THE last day of June was the most colorful, literally and figuratively, as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community participated in the 24th Metro Manila Pride March and Festival.
Amid the flags bearing the colors of the rainbow, however, is a sense of belongingness.
“I want to belong even if I am gay. I wanted to be here and now I am here,” Malvin Savandal, 24, told the BusinessMirror.
According to Savandal, he joined the march because it is difficult to find a sense of belongingness “in a conservative country.”
“Right here, I feel like I am connected,” he said. “I feel like I can see myself in anyone else.”
Since his elementary days, Savandal has been struggling to bring out his true sexuality from the shadows of his family’s religious beliefs.
Now a college student taking up Psychology, he aims to prove it is “normal” to be born with different gender preferences and it is not something that needs to be “healed.”
“So many people from the gay community are lost, isolated and suicidal, and this is our way of saying we’re normal and we have a bunch of people struggling but we are here to make them feel like they belong,” Savandal said. “As a mental health advocate, this is the best way to send a message to all that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of.”
Allies of the LGBTQIA+ community were also present in the event to show solidarity and support.
Australian national Mark Sterling, 38, showed his support to his Filipino friends as he attended the celebration with his wife and their toddler.
“I feel like everyone should be allowed to be whoever they want. It’s such a great event to help people get their voice out,” Sterling told the BusinessMirror. “There are so many issues out there right now and I think this is a great place to get the voice louder.”
Music and poetry glammed the celebration at the Marikina Sports Complex, as different organizations showcased the talents of their members.