In an effort to promote gender equality and social inclusiveness, the City Government of San Fernando kicked off on Monday, June 5, its very first celebration of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) June Pride Month.
This was realized through the initiative of the City’s Gender and Development and SIWALA—a citywide LGBT organization, headed by Randy Ocampo, which was formed last year.
Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago expresses his support to the LGBT community during a press conference held Monday in line with the celebration of LGBT June Pride Month in the city of San Fernando.
During a press conference, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago said the celebration will give the members of LGBT the chance to reiterate their call for openness and acceptance while showcasing their talents as well.
“We want to develop a community that values respect for all. Each member of the society, regardless of gender, has his or her own skills and unique talents which greatly contribute to the city’s prosperity,” Santiago added.
The activities lined up for this month include an on-the-spot poster making, poetry writing and photography contest to be held on June 9. All entries for the said competition will then be exhibited at the SM Downtown from June 15 to June 29.
Everyone is encouraged to converge for the LGBT Walk of Pride on June 16.
On Father’s day, the city will hold a tribute program dubbed “Handog ng LGBT sa mga Fernandino: Libreng Pagpapapogi at Film showing para sa mga Kalalakihan.”
A forum on Discrimination Amongst LGBT in the workplace will also be conducted on June 23.
To culminate the celebration, there will be a cultural night highlighting the LGBT Model of Excellence Award which will be followed by a theater play on June 29.