SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — Around 200 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) group in Bangar town and supporters from the private sector joined a Pride Parade on June 23.
Held at the municipal grounds, this event was organized by the local government unit of Bangar, through its local youth development office, and LGBTQIA+ Bangar chapter as part of the Pride Month celebration.
Anchored on the theme “One Sindayag (Pride), United by Heart: Embracing our Differences, Celebrating our Strength,” the pride parade is a celebration that aims to honor the LGBTQIA+ community in the town by creating a space where they can gather and uplift one another.
The activity also envisions to strengthen a sense of belonging and solidarity among members of the LGBTQIA+ group.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-La Union, Jayson Maqui, the local youth development officer of the municipality, emphasized the importance of providing a space where individuals can freely express themselves and foster camaraderie within their hometown.
He said such initiatives not only strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community but also contribute to creating an environment where individuals feel accepted for their identities.
“It’s really hard to see that when you are in a town that’s telling you that you can’t be who you are. But, we are proud to inform you that our town Bangar is good at doing that,” Maqui said.
Maqui also reiterated that the LGU assures to give the LGBTQIA+ population in the municipality a chance to know that residents care about them.
One of the event’s highlights was the costume competition where contestants wore their pride costumes as they walked through the streets to encourage individuality and freedom of expression.
Among the 11 contenders, the top five winners were Melai Prepose who won P3,000 cash prize; Janz Banao with P2,000; Irish Vera Olpindo with P1,500; Yanna Visaya with P1,000.
Meanwhile, the LGBTQIA+ Bangar newly-elected chapter president Jane Barnachea, praised the local government for organizing an event that features what makes the community outstanding.
“Pride is the only day of the year wherein our brothers and sisters can come out and be themselves and, more importantly, be seen the way they want to be seen. Salute to LGU Bangar,” Barnachea said. (MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
