Carrying rainbow flags and placards, protesters gathered near the historic site to call for improved economic and political conditions, as well as the immediate passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill.
The group said members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination, harassment, and limited access to opportunities, underscoring the urgency of legislative action.
“Pride is not just a celebration, it is a protest,” an organizer said, stressing the need for concrete policies to address inequalities faced by marginalized sectors.
Bahaghari also cited broader socio-economic concerns, noting that rising living costs and job insecurity disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
The protest remained peaceful, with authorities monitoring the situation to ensure order.
June is observed globally as Pride Month, commemorating the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and serving as a platform for advocacy, visibility, and equality.
Meanwhile, the group urged the public to join upcoming Pride Month activities, including a larger mobilization on June 26, where various sectors are expected to take part in advancing the call for rights, equality, and social justice.