Hotel Rembrandt, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
December 8, 2018
(Alvin Kasiban / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI) once again graced the annual celebration of rainbow colors in the city of Quezon City. Campaigning for HIV/AIDS prevention and human rights, Quezon City traditionally holds this event in the Tomas Morato area.
The march, consisting of hundreds of supporters from LGBTQ+ groups, civil society organizations, the private sector, and barangay representatives, is timed alongside World AIDS Day (December 1) and the International Human Rights Day (December 10).
(Photo by Dee Bulaclac)
“We are happy and excited to stage a pride march here in Quezon City because we have always prided ourselves as an LGBT-friendly city. This is a city that has passed an ordinance recognizing LGBT rights. This is a city that has programs in place to make sure that members of the LGBT community receive the same respect and services as everybody else,” Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
“There is no better way to celebrate the advances we’ve made – and to remind ourselves of the steps we still have to take to advance LGBT rights – than through this pride march,” she added.
(Photo by Kates Ante)
(Photo by Kates Ante)
Coincidentally, HAPI is also celebrating its 5th year of presence actively spreading secular humanism in the country this December 2018.
(Photo by Kates Ante)
About the Author
An NGO practitioner for almost two decades, Dweng Bulaclac is a humanist and equal rights advocate who wants to promote critical thinking skills through education, civilized discussions and having a resolute voice in the darkness.
