IMUS CITY (PIA) โ Hundreds of Imuseรฑos and residents from neighboring communities marked Pride Month with a day-long festivities on Saturday, June 17.
Carrying the theme โEmbracing Differences, Celebrating Diversity,โ the celebration highlighted the contribution and efforts of the LGBTQIA+ groups in eradicating physical, mental, and emotional dilemmas of queer people, especially the younger generation.
Organized by the City of Imus Youth Affairs Office, the event was one of the grandest pride celebrations in the province with activities commencing with the Pride Parade, Pride Fair, Pride Convo, and SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) night that featured great performances from talented members of the LGBTQIA+ Community.
In support of the celebration, the City Health Office conducted free HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) screening that aimed to promote HIV awareness among the people, educate and protect them, and help decrease the number of HIV cases in the city.
Miss Trans Global 2020, Miss Mela Habijan joined the parade to bring inspiration to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
She spoke on how people can tolerate and embrace differences, and celebrate individuality, and encouraged them to support the passing of the SOGIE Bill that would benefit every Filipino.
Comedy, dance, and band performances were showcased during the Sogie Night and saw local drag queens performed spectacular numbers.
In line with its goal to be an LGBTQIA+ friendly city, the City of Imus and other stakeholders are committed to implementing programs, projects, and activities to promote gender development and safe spaces for all where their identities are celebrated, their stories are respected and their rights are recognized. (RBF, PIA CAVITE)