Imus City celebrates Pride Month, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the historic Plaza Imus in Barangay Poblacion.
Photo by DENNIS ABRINA
Imus celebrates Pride Month
IMUS CITY, Cavite. – In commemoration of Pride Month this June, the City of Imus-Youth Affairs Office spearheaded its 4th City of Imus Pride 2023 on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the historic Imus City Plaza in Barangay Poblacion here.
A daylong celebration of pride, freedom, and diversity, not just only for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community but for everyone.
Imus Pride is also one of the grandest pride celebrations in the Cavite. The theme for this year’s Imus Pride event is “Embracing Differences, Celebrating Diversity” which is inspired by the collective effort of the LGBTQIA+ community to stand as one against gender inequality, discrimination, and violence. Furthermore, it highlights the contribution and effort of the LGBTQIA+ groups in eradicating physical, mental, and emotional dilemmas of queer people, especially the younger generation.
The event is composed of activities namely, the Pride Parade, Pride Fair, Pride Convo, and the most anticipated SOGIE Night which showcases the talent of members of the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Over hundreds of Imusenos and people from neighboring areas participated during the parade including Non-government Organizations such as Rotaract Club of Imus, AVES Community Based Organization, and LGBT Pilipinas.
The City Health Office also conducted Free HIV screening which aims to promote HIV awareness among people and educate them to decrease the number of cases in the City.
To make the event more meaningful, the city invited Miss Mela Habijan, Miss Trans Global 2020 to speak and discuss how people can tolerate and embrace differences, and celebrate individuality.
She also encouraged members and non-members of the LGBTQIA+ community to show their support and stand as one towards the passing of the SOGIE Bill, since it benefits every Filipino.
Afterwards, various comedy, dance, and band performances were showcased during the SOGIE Night. It also highlighted home-grown drag queens who made the night lively and joyful through their exceptional drag performances.
In line with its goal to be an LGBTQIA+ friendly city, the City of Imus and its other stakeholders are committed to implement programs, projects, and activities to promote gender development and safe spaces for all where their identities are celebrated, stories are respected, and their rights are recognized. It is evident that Imus Pride is another step forward in empowering the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, and protesting against abuse and social injustices their community faces.
