The Wheel and Axle

Itaguyod!

Yesterday was Metro Manila’s Pride March 2017.

The LGBT community converged in Marikina’s Plaza De Los Alcaldes, where the fabulous organizers of this year’s event had prepared a great pre-march program – which included an appearance by one of our strongest allies, Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Then, underneath the afternoon post-summer heat, we marched and held aloft our pride for who we are and held aloft our resolve to fight for what we believe in: fundamental equal rights for all.

Let the beauty of solidarity, togetherness, and sense of community that we captured through our cameras speak for itself.

This is Us.

This is Pride.

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#heretogether

Photo Credits: Metro Manila Pride

Last week, news came out that Philadelphia was lobbying to add brown and black stripes to the iconic Rainbow Flag of the LGBT community. The reason is that they want to represent the inclusivity of (American) racial minorities that have a history of being discriminated against even within the LGBT community.

Needless to say, this sparked heated debates over the internet. I also had my own thoughts which I shared on social media, and with Metro Manila Pride March scheduled tomorrow, I thought it was appropriate to also share my thoughts here on my blog.

To sum it up: I believe it is completely unnecessary and, if I may say so, foolish. Adding black and brown to the flag won’t solve any problems of racial misrepresentation or underrepresentation. It also ignores the fact that the flag already is supposed to represent inclusivity and that the stripes represent specific concepts, none of which are race-related.

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It’s that month of the year again where we raise our lovely voices and bring out the sequins and feather boas. Or the white boxer briefs, depending on where you are in the spectrum.

Today, Metro Manila proudly cries out: “Let Love In! Kahit Kanino, Kahit Kailan!” Because love is love, no matter with who and no matter when. Everyday is love. Everyday is pride. As with IDAHOT, everyday should be a celebration of our diversity and our power.

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