June 19, 2023: Manila, Philippines – Thousands LGBTQIA+ members and allies are expected to attend this year’s Pride Festival at the Quezon Memorial Circle on June 24 to culminate the month-long celebration of Pride.
The Quezon City Government and Pride PH anticipate around 50,000 participants to one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the country, beating last year’s record of 25,000 attendees.
During the press conference held at the Quezon City Hall grounds, organizers and members of the event’s core team expressed excitement over the upcoming event.
According to Pride PH, the organizing team behind QC Pride Festival, the whole-day festival will be divided into three parts: Pride Expo, Pride March, and Pride Night.
“We want to retain the same format as last year but of course, it will be bigger and better. We also have solidarity speeches throughout the day to amplify the community’s call for equality and the recognization of our rights. After all, pride is still a protest,” QC Pride Festival’s Program Lead and Show Director Rod Singh said.
The Pride Festival will open as early as 10:00 in the morning to give way to LGBTQIA+ merchants, NGO partners, and allied corporations who want to showcase their brands and services to the attendees.
“At three in the afternoon, we are hoping to march within the assigned routes smoothly and end the day with the Pride show that will start at 6:00 pm. Expect a lot of dancing and good music from our talented queer performers and artists,” Singh added.
The team has the full support and assistance of the Quezon City Local Government. The city government will ensure that safety and security measures are in place to successfully hold the celebration of Pride.
“Quezon City is an inclusive city and we are an ally to the LGBTQIA+ Community. We assure the participants that this year’s Pride event will be fun, memorable, and meaningful for all,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
This year there are more than ten Pride marches happening throughout Pride Month. Aside from the QC Pride Festival on June 24, several celebrations of Pride will happen simultaneously on the same day in Makati, Baguio, Quirino, Cagayan De Oro, and Cebu. Regional Pride Marches will also happen in various cities like Zamboanga, Romblon, and General Santos City until the end of the month.
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