Quezon City shows support for LGBTQ+ community through their #PRIDEstrian initiative

Walk with pride at Araneta’s fabulous new rainbow pedestrian lane!

The Facebook account of the Araneta Center, a commercial area located in Cubao, Quezon City, posted photos yesterday of their new, rainbow-colored #PRIDEstrian lane.

With the caption “love knows no limits,” the photos of the lane has gained love from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community and their supporters. As of today, Araneta’s post has attracted 8,000 likes and 6,000 shares.

“This is in full support of pride month this June and we want to tell the world that we embrace diversity at [the] Araneta Center,” the admin of the Araneta Center’s Facebook page told Coconuts Manila.

Coconuts Manila reached out to the public relations of the commercial center for comments, but they have yet to respond.

The Araneta Center is the home of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, the KIA Theatre, and the Smart Araneta Coliseum — the venue of the 1975 Thrilla in Manila boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

There are also thrift shops where shoppers can score some nice threads for budget-friendly prices.

People were pleased with the change and expressed their support. Others used the lane as a backdrop for colorful ‘gram-worthy shots, while most were thankful.

Abbey Gaile Gatbonton said: “One of many reasons I love Araneta Center Cubao.”

Yna Malang says: “Araneta, you’re doing amazing sweetie.”

Adams Abalos added to the conversation: “Thank you for supporting [the] LGBTQ community.”

In 2017, the liberal University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman branch in Quezon City also expressed its support for the LGBTQ+ community by launching Manila’s  first rainbow-colored pedestrian lane during UP Pride 2017.

The group behind the initiative is from the student organization Babaylan, which calls itself the “premier and leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students’ support and advocacy group” in UP.

Pride Month is celebrated every June to commemmorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 when members of the gay community fought back against oppressors through protests in New York City.

This year, Filipino millennials (and older) are planning to join the Metro Manila Pride March on June 30. 

Keep fighting the good fight, Araneta Center.