Antipolo hosted its annual LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration, which – starting this year – was also the first to be branded as Rizal Pride as the entire province has joined the event. Despite the province-wide growth, however, the call from the local LGBTQIA+ community remained the same – i.e. that an anti-discrimination ordinance be passed to protect the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people in Antipolo, and yes, Rizal Province.
“Pride is an opportunity to (show to) everyone out there that we are part of society,” said Shane R. Parreno, co-founder of Transpinay of Antipolo Organization, the pioneering trans organization in Antipolo City.
And this year’s gathering is an opportunity to highlight that “it is high time that we have an ordinance that will protect the human rights and welfare of LGBTQIA+ people in Antipolo,” Parreno added.
Antipolo, in particular, still does not have an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO), said Kristine T. Ibardolaza, kagawad at Barangay Mayamot, but “we have a non-discrimination policy in the workplace.” Perhaps “this can be amended so it can be made particular to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The push for an ADO, added Ibardolaza in the vernacular, is also challenging due to the various issues even within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the lack of unity.
“Help us. It’s not possible for us to do this on our own. This should be a collaborative effort. Let’s stand together and show our colorful selves. If we work together, we will be heard… not just in the local places but all over the Philippines.” – WITH ARTHUR A. NWABIA
