IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Celebrities call for love, equality at Pride March 2023
(From left) Michelle Dee, Klea Pineda, Andrea Brillantes. Images: Twitter/@tfpridePH, Instagram/@kleapineda, Instagram/@blythe
It was a march for equality as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies celebrated their right to love at Pride events held in different parts of the country on June 24.
Thousands marched together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at two pride events held at the Quezon City Circle in Quezon City and Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City, where celebrities took time off the spotlight to express their support.
Klea Pineda
One of the celebrities spotted was Klea Pineda who came out as lesbian on her 24th birthday last March. The actress, who was joined by her girlfriend Katrice Kierulf at the Quezon City Circle, admitted that this year’s event was more “liberating” since it’s her first time to join the parade as a “proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Seeing the community come together for a greater cause never fails to warm my heart. Let’s continue creating safer spaces to allow all kinds of love to prosper,” she said on Instagram.
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Gabbi Garcia
Gabbi Garcia took to her Instagram account to reveal that she and her dad Vince are “proud allies” of the community. She also shared that it was her father who invited her to join the celebration.
“I love you Dad!! Thank you for stepping up and making a difference!!” she said.
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Ice Seguerra
Ice Seguerra was one of the performers at the Pride March in Quezon City, where he paid tribute to the community with his rendition of “Alapaap,” “Titanium,” and “True Colors.”
YOU SHOOT US DOWN BUT WE WON’T FALL. WE ARE TITANIUM ✊🏼
Ice Seguerra played emotional pieces—from Alapaap, to True Colors, to Titanium—to pay homage to those who keep fighting, to those who couldn’t be with us, and to all of us who keep showing up. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️#LoveLaban#PridePH pic.twitter.com/0ibVgk5IDn
— Pride PH (@tfpridePH) June 24, 2023
Michelle Dee
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee revealed that she would represent the Philippines and LGBTQIA+ community at the march. The beauty queen came out as bisexual last May.
This is Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee’s first Pride after recently coming out as bisexual 💖💜💙
“Sa pagpunta ko sa El Salvador, I won’t just be raising the Philippine flag. I will also be raising the LGBTQIA+ flag!” 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️#LoveLaban#PridePH pic.twitter.com/9lH9a26XBU
— Pride PH (@tfpridePH) June 24, 2023
Megan Young
Meanwhile, Miss World 2013 Megan Young was invited to speak at the Quezon City pride march.
RUMAMPA PARA SA PAGKAKAPANTAY-PANTAY ✊🏼
Megan Young believes that when we love ourselves and when we love each other, we have the power to fight for equality! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️#LoveLaban#PridePH pic.twitter.com/3QfDGAagi9
— Pride PH (@tfpridePH) June 24, 2023
Andrea Brillantes
“Drag You and Me” star Andrea Brillantes, donning her drag persona Valentine Royale, was also a performer at the event.
“Love will continue to win! Happy Pride,” she said.
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Kaladkaren
A passionate KaladKaren enjoyed being at the Quezon City event, where she was perched on a float with Dee.
“Isa sa mga bagay na hindi ko malilimutang sinabi sa akin ni MMD habang nasa float kami. Tama siya! 110K strong tayo sa QC Pride! Ang sayaaaaa,” she said.
“We’re too big and too loud to be ignored. “ – @michelledee
Isa sa mga bagay na hindi ko malilimutang sinabi sa akin ni MMD habang nasa float kami. Tama siya! 110K strong tayo sa QC Pride! Ang sayaaaaa#RidewithPride @angkas pic.twitter.com/Or5lhLXEgJ
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) June 26, 2023
Sexbomb Girls
Members of all-female dance troupe Sexbomb Girls — who are known as gay icons — also performed at the event.
KALA NIYO TAPOS NA? BAKA NAKAKALIMUTAN NIYO?
LOVEan LOVEan? Walang bawi bawi! 🤪👈🏻
Ito na ang nagpalaki ng maraming bakla! The OG Mothers, Sex Bomb Girls! 🌈💙
Get get aw! #LoveLaban#PridePH pic.twitter.com/H2tMgCaRED
— Pride PH (@tfpridePH) June 24, 2023
Several events fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights were a sight to behold in the Philippines earlier this weekend, as over 500 members of the community were also spotted at a march in Baguio City.
According to a report from 2016 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC), queer children are prone to more risks of physical violence at 75%, psychological violence at 78.5%, and sexual violence at 33.8%. EDV
