MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The streets of Quezon City are buzzing with excitement and anticipation as the annual Love Laban 2 Everyone Pride Festival approaches. Proudly presented by Pride PH in partnership with the Quezon City Government, this year’s festival is more than just a celebration — it’s a call to action for equality and inclusivity. That was highlighted during their press conference recently by the city government of Quezon and Pride Ph.
With a theme focused on fighting for everyone’s equal rights to live and love, regardless of their SOGIESC, the Love Laban 2 Everyone Pride Festival aims to create a supportive environment where all voices are heard and respected. Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City has been standing alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, declaring the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The festival features three major activities: the Pride Expo, the Pride March, and the Pride Night. With each element designed to celebrate the community’s diversity and vibrancy, attendees can expect an immersive and empowering experience on June 22 at Quezon Memorial Circle and Matalino-Kalayaan Street.
However, the message of the festival goes beyond just celebration. The urgent need for a national law to protect persons of diverse SOGIESC is emphasized throughout the event, with the call for equality and passage of the #SOGIEEqualityBill being a key focus. Vince Liban, along with Angel Romero and Rod Singh, the PRIDE PH’s National Conveners, stresses the importance of this legislation in ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals and the freedom to love and dream.
Rep. Geraldine Roman together with Mr. Vince Liban, National Convener, PANTAY; Ms. Reyna Valmores, Chairperson, Bahaghari PH; Asec. Loui Dumagat, Asst. Secretary-General, LGBT Pilipinas; Mx. Jap Ignacio, Secretary-General, LAGABLAB; Ms. Angel Romero, National Convener, Pride PH unite under The Equality Alliance, dubbed the biggest network of organizations supporting the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill. They signed a “love letter” to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to urge him to “make equality your legacy.” Photo courtesy of LAGABLAB Network
Meanwhile, the advocacy for the #SOGIEEqualityBill extends beyond Quezon City. Two hundred organizations from various sectors nationwide have joined forces to urge President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to certify the bill as urgent. Last week, on June 14, the Equality Alliance was formed and signed with the goal of protecting LGBTIQ+ individuals from discrimination and harassment, in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
The show of force from organizations like Pride PH, PANTAY, Mujer LGBT+, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and many others exemplifies the strong desire for equality and acceptance in the Philippines. As audiences eagerly await the upcoming Pride Marches nationwide, the plea to President Marcos is clear: “Make equality your legacy.” With the passage of the #SOGIEEqualityBill, the Philippines has the opportunity to lead in promoting human rights and inclusivity on a global scale.
As the Love Laban 2 Everyone Pride Festival prepares to kick off, the city government is ready to showcase its programs and services that support diversity and inclusion. From QCID registration to Right To Care Card Registration, the festival serves as a platform for unity, education, and, most importantly, love. This year, the call for equality is louder than ever before as individuals and organizations come together to make a stand for what is right — equality and love for all.
