“Stop the Discrimination Violence against LGBT” was the theme of the first LGBT migrants community Pride Parade in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The inaugural event, held a day after thousands descended on the city to celebrate the annual Gay Pride march, was also held in solidarity with the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is upcoming on Nov, 25.
The small but colourful Sunday rally was organised by the Filipino Lesbians Organisation (FILO), the Filguys-Gabriela Association and Gabriela Hong Kong.
Ivan Delfin, chairperson of FILO, said he hoped the march would increase awareness of gay rights both in Hong Kong and the Philippines. She added that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Philippines have a distinctive culture but limited legal rights.
Within Filipino society, LGBT people are generally tolerated but still suffer widespread discrimination.
“Let’s strengthen our unity, keep an open mind on gender preferences and participate in programmes that promote everyone’s rights and welfare,” Ian Bojo, Chairperson of Filguys-Gabriela Association, urged Filipino LGBT community both at home and abroad.
Photos: Lorjean Yungco
