By Gabriela Baron
A record-setting 110,752 LGBTQIA+ members and allies took part in the Pride Festival held in Quezon Memorial Circle on Saturday, June 24.
Dubbed as the biggest Pride March in Southeast Asia, the day-long festival was four times bigger than last year’s 25,000 participants, Pride PH led the event together with the Quezon City Government.
“Ipinakita natin ang ating suporta sa sigaw na wakasan ang iba’t ibang uri ng abuso at diskriminasyon,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
“At higit sa lahat, binibigyang-diin natin ang kahalagahan ng pagkakapantay-pantay at pagsisiguro sa kaligtasan ng bawat isa, anuman ang kasarian,” Belmonte added.
During the festivals, the local government also offered free HIV testing, mental health consultations, and medical check-ups.
The Quezon City Government also launched on Saturday the Right to Care Card that gives power to queer couples to make healthcare decisions for their partners.
The card operates under a special power attorney and will be first valid in the city government’s three hospitals.
READ MORE: Quezon City launches ‘care card’ for LGBTQIA+ couples
