Metro Manila Pride cancels 2024 Pride March and Festival
Metro Manila Pride announced they won't be conducting their Pride March and Festival this year.
The organization made the announcement on their social media accounts late Friday, June 14, but did not disclose the reason for the sudden move. Despite this, they said they will still continue to campaign for causes that would help the LGBTQ+ community in fighting for their rights.
"Hindi man magdaraos ng sariling march and festival ang Metro Manila Pride ngayong taon, tuloy pa rin ang ating pagkilos at pagsulong para sa karapatan at kulayaan! Kahit saan ang laban, lahat magkakasama! RESBAK NA!" Metro Manila Pride wrote.
"Bawat linggo ay may pagtitipon sa iba't ibang parte ng Maynila para mas marinig ang kolektibong panawagan ng inklusibo ay pantay na mga espasyo at polisiya para sa komunidad," they shared in a separate post.
Along with their announcement, they also issued their manifesto for this month's Pride celebration, where they highlighted how "the path towards true equality and justice continues to be obstructed" due to "systematic oppression in communities and individuals."
"As we understand systematic oppression, we not only recognize our own hurdles but also the plights of others. It's not just about understanding ourselves, but also paying attention to and respecting the struggles of others," the organization stated.
Hindi man magdaraos ng sariling march and festival ang Metro Manila Pride ngayong taon, tuloy pa rin ang ating pagkilos at pagsulong para sa karapatan at kulayaan!
— Metro Manila Pride 🏳️🌈 (@mmprideorg) June 14, 2024
Kahit saan ang laban, lahat magkakasama! RESBAK NA!#ResbakNa#Pride2024 pic.twitter.com/g2FMUPQhKL
This Pride month, they aim to push for "inclusive and equal spaces not only for the LGBTQIA+ community but for every minority and community that is silenced and neglected."
They are also urging "strong condemnation" against oppression, violence, and egregious killings in the LGBTQIA+ communities and other minorities worldwide.
"Let's unite in the fight against systematic killings and oppression of our Lumad brothers and sisters and other indigenous people in the country, even those communities facing eradication and genocide in Palestine, Congo, Syria, Rohingya, and in other parts of the world," Metro Manila Pride wrote.
"Together, we advocate for everyone's right to live with dignity and freedom, without being oppressed by any form of discrimination," they added.
The organization ended their statement by underscoring "respect, acceptance, and equality for all."
"Let's continue to embody the spirit of humanity and unity. Wherever the cause may be, we stand in solidarity. Now more than ever, we will advance together," they stressed.
This would be the second time that Metro Manila Pride has called off their Pride March and Festival. The last time was back in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The queer community as well as their allies can still attend the Pride festival organized by Pride PH on June 22 at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The event will see exciting performances from the likes of Vice Ganda, Marina Summers, BINI, and more.
If you're looking for other ways to celebrate Pride Month, here is a list of Pride events happening in Metro Manila this June 2024.