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When is Pride Month? If you're asking this question, you're in the right place. Millions of people around the world, including in the Philippines, celebrate Pride Month every June to support LGBTQIA+ rights.
Whether you're a long-time ally or new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this guide will help you celebrate Pride Month in meaningful ways. From learning about LGBTQIA+ history and culture to supporting queer artists, films, and advocates, there are plenty of opportunities to honor Pride and promote inclusivity.
The Origins of Pride Month: An Overview of LGBTQIA+ Activism
The Philippines celebrates Pride Month in solidarity with the global LGBTQIA+ community, honoring the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City in June 1969. These riots sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The Philippines was the first country in Asia to hold pride parades. On June 26, 1994, advocates organized a demonstration in Quezon City to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It was dubbed “Stone Wall Manila.”
How to Celebrate Pride Month at Home
Pride Month is also a chance to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community while learning more about their challenges, culture, and contributions to society. There are many ways to take part and show your support throughout the month.
You can take part in Pride marches, attend community events, volunteer for advocacy initiatives, support LGBTQIA+ organizations, or celebrate from home through films, music, and stories that highlight diverse experiences.
Watch LGBTQIA+ movies and shows.
What are you in the mood to watch? This list has both thought-provoking movies and light-hearted shows that celebrate love in all its forms. Catch them on Netflix or iWantTFC.
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros
This coming-of-age story follows Maxi, a young boy from Manila's slums, who grapples with his identity and feelings for a police officer. Despite societal and familial pressures, Maxi stays true to himself and finds acceptance within his community.Watch on iWantTFC.
Mamu: and a Mother Too
Mamu, a transgender sex worker in her late forties, suddenly becomes the guardian of her orphaned niece. The film shows how motherhood goes beyond the capacity to give birth, and tackles common issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community—poverty, prostitution, and limited access to health care.
Catch it on iWantTFC.
Metamorphosis
Adam is born with both male and female genitals but is raised as a boy by his conservative family. When he experiences his first menstrual period, he begins to question his identity and eventually learns to accept his body.
Add it to your watchlist on iWantTFC.
Baka Bukas
Alex is secretly in love with her best friend, who doesn’t know about her sexuality. The friends-to-lovers story has all the elements of a romcom, with a lesbian twist.
Check it out on iWantTFC.
Gameboys Level-Up Edition
Live game streamer Cairo competes with his fan Gavreel in an online game. The rivalry develops into friendship...and something more. First released on YouTube during the pandemic, the show gained international fandom and helped put Pinoy BL (Boys’ Love) on the global radar.
Watch on Netflix.
Listen to LGBTQIA+ artists.
Credit Image: Ice Seguerra Facebook
Tune in to Spotify for an instant Pride music festival wherever you are!
- Local artists: Look for music by renowned Pinoy artists like Jake Zyrus, Ice Seguerra, and celebrity icon Vice Ganda. But don’t stop there: indie artists like BP Valenzuela, Stef Aranas, and Kio Priest combine empowering lyrics with addictive beats you can’t get out of your head.
- International artists: Start with this list of artists from all over the world.
- Playlists: Set the mood with popular Pride-inspired playlists.
Get to know Pinoy LGBTQIA+ icons.
Get inspired by people who lobbied for LGBTQIA+ equality and a more inclusive society.
Danton Remoto
Image credit: Danton Remoto Instagram
Danton Remoto elevated LGBTQIA+ visibility in Philippine media, politics, and literature. In 2003, he established Ladlad, the Philippines’ first LGBTQIA+ political party. He also leveraged his influence—as a multi-awarded author, journalist, and Ateneo de Manila University professor—to fight for gay rights and gender sensitivity.
In 2015, Remoto published Riverrun, one of the first gay novels in the Philippines. Penguin Random House released a global edition in 2020. Get a copy from Fully Booked or Amazon (Kindle version available).
Geraldine Roman
Image Credit: Geraldine Roman Instagram
Geraldine Roman made history as the first transgender person elected to the Philippine Congress, representing the First District of Bataan. Her election marked a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ representation in the Philippines and across Asia.
Roman championed the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, which seeks to protect individuals from discrimination. She has also supported initiatives related to agriculture, eco-tourism, education, and health.
In 2016, Roman was named one of Time Magazine’s 13 Inspiring Women and Foreign Policy Magazine’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers.
Follow Roman’s YouTube channel, where she shares human interest stories, interviews, and lifestyle tips. Watch this video where she shares her personal struggles as a transgender.
Angie Mead King
Image Credit: Angie Mead King Instagram
Racing enthusiast and entrepreneur Angie Mead King came out as a transwoman in 2016, five years after her marriage to Filipina TV personality Joey Mead. The couple’s supportive relationship played a significant role in challenging the stigma against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Watch their video on their thoughts on Pride Month and how to be an LGBTQIA+ ally.
King is also a staunch environmentalist. She has implemented several green initiatives in the family-run Hotel Ava (formerly Victoria Court), like solar panels, rooftop farming, and reducing single-use plastics.
Keep the Spirit of Pride Going
Ready to celebrate Pride Month? Stream LGBTQIA+ films and shows with fast, reliable internet through GFiber Unli Plans for seamless viewing at home. Prefer more flexible payments? GFiber Prepaid WiFi lets you enjoy your favorite content on your own terms.
Then continue to champion the spirit of Pride beyond June. Embrace diversity, practice kindness, and help create a world where everyone feels included and accepted. Happy Pride Month!
