By Iloilo City, June 30, 2024 – As Pride Month concludes, allies, activists, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Iloilo City united to denounce discrimination and champion equality. Through various activities and initiatives in different communities across the city, Ilonggos joined together to oppose prevailing discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider masses.
Local organizations such as the Iloilo Pride Team together with Gabriela Panay and Guimaras took the lead in organizing community orientations on SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression). These sessions underscored the pivotal role of grassroots efforts in dismantling discriminatory societal norms.
According to Gabriela Panay and Guimaras, amidst challenges posed by imperialism that benefit the macho feudal system, Pride celebrations nationwide reflect community unity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Highlighting these sentiments, June 22 witnessed a vibrant display of unity during the Iloilo Pride Pyesta March 2024. Hundreds of allies, activists, and LGBTQIA+ community members marched together, amplifying the calls to end discrimination and pass the SOGIE Bill. During this event, they amplified national calls for living wages, increased education budgets, land distribution for farmers, and the elimination of foreign control and influence in the country.
According to Gabriela Panay and Guimaras, as long as the country continues to favor foreign control, systematic discrimination and mistreatment against women, youth, and LGBTQIA+ community members will persist./PT
