One HIV-centric non-government organization (NGO), The LoveYourself, Inc., helmed the first Pride-related event for the month of June 2024. More focused on using Pride to allow businesses to sell to the LGBTQIA community, the day-long event – erroneously dubbed as #PrideNight2024 – was an effort to “continuously seek out and cultivate new allies, fostering connections that strengthen our shared mission for equality and acceptance,” stated TLY’s head, Ronnievinn Garcia Pagtakhan, via a post-event Facebook post.
With major funding coming from “the generosity of the American people through PEPFAR and USAID via the EpiC project”, #PrideNight2024 was also supported by Robinsons Land, Robinsons Destination Estates, M·A·C Cosmetics, Thundr PH, Royal Aesthetics Philippines, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Protects, Champion Community Centers, AHF Philippines, Department of Health, PhillHealth, UNAIDS, World Health Organization, RLC Residences, Avon Philippines, Beyond Limits Events Production, Camber Pharmaceuticals by Hetero, Premiere Condoms, Heesay PH, Hotel Ava, LUBIE Multi-Purpose Lube, ChloRelief, URUS Wellness Hub, Jamila Aesthetics, and Victoria Court.
The event may be considered non-political in nature, and even commercial, with sponsors/businesses – and not LGBTQIA community representatives – given the platform to speak/present their products.
With the event, Pagtakhan said he wanted for three things to be advocated – i.e. scaling up of service delivery (particularly on sexual health services, mental health support, and transgender health care); celebration of drag culture; and to “thank all our partners, allies, and friends.”
“Let’s celebrate our progress, recognize the work ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to a future where every LGBTQIA+ individual is seen, heard, and valued,” Pagtakhan stated.
Not helmed by the LGBTQIA community as a whole, #PrideNight2024 may be seen to signify the continuing decentralization of Pride celebration in the Philippines, gearing towards being akin to Western celebrations that highlight commercialization instead of being political in nature.
