CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A colorful parade of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) ala the San Francisco Gay Pride parade in California, USA will highlight the LGBT June Pride Month here on June 16.
Now for the first time, the city government is celebrating June as LGBT month in an effort “to promote gender equality and social inclusiveness.”
A statement from city hall said this was realized through the initiative of the city’s Gender and Development and Siwala, citywide LGBT organization headed by Randy Ocampo.
During a press conference on Monday, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago said the celebration will give the members of the LGBT community the chance to reiterate their call for openness and acceptance while showcasing their talents as well.
“We want to develop a community that values respect for all. Each member of the society, regardless of gender, has his or her own skills and unique talents which greatly contribute to the city’s prosperity,” Santiago said.
The activities lined up for this month include an on-thespot poster making, poetry writing and photography contest to be held on June 9. All entries for the said competition will then be exhibited at SM City Downtown from June 15 to June 29.
On Father’s Day on June 18, the city will hold a tribute program dubbed “Handog ng LGBT sa mga Fernandino: Libreng Pagpapapogi at Film showing para sa mga Kalalakihan.”
A forum on Discrimination Amongst LGBT in the workplace will also be conducted on June 23.
To culminate the celebration, there will be a cultural night highlighting the LGBT Model of Excellence Award which will be followed by a theater play on June 29.
