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Metro Manila Pride March calls non-LGBT members to join their way towards solidarity


Organizers of this year's Metro Manila Pride March seeks to "magnify voices," which could empower love, empowerment, and solidarity among communities.

Anyone can join this year's Metro Manila Pride March. A member of LGBTQ+ community or not, you can voice your support and stand together with them.

"We want non-LGBT people to speak out about the need for bigger spaces like this and to have more inclusive, more empowering, more safe spaces in the country. We want them to support us, to speak out, to march for us," said Nicky Castillo, co-coordinator of the Metro Manila Pride 2017, in a press conference on Tuesday.

READ: Metro Manila Pride: This is what keeps the community marching

"We've been chanting for 23 years and our voice may be loud but it's not enough. 'Yung boses namin alone is not enough. We need the voices of our allies this time," Castillo added.

The organizers said the Pride March is a "free space" for everyone though it was started by LGBTQ+ people.

"That doesn't mean people who love us, people who support us are not welcome. Wala pong age limit. Never din nagkabayad. Basta supportive ka, punta ka," Castillo said.

'Celebratory' but also a protest

Castillo took note that the event is a "protest," fighting for equality in the community.

"Pride is both a, partly [sic] a protest. So lagi siyang magkasama. We never forget the calls," Castillo said.

'Yung aim natin this year, naka-angkla din siya sa call ng legislative and policy advocacy in the community," Castillo added.

Be vigilant for the Anti-Discrimination Bill

Amid raising the discourse of equality among members of the LGBTQ+ community, Atty. Jazz Tamayo, acting president of Rainbow Rights, urged the public to remain vigilant for the passing of the anti-discrimination bill.

"Try to be more vigilant when it comes to your own legislators, about trying to make them accountable with equality, the promise of equality," Tamayo said.

"Things like this are part of the discourse. Make people call their legislators, attend the hearings, write articles about why the law is actually needed," Tamayo added.

Organizers of the Metro Manila Pride March said aside from the yearly march, they have been active in raising awareness about the bill through discussions among individuals.

This year's Pride March, the longest-running in Southeast Asia, will take place on June 24 in Marikina City. —Anna Felicia Bajo/LA, GMA News

Tags: lgbt, pridemarch
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