On December 9, 2017 at 3PM, Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) through the representation of its Metro Manila Chapter and Secular Humanist Advocacy Development and Education (SHADE) led by Executive Secretary Jamie Del Rosario Martinez, joined the QC LGBT Pride March and other organizations in marching the streets of South Triangle District. It was an absolute show of force by the city known to employ thousands of LGBTs in its entertainment, restaurant, and hospitality industries.
When local governments support the rights and welfare of LGBTs, what you get is a colorful and proud culture that is reminiscent of Alice’s Wonderland.
Quezon City is home to HAPI’s two official LGBT partner organizations — MRRD-NECC LGBT Pilipinas and Side B Philippines. It also used to be the location of HAPI’s headquarters.
The city council’s passing of the Gender-Fair Ordinance in 2014 has been touted as a pioneer legislation in Metro Manila and in the whole country. The measure prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE); and protects LGBT rights in the workplace, in schools, in accommodation, and in accessing basic services. It also takes off from Mayor Herbert Bautista’s executive order in 2013, creating the QC LGBT Pride Council to integrate the LGBT community in local government programs.
Research conducted by the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch says that 95 out of 141 documented cases of hate crimes from 1996 to 2011 involved gay men, 26 involved transgendered people, 16 involved lesbians, and 4 involved bisexuals. These are figures which the said city ordinance has hoped to reduce since its signing and implementation.
Known for being artistic and having a keen eye for beauty, QC LGBT participants capped off the day with a fashion show like no other. Amateur and professional LGBT models alike walked the runway for about three hours to showcase exquisite dresses, casual outfits and eco-friendly undergarments by local couturiers.
This year’s QC LGBT Pride March and Fashion Show were hosted by Trippers Philippines and produced by the QC Pride Council with an expected turnout of 10,000 participants and guests.
HAPI, through its LGBTQ+ & Straight Alliance arm, is a staunch supporter of every local government that has promoted and will promote LGBT rights and welfare in the future. The HAPI desire for equality and non-discrimination does not cease to burn.
Article Author
HAPI Metro Manila Member
Web Content Editor
National Events Officer-in-Charge
Coordinator for Foundation Beyond Belief
He’s currently in between careers, so he busies himself with anything that works for the good of humanity. Other than being a humanist, he is a realist, an art aficionado, a frugal foodie and a weary wanderer.
