A rainbow marathon was held for the first time in Roxas City, with the event not only focusing on promoting health among those who participated, but also to put a spotlight on the need to draft Roxas City’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance that would protect the rights of members of the LGBT community.
The run – which had four categories: 42k, 21k, 10k and 3k – was a joint collaboration of the Bahaghari National LGBT Organization and the Roxas City local government. It was also supported by some of the city’s barangays.
According to lead organizer Maria Aguirre-Renker, this may be considered as one step “in increasing the awareness of the people of Roxas City on the need to recognize LGBT rights.” The idea, she added, is to continue doing the LGBT advocacy “while staying fit and healthy doing so.”
The event actually also aimed to support he continued fight against mining in the region, with many members of minority groups – such as indigenous people – affected by it; and so another minority sector, via the LGBT community, may help bring attention to this issue.
