All the positive feels.
Members of the country’s LGBT+ community were pleasantly surprised when they saw a group of Christians showing their support for them at the Metro Manila Pride March over the weekend.
One of the attendees, Jamilah Salvador, took photos of the unnamed Christian group at Marikina Sports Center and posted them on Twitter with the caption: “I literally cried when I saw this earlier. Imagine living in a society with nothing but love and respect for each other.”
The Christians were shown holding placards with the messages “Jesus didn’t turn people away, neither do we,” “I used to be a bible-banging homephobe, I’m sorry,” and “Can we hug you,” among others.
I literally cried when I saw this kanina. Imagine living in a society with nothing but love and respect for each other. 😢 #RiseUpTogether pic.twitter.com/rL4rPaWHel
— Jamilah Salvador (@JAMBIyutiful) June 30, 2018
Salvador’s post has been retweeted more than 34,000 times and liked more than 102,000 times.
In an interview with Coconuts Manila, Salvador said that the group made sure a lot of people at the venue were aware of their support.
“A video from my friend showed that they were actually roaming around the venue so everyone may see and read their messages,” said Salvador.
Positive comments flooded Salvador’s post.
Wrote @Cloudobo: “I feel like crying so hard right now. Oh my god.”
I feel like crying so hard right now. Oh my god.
— Give me Leif you cowards (@Cloudobo) July 1, 2018
Wrote @janeyonzon_: “God created us all equal. And LGBT should not be condemned nor judged with their gender.”
God created us all equal.
And LGBT should not be condemed nor judged with their gender#SalvationIsOpenForLGBT #Pride https://t.co/NytDHC5uSc— MJ Yonzon (@janeyonzon_) July 1, 2018
“These are such brave beautiful people to be willing to change and grow and apologize in a climate of fear and loss,” wrote @CloverUnburned. “Not just covering up the choices you’ve made but owning up to them is one of the hardest choices you can make.”
These are such brave beautiful people to be willing to change and grow and apologize in a climate of fear and loss. Not just covering up the choices you’ve made but owning up to them is one of the hardest choices you can make.
— Genny Deeds-Page (@CloverUnburned) June 30, 2018
“My little gay heart is crying [crying emoji],” wrote @iamshekinah. “Wishing my Christian fam[ily] would think this way one day.”
My little gay heart is crying 😭Wishing my Christian fam would think this way one day. Happy pride! 🏳️🌈
— Shekinah Caparas (@iamshekinah) June 30, 2018
The event had its share of protesters, however.
GMA News reported that there was a foreign protester who verbally harassed a trans woman. There were also other anti-LGBT+ groups who attended the event.
But their presence didn’t dampen Salvador’s spirit. This was her first pride march and she found the feeling indescribable.
“On my way there, I was already feeling so giddy and nervous at the same time. But when I entered the venue, seeing all those rainbow flags made me feel I’m home,” she said. “The first thing that came to my mind was ‘finally, I belong.'”
Salvador said the event’s hosts estimated there were 20,000 to 25,000 people at the march.
