President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. aligned himself with the LGBTQIA+ community on Wednesday to commemorate the beginning of Pride Month, declaring that no citizen should have to hide their true self to find societal acceptance and that legal protections must cover all individuals equally.
At the onset of the annual celebration, Marcos reaffirmed the state’s dedication to securing uniform opportunities, respect, and safeguards for every Filipino, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Inclusion cannot remain only in words. It must be reflected in our policies, strengthened by our institutions, and practiced in our everyday actions as a people,” the President said.
The Chief Executive underscored that the LGBTQIA+ community has historically played a vital role in the nation’s socioeconomic and cultural advancement, noting that their achievements are deeply embedded in the narrative of the Philippines.
“The LGBTQIA+ Community has long helped shape our country’s progress through its talent, service, and leadership,” he said.
Marcos delivered his most resonant point by asserting that conditional acceptance based on the suppression of one’s identity is unacceptable.
“No Filipino should ever be made to feel invisible in the country they help build. No one should ever be forced to conceal who they are in order to earn acceptance and understanding,” Marcos said.
He further observed that the true benchmark of a fair and evolving country is found in its capacity to let its citizens live safely, purposefully, and with genuine belonging.
Although a comprehensive, nationwide anti-discrimination statute explicitly safeguarding LGBTQIA+ individuals has not yet been enacted in the Philippines, momentum for inclusivity continues to grow across the public sector, corporate world, academia, and civil society.
Marcos also expressed his gratitude to past and present LGBTQIA+ trailblazers whose persistent activism paved the way for greater social awareness and integration.
“This observance honors the courage of those who refused to be excluded or denied their rightful place in society,” he said.
With nationwide Pride festivities now underway, the President challenged the public to unify in fostering a nation where individuals are never marginalized because of their identity, expression, or orientation.