Despite the rainy weather:The march goes on

IT WAS a cloudy morning when the crowd began to gather at the Marikina Sports Center on Saturday, June 29. The line of attendees coming in stretched around the entire perimeter of the venue from the main gate. Unlike the weather, guests were dressed in eye-catching bright outfits — the colors of the rainbow.

Despite the periodic heavy rain and even heavier traffic, members of the LGBTQI+ community, straight allies, and participating organizations gathered at the 2019 Metro Manila Pride march for love and equality, for friends and family, and for those who can’t march.

According to the event’s Pride Guide brochure, this year’s theme “#ResistTogether” means that Pride is rooted in protest and “not merely a celebration of our community — it is a protest against the status quo.”

Organizers later said that the event attracted some 70,000 participants, a considerable increase from past year’s figure of 25,000.

During the solidarity speeches, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino R. Teodoro stressed that everyone is welcome and respected in the city.

“Welcome to Marikina City. This is our home where each individual is respected and valued as a person. [In here], there is no room for violence nor discrimination,” Mr. Teodoro said. “It is destiny today that we are all gathered here with one plight: that our voices be heard for equal inclusive human rights.”

In support of the community, Mr. Teodoro signed the Marikina Anti-Discrimination Ordinance protecting the LGBTQI+ community against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)-based discrimination. The implementation of the ordinance gives equal opportunities in employment, education, and government services to everyone.

“Let us continue the fight not only for today. Carry on this fight and never waver… Do not be afraid in sharing your stories. Be visible, be out, and be proud,” Mr. Teodoro said.

Later that day, the crowd cheered “Happy Pride!” as the march pushed through — later than scheduled — at 5:30 p.m. from the sports center’s main gate to Sumulong Highway and ending at Toyota Ave.

In the evening, the celebration continued with performances by artists including Ja Quintana, Juan Miguel Severo, and DJ sets by Katie Kace of EuroPride Vienna 2019 and Deej Diaz. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman