Here's how you can celebrate Pride March this year amid COVID-19 threat

Solemn hugs from parents, raised rainbow flags and hundreds of Filipinos from different regions flocking together for one day of protest. This is the usual image of the annual Pride March in Metro Manila.

But because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, activities for this year's Pride Month will be done online.

"Talagang nilo-look forward 'to ng community. To have that kind taken away, cancelled for the year definitely was disheartening for everyone," Mikhail Quijano, Metro Manila Pride March and Festival's Communications and Campaigns co-head, told GMA News Online. 

But "there’s really no other way," he continued. "At the core of Metro Manila Pride is creating safe spaces."

The only thing that will change, Mikhail continued, is the platform. "Ang mensahe ng Pride remains the same, even sharper than ever.”

They will keep the core of Pride March, "of it being a protest for human rights, a protest against oppression.”

"Sulong! Wag Patinag!" is this year's theme with a digital Pride March taking place on June 27.

The Pride March will follow the format of presenting solidarity speeches or statements from organizations and performances, with audiences being able to watch live from their social media platforms.

Instead of holding a series of discussion coffee shop hangouts that lead to the Pride March, the organization this year will hold teleconferences instead. 

Mikhail admitted that they are still looking at how to execute multiple social media activities throughout Pride Month, but it will definitely be creative.

“Tuloy pa rin ang laban naman for human rights, now just in more creative ways,” Mikhail said

Pride March is an annual protest that hopes to both put an end to the social injustices the LGBTQIA experiences and a way to celebrate their solidarity and identities. — LA, GMA News