Caloocan LGBTQIA marks pride with colorful parade
MEMBERS and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community recently joined in the Pride March organized by the city government of Caloocan, under the coordination of the City Health Department (CHD).
The march was made colorful by the participants’ costume showcase, as well as beauty pageant, which was held at the Caloocan City People’s Park.
City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan expressed that the Pride March is just one way of the city to convey its full support towards the LGBTQIA+ community and emphasized his aim of solidifying Caloocan City’s status as a safe space for the members of the said community.
“Nakikiisa po ako at ang ating Pamahalaang Panlungsod sa LGBTQIA+ community sa pagdiriwang ng Pride Month! Asahan niyo po ang patuloy nating pagsisikap na labanan ang anumang diskriminasyon laban sa mga LGBTQIA+,” Mayor Along said.
The CHD also conducted informative and health-related discussions such as Pride Talk, free STI screening, and HIV education which included a talk on the availability and effectivity of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to avoid acquiring the said virus.
Dr. Evelyn Cuevas, Officer-in-Charge of the CHD, thanked Mayor Along for his continued support and hoped that the event would raise more awareness regarding the status and experience of LGBTQIA+ community.
