Pride March 2025: The Light That June Left Behind

Like a burst of color amidst the black-and-white floorboards of society, the LGBTQIA+ community proudly marched forward last June 28. At UP Diliman, more than 200,000 people made their voices heard in Quezon City’s annual Pride March “Lov3 Laban,” a celebration of unity in diversity through raised rainbow flags, lively booths, blaring concerts, and passionate protests. “We are here and this is us” echoed in every movement, refusing to be silenced or hidden by the weight of society’s expectations.

A display of bravery and a call for true equality— truly, this rainbow tapestry of human life brightly beams and shares its light with the rest of the world. Rain may have poured that day but their smiles still shined through; it can never douse the fire within a heart that knows its truth.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗸𝗶, ‘𝗪𝗮𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗼𝘁!

For first-time goers like Pau, a student from the PLM College of Science, he was initially hesitant to attend this year’s Pride March; however, it ended up being one of his treasured “core memories.” Interactive booths and thrilling games were scattered across the field, promoting safe sex through free contraceptives and handing out free pride flags and stickers. Notably, some parents were spotted with “free hugs” signs, a heartwarming offer of love and acceptance–all of which are embodied by the very event. 

Though Pau attended alone, he was warmly welcomed, finding community in strangers who quickly became friends. As someone who once struggled in accepting himself, attending the Pride March was more than just joining a symbolic movement; it was a gentle reminder that he was never truly alone— there had always been a supportive and loving community waiting for him all along.

“Dati, super closeted ko na [ayaw kong] um-attend sa ganyan pero ngayon na tanggap ko na sarili ko, this is the time dahil ‘di naman ‘to basta celebration lang, may pinaglalaban dito.”

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁

As the night slowly crept in, the much-awaited concert began as music pulsed through the air. Amid the cheering crowds stood Cody, also a PLM CS student, who has been attending the annual celebration for three years now. For him, Pride goes beyond the vibrancy of its colors, it is a cry for freedom, a stand for protection, a fight for equality.

That night, he remembered how the stage lit up with the fierce talent of the performers, each performance a tribute to the queer legends and drag queens who paved the way. Thanks to the courage of those who came before, today’s generation reaps the rainbow of love and freedom that formed after the heavy rain of the past.

Cody was also an avid listener of Cup of Joe, one of the bands headlining that night. And in the midst of their set, the lights shifted and fell upon a queer couple’s proposal, cementing their love in front of thousands, fearless and true. The moment moved the crowd to tears, making young hearts like Cody’s hopeful that love would not be hidden, but proudly shown. 

Then the band’s hit song “Multo” echoed through the field, and this time, it felt different–even overwhelming–for Cody, stirring new realizations and sincere wishes for a kinder future. 

“I just wish that a day without resisting would come sooner; the day that we don't have to fight to live. The day we'll just live. Maybe one day, our freedom and identities won't be a ‘Multo’ anymore.”

𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿

When Pau was asked regarding the current situation of the LGTBQIA+ community, the word “medyo” resounded through his responses: “medyo tanggap,” “medyo okay.” Meanwhile, Cody said how the Philippines has “not even an inch” of progress when it comes to basic rights especially compared to countries like the U.S., Thailand, and even Spain, which, like the Philippines, is predominantly Catholic.

While social media has bestowed a platform for visibility and awareness, it is just as important for these safe spaces to manifest into a reality on the ground. In classrooms and workplaces, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are boxed into stereotypes and denied equal opportunities. In more severe cases, they become targets of hate— perpetuating a system where discrimination and violence are allowed to persist.   

And at the heart of these issues, the Philippines has yet to approve a non-discriminatory bill. The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) bill remains stalled in the Senate notwithstanding its continuous refiling for over two decades. Contrary to popular belief, the law stands not only for the community; it protects everyone, ensuring equal access to education, employment, and healthcare, while condemning all forms of harassment and violence. 

Acceptance is still different from tolerance, encouragement is still different from laws that can actually protect them from discrimination.

And though the music has faded and the lights have dimmed, the colors of Pride remain, etched in memory and carried with courage. Beyond June, may the community continue to live their lives in full color— unapologetic in who they choose to love and unwavering in who they chose to be.