The city of Marikina is slated to host its first-ever Pride march on December 4, to be kicked off by a parade from 2:00PM at Cirma Street (between Save More and Marikina City Health Office).
The gathering, facilitated by Marikina-based LGBT organization lgbtBUS, is said to be a “biyaheng pagkapantay-pantay (trip to equality).” Metropolitan Community Church of Marikina is a partner in organizing this gathering. The Marikina City Health Office and the city government also helped make this happen.
“Pride is an opportunity for all the marginalized sectors of society to express themselves (about their) needs, rights and very existence. As we all know, the LGBT community is also a marginalized part of society in need of equal protection and rights. The Pride (gathering) gives us that opportunity to relay the message that we exist, and that men are created equal thus deserve equal opportunity,” said Regie Pasion, president of lgbtBUS.
Meanwhile, according to Jason Maglacas Masaganda, pastoral leader of MCC of Marikina, holding Pride is important in raising awareness that LGBT people has equal rights as anyone. “It is a platform to educate our own community about our rights and those whom we love,” he said. “For some LGBT people of faith, it is an act of justice.”
Events for the Marikina Pride gathering include, first, the parade; a program with performances by homegrown talents; and competitions (e.g. dressing up bikes, commonly seen in Marikina that eyes to be a green city).
For more information on the first Pride of Marikina City, call +63 905 208 7506.
