The year 2020 has been tough for all of us in all aspects. For the much-awaited Metro Manila Pride March, this year’s celebration is considered to be the timid and saddest one by far—thanks to technology, the annual parade and protest will be held online.

Today, June 27, 2020, rainbow flags are set to conquer our screens as a celebration of Southeast Asia's longest-running Pride march goes virtual. This year’s theme, “SULONG! ‘Wag Patinag” only proves that nothing can stop the LGBTQIA+ community from celebrating Pride--that is more than a celebration, but an act of defiance.

 “We wanted to continue with a stronger call to resist—while giving an inspiring reminder to the community to remain steadfast in defiance, amidst all the threats we are facing as a vulnerable community in a global pandemic, and with the looming threat of fascism taking advantage of the situation,” said Mikhail Quijano, campaigns and communications co-head of Metro Manila Pride, on the reason how the theme came about.

With special guests and surprises, the whole Saturday will surely be a jampacked celebration for it will be filled with online discussion plenaries, performances broadcasted along with solidarity speeches, and a special online engagement for the online community to ‘march’ together, according to Quijano.

“Pride Speaks Hangouts: Tuloy Ang Laban Para Sa SOGIE Equality” will be the main topic to be discussed later at 1 pm via a zoom call.

The online talk will discuss the current situation of LGBTQIA+ rights in the Philippines and why there is a need to immediately pass the SOGIE Equality Bill for the protection of the community under the rainbow.

Joining today’s wonderful celebration are Atty. Claire De Leon, Secretary-General of Lagablab LGBT Network, and Pastor Jason Masaganda of the Metropolitan Community Church of Marikina, one of the groups that pushed for the passage of the Marikina ADO.

For those who want to join the online discussion, you may register to the following link: https://bit.ly/ps02sogieadb

Quijano reminds us that this year’s digital event will be no different. He says, “Everything from our visuals to our activities always points back to Pride being a protest. Even our visual theme this year for ‘SULONG! ‘Wag Patinag’ is heavily inspired by protest art and placards on walls.”

“Pride has always been a safe space for the community to not just have discussions to equip and empower themselves, but also opportunities to express themselves and find ways to cope and connect, as we continue to fight for our rights,” says Quijano.

Raise your rainbow flags beautiful angels and let your voices be heard!

#SulongWagPatinag