Over the Rainbow is the theme of this year’s pride parade initiated by the Humanist Alliance Philippines International-Bacolod City Chapter, one of the main organizers of previous pride parades in the city.
Over the last two years, the global pandemic has taken its toll in keeping the LGBTQIA+ community from celebrating its annual festivities during the month of June.
As the community continues to thrive in fighting for equal rights and opportunities not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but also for the everyone, the Negros Pride 2022: Over the Rainbow, will also showcase inclusivity despite of our distinct individuality.
Bacolod City is one of the cities and provinces in the Philippines that has adopted the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance as early as 2013.
City Ordinance 640 “An Ordinance Prohibiting Discrimination in Bacolod City on the Basis of Disability, Age, Health Status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Ethnicity, and Religion, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof” (April 2013).
HAPI- Bacolod and partner organizations aims to call other cities and municipalities in Negros Island to adopt and replicate the anti-discrimination ordinance in hope that national government will finally approve SOGIE Equality Bill to seek to protection of each and every individual and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Humanist Alliance Philippines International has been an active organization standing and fighting for equality and human rights, particularly LGBTQIA+ rights. This year, more than ever, it is very vital that the message of equality is indeed needed to be conveyed.
The Over the Rainbow: Negros Pride 2022 is not just a commemoration or celebration of our presence and existence as LGBTQIA+ community, but also a call to continue fighting for our rights, to end hatred towards the LGBT community, and to allow acceptance and love to fill the hearts of Filipinos. The chapter will hold the Pride march within Bacolod City on June 26.
The Chapter aims the event to be a means to empower not just the LGBTQIA+ in Negros Island but also everyone who fights for equality; motivate the youth to be a voice for equal rights and educate everyone who may have/not participated in the importance of individual rights.
Alongside this event from Humanist Alliance Philippines International – Bacolod City Chapter are other Pride-related events which will be held in both Bacolod City and Dumaguete City this month.*
