Metro Manila Pride has finally unveiled its theme for this year’s Pride March and Festival along with its list of activities for upholding equal rights and justice. The organization announced its 2022 theme on June 4—a reminder that pride is not only a celebration, but also a protest: “Atin ang Kulayaan. Makibeki Ngayon, Atin ang Panahon!”
“Pilit man nilang burahin ang ating kasaysayan, patuloy tayong mananaig at magwawagi. Papalayain natin ang ating mga kulay,” writes Metro Manila Pride about its chosen theme. “Sa pag-inog ng mundo’t pagdating ng bagong administrasyon, bitbit natin ang bigat ng nakaraan. Hindi natin ito kakalimutan, at hindi natin ito pakakawalan.
“At bagaman mahirap, kailangan nating harapin ang hamon ng kasalukuyan nang buong-tapang, sa harap ng takot at pag-aalinlangan para sa ating kinabukasan.”
All that is to say, if you’ve been stressing over politics and continued discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, here’s an important message: Don’t despair, and take part in pride’s history as a protest.
Metro Manila Pride has a full calendar of June activities, which include events hosted by various organizations such as Panday Sining, Humanist Alliance Philippines International, and HIV & AIDS Support House, Inc. But if you’re interested in attending the Kulayaan events specifically, here is a quick overview.
June 10
4 p.m. to 12 midnight
Kulayaan Kapihan and Kwiz Nite at the Food for the Gays Cafe
June 11
Atin ang Kulayaan Volunteer’s Assembly
June 18
10 a.m. onwards
Atin ang Kulayaan Pride Picnic with Pride Speaks, a community meeting, and an open mic
June 25
10 a.m. onwards
Atin ang Kulayaan Queer Arts Exhibits, Proud Street Fair, and Eduk Hangouts
4 p.m.
Atin ang Kulayaan Pride March in Pasay
6 p.m. to 12 midnight
Atin ang Kulayaan Pride Evening Program
For more details and updates on these events, you can check out Metro Manila Pride’s social media pages and website. See you there!
Photo courtesy of Metro Manila Pride
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