LGBT group ‘breaks silence’ with fashion show cum rally

MANILA, Philippines–Members of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group yesterday showed their true colors in a fashion show cum political rally that made the Bonifacio Shrine beside the Manila City Hall their catwalk.

The LGBT group Kapederasyon, supported by the militant group Bayan, staged “Rampaglilitis” (a combination of the Filipino words “rampa,” which translates to walking and strutting one’s stuff, and “paglilitis,” or trial), which had eight models-cum-protesters parading in their colorful costumes onstage while holding placards that bore their grievances against the government.

The issues the group raised revolve around discrimination, hate crimes, HIV and healthcare, education budget cuts, jobs and wages, soaring prices of basic goods, the Disbursement Acceleration Program and the pork barrel.

“We are now breaking our silence as President Aquino remains silent and is doing nothing to improve the lives of our fellow LGBTs nationwide,” said Edward Peralta, Kapederasyon spokesman.

“We are further coming ‘out’ to hold Aquino accountable to the various issues hounding his presidency,” he said.

Representing discrimination, a female model wore an all-black long-sleeve shirt and slacks ensemble and a bow tie. Her shirt was littered with discriminatory insults hurled at women, perceived as the weaker sex. A man holding a large syringe and wearing white shirts and pants littered with red ribbons was made to represent HIV and healthcare.–Nathaniel R. Melican