QC to conduct graduation rites for LGBTQ+ students denied gender-affirming attire
The Quezon City Government is set to hold special graduation rites for LGBTQIA+ community members in the city who have been denied to march in their gender-affirming attire.
According to the LGU, the occasion is a special commencement activity meant to honor students' graduation rights and provide them with an opportunity to openly express their desired gender identity and expression.
"Sa Quezon City, kinikilala ang karapatan ng lahat anuman ang kanilang SOGIE. Sa QC, graduation rites are everyone’s rights, regardless of expression!" the local government said in a Facebook post.
The event, which is also part of the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the city, is slated to happen on Saturday, June 22, with the following requirements:
- Participants should be part of the LGBTQIA+ community, ages 18 and above.
- A Quezon City resident or those who graduated from schools located in the city.
- LGBTQIA+ community member who were not able to march for their senior high school or college graduation ceremonies because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).
Registration for the program started on Wednesday, May 29, and will close on Friday, June 7.
Interested participants can register through this link.
This is not the first time that the city has taken a huge leap toward the inclusivity of its queer residents.
In February, 205 queer couples participated in the city's annual commitment ceremony held at QCX Garden in Quezon Memorial Circle.
In her speech, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of uplifting the "genderless love" as part of the city's progressive move towards gender inclusivity. Amidst the backlash, she said, "Hindi ako natatakot, kasi tingin ko tama ang aking ginagawa. Pinaglalaban lang po natin ang pagmamahal ng lahat, dito sa ating lungsod."
Meanwhile, on June 24, 2023, the LGU launched the country's first "Right to Care Card" for LGBTQ+ couples, an initiative that will allow resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners.