THE rainbow banner started on June 28, 1969, when the Stonewall riots happened. Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) members wanted to achieve equality in justice and opportunity for Americans. 

On that note, empowerment, spreading awareness, and educating society on the rights and diversity of LGBTQIA members have started. 


In June 1999, US President Bill Clinton declared "the anniversary of Stonewall riots every June in America as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. At the same time, President Obama expanded it in 2011 and recognized "Pride Month" to include the LGBTQIA community. 


The main goal of Pride Month is to create a positive change in people's perspectives regarding LGBTQIA members by creating activities that will enhance members' talents. 

This celebration is an avenue that brings everyone together and celebrates the existence of diversity in humanity.


For this June 2023 LGBTQIA community celebrates Pride Month with a theme of "Rage and Resilience." 


Recently, there have been a lot of harmful rules, discrimination, physical violence, and misconceptions about LGBTQIA members. Despite those cruel and unjust treatments, members of this community remain to be brave. 


They fight firmly and aim to receive fair treatment and acceptance in society. Holding unto the community's core, as mentioned above, the rage of emotions grows upon the members' hearts. Instead of letting themselves drown in discouragement and cruelty, LGBTQIA members strengthen their stand by promoting inclusivity. It only shows how passionate they are about their advocacy. 


The ability of LGBTQIA members to withstand the discrimination and violence they experience shows how powerful they can be as a community.


Various challenges threw this community. However, they still managed to adapt to multiple challenging situations and are determined enough to fight and push more to achieve a world that fairly treats their community.


In New Lucena, the Hilway LGBTQ Organization prepared some exciting activities to celebrate "Pride Month." 


To give back to the community that respects and loves them for being what they are. The organization offers 'LIBRE GUPIT' at New Lucena Auditorium on June 3, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. 


The 'Hilway LGBTQ Volleyball' will start on June 2 until June 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. with cash prizes at stake. The Volleyball is open to all residents of New Lucena that will form a team of 10. The registration is still ongoing. Kindly message Hilway LGBTQ organizers for more details. 

As a culmination activity, on June 3, 2023. The Hilway LGBTQ Association New Lucena will have 'Hilway LGBTQ Got Talent.'

The mechanics and criteria are the following:


  1. Must be a resident of the Municipality of New Lucena only and a member of the Hilway LGBTQ Organization. 

  2. Solo, Duo, or group performers can initiate talent in singing, dancing, and other unique skills. 

  3. Please bring a photocopy of the proof of residency.

  4. To those 18 (eighteen) years old below, please attach a consent letter from a parent/guardian.

  5. Live animals are allowed as long as they are used for entertainment and are relevant to the presentation. Animals should not be abused or exploited. 

  6. The organizers are not liable for any inappropriate and unpleasant incident which may lead to a contestant/member of the group during the presentation. 

  7. No age limit as long as you can perform. 

  8. Music or piece must be submitted to the committee in charge one (1) day before the competition.

  9. Delivery is 4-7 minutes, any minute over the allotted time shall be given a deduction of 1 point from the total score. 

  10. Winners will be receiving the certificate and cash prizes, which are as follow:

  • CHAMPION – ₱3,000.00 

  • 1ST RUNNER UP - ₱2,000.00

  • 2ND RUNNER UP - ₱1,000.00

  • CONSOLATION PRIZES (7) - ₱ 500.00

     11. The committee is not liable for any accidents during the performance.

     12. Judges' decision is always final and irrevocable.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

Technical Proficiency or Skill – 30%

(Alignment, Strength, Endurance, Flexibility, Coordination)

Entertainment – 30%

Mastery – 25%

Stage Presence – 15%

Total = 100%

10 SLOTS ONLY


Let's support our LGBTQIA community and remember that the colorful flag of this community symbolizes diversity, and that should be acknowledged. We must be compassionate, understand their identity, and consider them individuals.