Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members and advocates in the City of San Fernando march through the downtown streets on Friday afternoon to reiterate their call for openness and equality.
Dubbed ‘LGBT Walk of Pride,’ the participants wore shirts representing the rainbow colors of the LGBT movement and carried torches that symbolize hope and acceptance.
A short program also took part in front of the City Hall through the initiative of the Gender and Development and SIWALA organization.
The City Health Office gave tips on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and stressed the importance of voluntary HIV screening and testing in reducing the infection rate in the country.
This was followed by the ceremonial signing of Pledge of Support led by Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago, GAD Focal Person Amalia Catacutan and this year’s winners of Miss Gay Fernandino Festival Queen competition.
In her speech, GAD Focal Person Amalia Catacutan expressed her gratitude to the Fernandinos and delegates from other towns for actively joining their move to Gender equality.
“Natutuwa ako na marami ang nakiisa sa ating programa. Umaasa ako na sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong aktibidad ay patuloy na nating makakamit ang pantay-pantay na pagtingin sa bawat kasarian,” she added.
For his part, Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago said the main objective of the celebration of LGBT June Pride Month is to empower and uplift the image of those who belong in the third sex and further reduce stigma and discrimination among them.
“It is in this way that the local government shows its appreciation to the contributions of the LGBT community to the society. Let’s stand together for their rights.” he added.