My first Pride

The Pride Festival in Quezon City in 2023 took place at the Quezon City circle in collaboration with the QC city government. Last year 25,000 people showed up whereas this year they expected 50,000 or double the amount. And from what we saw it felt that way!

It would be my first Pride, which I wish wasn’t the case. When I’d see Pride events in Marikina organized by Metro Manila Pride, either it was too far and it was raining, or I was just lazy. I kept thinking to myself, “I know that I support the community, so there’s no need to show up.” But I was wrong.

Showing up, even if it’s in the midst of 50,000 other people who will never know who you are, still means just as much to the LGBTQIA+ community as it should to ourselves. By including ourselves, we add another individual to the count, a few more pesos for some of the queer vendors, another smiling face, more awareness to our immediate circles, and another individual (ourselves) who is reminded that we are always part of a grander whole. As allies, we are also part of the community. The community also reminds us at Pride that, “Pride is a protest. There are no rainbows on a dead planet.”

Cis-gender (a word Elon Musk attempts to ban on Twitter)

I was born and raised Catholic, but I am also born and raised a “man.” My beliefs about who I am, and why I married my wife for example, are aligned with what society believes I should be. I don’t wear short skirts, and I maintain a deep, monotone voice. And I am praised and celebrated for it, whether if it was at our wedding, or when I post our selfies online. It is seen as the “norm”. Because of this, it isn’t something you can say I can be proud of, it is just the status quo. Though, there are men who come out to say they are proud Catholics or proud men or proud husbands of wives. And when they make such simple declarations in a Facebook comment or on Twitter, they are praised further and unquestioned. They are “cisgendered,” as am I.

If you are a “man”, but you somehow deviate or stray away from this definition of what is considered normal looks and behavior, you are not only questioned. Depending on how far you veer away from this “normal,” and where you are in the world, you can be killed because of it.

One day the world will be a safe space for all, until then, there is Pride

The point to Pride is not only celebration of inclusivity, but also a protest to the violence against the community. And a protest to the violence against the planet by the same patriarchal structures and systems that are in essence attacking “minorities” of multiple spectrums across gender, culture, Indigeneity, religion, place, and more.

Some of the safest places you can be are in LGBTQIA+ spaces. Whether it’s a bar, club, or a home, you are welcome. And now I’ve attended my first Pride.

There is no judgement at Pride, unless you’re there to judge. Just openness, unless you’re there with a closed mind. I try my best to be an ally despite the toxicity I’m still processing and shedding. But that’s one of the great things about Pride for me. To realize which faults are yours, which were branded onto you, and which of all of these we can love, learn from, and let go.

LGBTQIA+ organizations to support

• Pride PH
  Pride PH were the organizers of the Quezon City event this year. They post events and announcements, and those of their partners throughout the year. You can follow them on Facebook here.
• Metro Manila Pride
  Metro Manila Pride is the organization I was most familiar with, as they hosted Pride events in Marikina when we used to live nearby. This year they hosted their event in Makati which we had to miss because of the distance (and traffic, ’tis is the case in Metro Manila). Like Pride PH, they too post events and announcements so follow them on Facebook here.
• UP Baybaylan
  UP Baybaylan is the longest-existing LGBTQI organization in the Philippines, based in the University of the Philippines Diliman. They host events all year as well, as well as statements and educational posts on their social media. Follow them on Instagram here.
• Loveyourself.PH
  Loveyourself.PH offers free HIV testing, as sell as other services including mental health, sexual health, and trans health. Follow them on Instagram here.
• The Red Whistle
  The Red Whistle is a health and human rights volunteer organization that supports people living with HIV, people of diverse SOGIESC, and people with mental health lived experiences. It is also a partner for brands to show their support for these communities. See their website here.
• Bahaghari PH
  Bahaghari PH is a national alliance of LGBTQIA+ advocates, organizations, and formations in the Philippines. Follow their Instagram here.