LGBT people answer 'What are you marching for?'

Storm clouds are brewing, but the colors of the rainbow remain vibrant at the Marikina Sports Center.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies have gathered for the 2018 Pride March and Festival under the theme #RiseUpTogether. Yet just outside the event grounds, a small group are countering the message of love with threats of eternal damnation.

GMA News Online asked the attendees why they, despite the poor weather conditions and the hate thrown at them, still march year after year with pride.

What are you marching for today? #PrideMarch2018 pic.twitter.com/OtqgcczWTj

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Gigi, 20, is marching for her right to be “out and queer” pic.twitter.com/TSEr3IXmp6

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Pastor Joseph San Jose from the Metropolitan Community Church is marching for love, equality, and the freedom for the LGBT to marry pic.twitter.com/4SghxWkOJy

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Paula Beatrice, 26, is giving out rainbow ribbons and free hugs. She is marching for dignity for all human beings. pic.twitter.com/uW1rvRtsYe

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Mico marches for respect and the right to love and be loved pic.twitter.com/XK7jSC700M

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Jessica Garcia, 19, is marching for those who were once told they couldn’t be themselves out in the open. pic.twitter.com/Vcvnmn7wU6

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Lucinda, 26, is marching for the LGBT people who cannot come out due to societal pressures pic.twitter.com/8kkcTyH0nR

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 30, 2018

Advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights continue with their uphill battle.

Although the Anti-Discrimination Bill passed its third and final reading at the House of Representatives in 2017, its counterpart bill in the senate has yet to be approved. In addition to this, a recent SWS survey revealed that 6 out of 10 Filipinos are against civil unions for same-sex couples.  — AT, GMA News