QC mayor Joy Belmonte answering questions at the Love Laban at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
Quezon City, known for its impressive track record on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is once again hosting the Pride Festival.
“Our beloved city stands loud and proud alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, proclaiming our commitment to creating a supportive environment where everyone can live freely and authentically. Quezon City proudly celebrates diversity and ensures that all voices are heard and respected,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
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The #LoveLaban2Everyone festival for this year is fighting for everyone’s equal rights to live and love, regardless of their SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics).
“This year, we fight not just for ourselves but for our community and for love. Love Laban 2 Everyone is organized by the community for the community. This fight is a thankless job as we are all volunteers. We all do it for love,” says Angel Romero, a National Convener.
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The Love Laban 2 Everyone Pride Festival will feature three major activities: the Pride Expo in Quezon Memorial Circle and Food and Art Market along Matalino Street; the Pride March; and the Pride Night. Each element is designed to celebrate the community’s diversity and vibrancy.
Press conference on the upcoming 3rd Pride festival on Saturday.
A key message of the festival is the urgent need for a national law to protect persons of diverse SOGIESC. The call for equality and the passage of the #SOGIEEqualityBill will be emphasized throughout the event, highlighting the growing strength and determination of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Vince Liban, another National Convener, underscores this: “Our call for equality is not just a call; it’s a declaration of our right to live and love without fear and with full dignity. The time for the #SOGIEEqualityBill is now.”
Belmonte with the member organizations of Love Laban participants.
The festival provides a platform for the LGBTQIA+ community to aspire and dream of a more inclusive Philippines.
Rod Singh, Show Director and National Convener, captures the spirit of the festival: “How we fight is we dream. We are all dreamers. Each dream is a fight against marginalization and discrimination. It is not passive, they are battles we wage in our hearts fiercely and with love. Love Laban 2 Everyone is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a community that dares to dream.”
Meanwhile, the city government will also have booths for its programs and services such as QCID registration, HIV testing, Right to Care card registration, and Kilo/s Kyusi shop.