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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider QC Mayor Belmonte honored as LGBTQIA+ Icon of the Year

QC Mayor Belmonte honored as LGBTQIA+ Icon of the Year

Published Jun 29, 2026 11:32 am  |  Updated Jun 29, 2026 02:20 pm
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte receives the LGBTQIA+ Icon of the Year 2026 award from The Red Whistle and O Bar during a ceremony on Sunday, June 28. (Photo courtesy of the Quezon City government)
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte receives the LGBTQIA+ Icon of the Year 2026 award from The Red Whistle and O Bar during a ceremony on Sunday, June 28. (Photo courtesy of the Quezon City government)
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been recognized as the LGBTQIA+ Icon of the Year 2026 for her unwavering advocacy for equality, human rights, and inclusion.
The award was presented by The Red Whistle and O Bar during a ceremony on Sunday, June 28, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community commended Belmonte’s leadership in advancing gender-fair initiatives in Quezon City.
Her recognition highlighted the city’s landmark programs, including the Gender-Fair Ordinance, Gender-Inclusive Healthcare Ordinance, the Right to Care Card program, and its annual Pride Month celebration, which has grown into one of the country’s largest and most vibrant Pride gatherings.
Belmonte joined the LoveLaban Pride event in Quezon City prior to the ceremony, where she participated in activities marking Pride Month.
In her acceptance speech, Belmonte said the city’s initiatives are anchored on equality, acceptance, respect, and inclusion, which she described as basic human rights.
“We are not doing anything extraordinary. It’s simply the right thing to do—to stand up for the values we believe in,” Belmonte said.
She expressed gratitude to supporters of the advocacy and noted that more local government units are adopting gender-fair policies to promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Belmonte also emphasized that the push for inclusion extends beyond Pride Month as communities continue to uphold equal rights.
The ceremony was attended by Gender and Development Council Office head Janete Oviedo, O Bar COO Ramon Papa, The Red Whistle president Karlo Santos, founder Nicolo Cosme, and Baus Rufo.

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METRONEWS Quezon City Joy Belmonte LGBTQIA Icon The Red Whistle Pride Month gender equality O Bar
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