SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The city government here brought together members of the LGBTQIA++ community as well as the youth to showcase the diverse expressions of pride in an advocacy run during the Pride Month celebration.
The 2.3-kilometer run was participated in by 839 individuals composed of students from various schools and barangays in the province.
In his message, City Councilor Mark Anthony Ducusin said the event is an opportunity for all to unite with the community’s fight for acceptance and equality.
“This campaign recognizes the visibility of our members of the LGBTQIA++ community and it is a good sign because we include our allies and the youth to champion equality and inclusivity,” said Ducusin.
Through the advocacy run, the community also got to discover perspectives and identities that have historically been underrepresented.
“Our youth, since they are the largest participants of this event, will bring home the value of acceptance and wide understanding on gender spectrum, that despite the colors of who we are, we are one,” said Ducusin.
In a speech addressed to the crowd, Marco Pocholo Caba, a member of LGBTQIA++ community in La Union, encouraged the youth to support LGBTQIA++ organization and commit to uplifting one another whenever possible.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is now the right time to wear your hearts on sleeves and wearing their messages on their backs. It’s now time to represent and keep going as we make some progress and we’re moving forward,” Caba said.
June is observed as Pride Month in the Philippines and elsewhere in the province to promote and protect the rights of members of the LGBTQIA++ community. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
