I dread the commercialization of holidays, and June as Pride Month is no exception. Just like them, I feel it should be celebrated everyday. It should be celebrated, but not forget the reason why it is being done. There have been countless lives that have fought for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ sector, and that still is being done to this day. With the non passage of the SOGIE Equality bill alone in the Philippines, there has been progress, but still, a long way to go.
Verde Creatives thought of bringing organizations together to start putting a face on the LGBTQIA+ cause. It's high time to get people see their valiant efforts and set an example on why they now need to be seen. After 25 years of having the SOGIE Bill in the congress and senate, it still hasn't been passed. What's funny is that their call is only for EQUALITY. The same right that every Juan and Juana enjoys, and even compromised on a lot of the sections of the bill. Seeing it be discussed every year is tiring, and these individuals are now presenting themselves, simply to note that there are real people behind the cause.
Ms. Bemz of Verde Creatives says "We are being left behind and we have a long path ahead. In this photo campaign, we have several of our peers and allies including Senator Loren Legarda, Representative Geraldine Roman, Lenlen Alonte, Kababaihan Partylist Kate Coseteng and more. This includes various LGBT associations to join us in this campaign. We are putting these brave faces to make sure we involve ourselves in a very worthy cause."
Vashti of the Society of Trans Women in the Philippines (STRAP) says "I'm excited for this campaign as it showcases our experience, including Ms. Bemz and Verde Creatives, to support bills in congress so we can claim our rights. It should not stop our cause, including the SOGIE bill."
Ang Ladlad Partylist lead Dexter Macaldo adds "Equality champions in images brings stories of strength, of who you are, showing your beauty and individuality. This is to strengthen the LGBT voice, to bring change. This collaboration hopes to inspire others to also show their truth, in a more accepting society. Thank you Verde Creatives and other organizations for being here."
Ms. Maria Barbie Arcache of 1LGBT Pilipinas says "I would like to congratulate this event, it's something really amazing. I've known you for decades and in my life, I didn't think it's just pageants, but there's more to that. You can share that beauty in your heart, in 2 and a half decades, I've done pageants and now that I'm retired, I still want to share that advocacy. We cannot be stagnant, we need to fill that space and find your purpose in this world. We are here to move and shake the world, in the aspects of human rights. It's about time we show our faces. I am proud to be part of this campaign, we are all proud to be human and masterpieces of God."
Here's the press conference on video:
Here's a showcase of the photos they unveiled that evening:
This is just the start of even more things they plan to do to push for the great causes they want to support. They'll be front, center, and putting their own faces to fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ folks, to make sure there will be no stopping til equality happens, and their rights be given.
This event was held at the Dark Roast Coffeehouse in Maginhawa. A great ally for the cause.
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