LGBTQ+ Members, Allies Spill Onto MNL Streets in Largest Pride March in SEA

Just before Pride Month 2023 comes to an end, the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community raised their flags and pickets in Metro Manila to advocate equality and human rights in various events held in the city, including the “LoveLaban: Pride PH Festival 2023” in Quezon City and “Metro Manila Pride” in Makati City.

The former saw a crowd of around 110,000 on June 24 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, making it the “biggest Pride event in Southeast Asia,” according to organizers. It featured three segments: Pride Expo, Pride March, and Pride Night.

The march kicked off at the Quezon Memorial Circle North Ave. Exit, passed through East Ave., V. Luna Road, Kalayaan Ave., before heading to the main stage at the heart of the venue.

Numerous guests and performers also graced the event, including social media influencer Sassa Gurl, drag queen Precious Paula Nicole, singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, and actress and beauty queen Megan Young.

Meanwhile, the “Metro Manila Pride,” held at the Circuit Event Grounds in Makati, stunned its attendees with performances from indie singer Syd Hartha, drag queen Lady Morgana, DJ Ayel Mari, and many more.

MMPride organized the event under the theme “Tayo ang Kulayaan,” a wordplay on “kulay” (colors) and “kalayaan” (freedom). Before the June 24 march and festival, the organization also conducted warm-up offline and online events such as the “Pride Speaks Hangout” on June 18 and “Community Meeting 4” on June 11.

The organization, in collaboration with dating app Bumble, also held a virtual event titled “#SEATED” to talk about creating a safer and kinder online space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Among the issues raised in these events are the delayed passage of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality (SOGIE) Bill, inclusivity, and trans rights.