Zamboanga City (PIA) – The City Government of Zamboanga, alongside various organizations, is making significant steps in an ongoing effort to advocate and advance the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Mujer LGBT Organization, established in 2015 with a focus on HIV-AIDS and human rights advocacy, expresses gratitude for the city’s approval of the anti-discrimination ordinance. This landmark legislation is the result of collaborative efforts from numerous groups.
Pride Month serves as a vital celebration to recognize and promote the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. As part of these celebrations, the city hosted the Pride March and Pride Talks, a forum for the LGBTQIA+ Community on June 29, 2024. The event was organized by the Gender and Development Services of the City Mayor’s Office in coordination with the Sangguniang Kabataan Zamboanga City Federation, led by SK National President and Youth Commissioner Hon. CJ Dalipe.
The City Government of Zamboanga, through the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe, ensures that no one is left behind and access to basic services is accorded equally and equitably for all Zamboangueños, “by celebrating Pride, we affirm the inherent dignity of all people and our collective stand in solidarity against hatred and discrimination,” said Wilfredo Aporongao, Zamboanga City GAD Focal Person.
Atty. Mimih Santos Abasalo, legal counsel of Mujer LGBT, emphasized the importance of continuous advocacy, stating, “it is an everyday campaign to open the minds and hearts of the people that we coexist and live together and we are not less than other sexualities. We are not stopping until we reach that goal.” Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly for transgender individuals and in areas like employment opportunities.
As Pride Month concludes, Mayor John Dalipe calls for action during the Marcha de Orgullo 2024 on June 27, that the event is not only a day of celebratio. “We must continue to fight against discrimination and prejudice. Each one of us has a role to play in creating a society where everyone is respected and valued. Let us pledge to be allies, to support one another, and to speak out against injustice,” said Mayor Dalipe. (MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
