Bahaghari, a network of LGBTQIA+ organizations, stressed the need to focus on Pride as a struggle, particularly since “for too long, LGBTQIA+ people have faced discrimination in universities, schools, workplaces, healthcare institutions, and government systems — until the extremities of the military forces who claimed many individuals in the community for so long while having several cases of injustices.”
”Habang patuloy ang padausdos na ekonomikong kondisyon ng bansa, hindi tatahimik ang mga LGBTQIA+, mula 1994 Stonewall Manila hanggang ngayong taong 2026, pareho ang nararanansan ng komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ at mamamayang Pilipino — diskriminasyon, korapsyon, kahirapan, at gutom,” lamented by national spokesperson, Yell Teresa.
Bahaghari emphasized the history of LGBTQIA+ struggle in the Philippines.
Acording to the organization, “the regressive taxation of the ordinary Filipino people, the 12% VAT on basic goods and utilities should have gone to better social services, but up until now the people are begging for a better healthcare system, education, wages, and livelihood. The very systematic practice of the government is corrupted, leading to the supposed public funds inside the very assets of many public figures.”
”Let’s take note mga mhie na ang buwis na mamamayang Pilipino, buwis ng bawat LGBTQIA+ ay napupunta sa korapsyon, pagpapalakas at pagpopondo ng giyerang agresyon at hindi sa pagpapaunlad ng batayang serbisyong panlipunan,” Teresa added.
The group also condemned imperialist forces and military bases in the Philippines, not only it is a threat to our dignity and lives, it is a threat to the country’s sovereignty, economy, and culture. US interference in the country is said to “reflect our reliance on monopolistic companies that fund various Pride events and celebrations to thwart the campaign of LGBTQIA+ workers, farmers, youth, and other marginalized sectors.”
“Naninindigan ang Bahaghari na ang Pride ay isang porma ng protesta, protesta laban sa burukrata kapitalismo, protesta laban sa diskriminasyon, protesta laban sa imperyalistang interbensyon! Hangga’t may bakla, lesbyana, trans na nakararanas ng gutom, digmaan, kahirapan, at diskriminasyon — ang Pride ay protesta,” Teresa ended.
