Over the Rainbow: Negros Occidental Pride!

By Eldemar R. Sabete
HAPI-Bacolod Member | HAPI Scholar

After the rain, look for the rainbow

Amidst a tumultuous past two years in Negros Occidental, HAPI-Bacolod’s partnership with local LGBT, feminist, and ally organizations has arrived to break the sadness and devastation brought by the pandemic, Typhoon Odette, and the 2022 election results by holding the Negros Pride Celebration last June 26, 2022.

The event, deemed “Over the Rainbow: Negros Pride 2022,” is more than just a celebration. Pride is about learning the history of LGBTQ+ liberation – starting from the initial struggles of our community to the continued fight for global acceptance. Pride encompasses our empowerment, the development of our identity as  humans, and the creation of more inclusive and safe spaces to spread love over hatred.

The day of the event started at Bacolod Public Plaza as HAPI-Bacolod members and volunteers prepared and decorated the stage. (The initially sunny weather suddenly turned downcast, threatening to rain on the celebrations.) Formally, the program began at the Capitol Lagoon with the energetic dance moves of K-Pop stans followed by our greetings and acknowledgment to everyone who attended the event. An estimated 500+ Negrosanons were present, excited, and joyful on the day of the march. With their placards featuring statements of support for the movement, they visibly couldn’t wait for the parade towards the Bacolod Public Plaza to kick off. Before the parade began, people were taught some chants to repeat whilst on the move. The rain finally poured the moment the parade kicked off but the attendees stayed anyway and the march persisted.

The march moved down to Lacson Street, Rizal Street, and finally onto Bacolod Public Plaza where a showcase of talents from different groups and individuals hyped up the crowds who were gloriously wet from the rain. This part of the program started with an opening dance performance, followed by an acknowledgment of every organization and sponsor courtesy of the host, and opening remarks by Project Head, Junius Dale Capus.

The program continued with a song performance by local singers and a speech by Hon. Celia Flor, Councilor of the City of Bacolod who expressed her support for the event and the crowd’s enthusiasm. Gaynon and PolyClass then offered an energetic dance to entertain the crowd before Hon. Risa Hontiveros, Senate President of the Philippines, gave her message of support.

To end the program in the plaza, local singers performed the empowering “This Is Me” from the movie “The Greatest Showman,” after which everyone in the crowd was invited to Tippy’s Bistro for the after-party.

The after-party left everyone in awe as it featured performances by Bacolod Drag Queens, spoken word poetry, and song numbers from local artists and activists. After singing “Kaleidoscope World” by Francis Magalona, everyone indulged in hugs to show their friends and loved ones that they matter.

Pride really is not just a one-day celebration; everyday is pride day and everyone has got it. Negros Pride 2022 was a small victory for each and everyone to celebrate. HAPI-Bacolod would like to thank everyone who supported the cause. Additionally, we are hopeful that this isn’t the end of the rainbow but rather a step towards a stronger community for the passage of the SOGIE Bill. We ask for your continuous support as Negros Pride Network 2022 seeks to convene the Negros Pride Council. Through the latter initiative, we aim to collaborate on the City of Bacolod’s Gender and Development Policy and Empowerment Goals that will promote and protect the rights of every member of the LGBTQ+ community.