Pride is a worldwide celebration of our LGBTQ+ community. But people seem to forget that it’s a protest as well. Fifty-one years ago, transgender activists like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Miss Major paved way to pride celebrations we still cherish today.
Today, June 26, LGBTQ+ organization Bahaghari carried this 51-year-old tradition by holding a Pride Protest in Manila’s University Belt. But it ended on a bitter note when police arrested 20 participants.
ALERT: Marahas na dinisperse ng mga kapulisan ang isinagawang pagkilos ng grupong Bahaghari bilang pagdiriwang ng Pride Month sa Mendiola ngayong araw, Hunyo 26.
#PrideIsAProtest pic.twitter.com/26gFOIRdHC
— CEGP (@CEGPhils) June 26, 2020
Ten LGBTQ+ folks, eight allies and two drivers were detained at the Manila Police District Headquarters on UN Avenue. In a tweet, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines said that the police violently dispersed protestors while the Union of Journalists of the Philippines-UP confirmed that authorities haven’t given any information on what laws were violated.
According to the UP Office of Student Regent, protestors were peacefully marching while practicing social distancing. Bahaghari National spokesperson Rey Valmores-Salinas said they asked the officers for their names as well as their violations but didn’t get a coherent response.
PRIDE IS A PROTEST. #FreePride20!
At least 20 individuals, including UP alumni, who participated in today’s Pride March were arrested without any warrant or clear charges. Protesters peacefully marched against tyranny while practicing physical distancing. #SulongWagPatinag
— UP Office of the Student Regent (@uposr) June 26, 2020
“Ayaw nilang sabihin ang kanilang mga pangalan. Wala silang sinasabing violations na aming nilabag, kasi wala silang masasabing violations na nailabag. Ngayon, dinampot po kami dito. Bente po kami dito na iligal na inaresto,” said Valmores-Salinas. “These pigs don’t know what case to file against us because we violated nothing,” tweeted Bahaghari.
These pigs don't know what case to file against us BECAUSE WE VIOLATED NOTHING. #FreePride20 https://t.co/s4cfsQTVsr
— Bahaghari (@Bahaghari_PH) June 26, 2020
— Bahaghari (@Bahaghari_PH) June 26, 2020
According to Bahaghari’s tweet, Cong. Sarah Elago of Kabataan Partylist, Cong. Eufemia Cullamat of Bayan Muna and Atty. Fudge Tajar went to the police district to address the arrested participants. The 20 participants are still in Manila Police District Headquarters as of writing.
NOW: Cong. Sarah Elago of @KabataanPL, Cong. Eufemia Cullamat of @BayanMuna, and Atty. @fudgetajar are present at the police district to address the illegally arrested members of Bahaghari and various bold organizations.#FreePride20 pic.twitter.com/nJpjoVDXrL
— Bahaghari (@Bahaghari_PH) June 26, 2020
June is more than just another month for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a celebration of identity and a continuing fight for our rights. So if anyone says Pride March is just a block party, remember this incident.
Read more:
Learn about the T in LGBTQ+ with this pay-what-you-can guidebook
These five LGBTQ+ books portray issues that we should know about
Why is the rainbow gay?
Art by Rogin Losa
