
Standing with the LGBTQ+
The ANGAT-Lahat Malabon emphasized their support and commitment to advocating for everyone belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Ang aming hinahangad ay ang mamuhay tayo sa isang Malabon, sa isang Pilipinas na namumulaklak ng respeto sa dignidad ng pantao, sa pagkakaiba-iba, at pagkakapantay-pantay nating lahat (What we desire is to live in a Malabon City, a Philippines that respects human dignity, upholds diversity and equality for all of us)," Vicente said.
Ang Nagkakaisang Grupong Aagapay at Titindig para sa lahat (ANGAT Lahat - Malabon) was founded in 2022.
It was established by a group of dedicated volunteers who share the same goals and aspirations of community building through their spirit of volunteerism.
Beyond being an organization, ANGAT Lahat - Malabon is a living testament that embodies the enduring belief that hope, when shared, has the remarkable capacity to traverse great distances.
The project marked a notable milestone in March 2023, as they received official accreditation from the Local Youth Development Office in Malabon City as a distinguished youth organization.
ANGAT-Lahat also attained recognition as an integral part of iVolunteer Philippines and Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network.