TABACO CITY, PROVINCE OF ALBAY – The local government unit (LGU) of Tabaco City had the street in front of the Legislative Building, which is also the office of the Vice Mayor of the city, painted with the colors of the rainbow.
This is to celebrate Pride this June, though also to honor the contributions to the city of its LGBTQIA+ constituents.
Local LGBTQIA+ community member Kent said in the vernacular that this is important to show to people that “we’re not ‘just’ gay, but we’re also important and we deserve to be valued by everyone.”
As FYI: Tabaco City still has no local anti-discrimination policy, although, fortunately, it is covered by Albay Province’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, enacted as Provincial Ordinance No. 0065-2021. This prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression; meaning, the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people are protected here.
This is important because of the need of LGBTQIA+ people here to be always seen, and included. For instance, when Mayon Volcano erupts, Tabaco – which has a population of approximately 200,000 – is among the LGUs often affected.
In the service delivery, it was reported to Outrage Magazine that LGBTQIA+ people get excluded solely because of who they are and who they love.
“It is quite difficult managing discrimination,” added local LGBTQIA+ community member Jomar in the vernacular. The LGU should “prioritize the legal protection of LGBTQIA+ personas.”
The demand for equality is, therefore, necessary. Although for now, in Tabaco City, the support is anchored in the superficial public display of Pride. – WITH ALBERT T. MAGALLANES, JR. and AARON MOISES C. BONETE
