President Bongbong Marcos joined the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating Pride Month, honoring what he described as the courage of those who fought exclusion and demanded their rightful place in society.
In his Pride Month message, Marcos said the freedoms and recognition enjoyed by the LGBTQIA+ community were not freely given, but won through struggle, sacrifice, and the belief that every person deserves dignity.
“This observance honors the courage of those who refused to be excluded or denied their rightful place in society,” Marcos said. “It reminds us that the freedoms and recognition enjoyed today were not freely given, they were won through struggle, sacrifice, and the belief that every person deserves dignity.”
Marcos said the government reaffirms that every Filipino is entitled to equal protection, equal opportunity, and equal respect under the law. He said inclusion must be reflected in policies, strengthened by institutions, and practiced in everyday actions.
The President also recognized the LGBTQIA+ community’s role in the country’s development, citing its contributions through talent, service, and leadership. He said overlooking those contributions would deny an essential part of the Filipino story.
“No Filipino should ever be made to feel invisible in the country they help build. No one should ever be forced to conceal who they are in order to earn acceptance and understanding,” Marcos said.
The Palace message was released for Pride Month, which Marcos framed as a call for dignity, inclusion, and equal respect for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos.
Marcos closed his message by calling for compassion, respect, and courage under his Bagong Pilipinas platform, saying the country should move toward a future where no one is left behind because of who they are, how they identify, or whom they love.
“I wish everyone a meaningful and inspiring Pride Month celebration. Mabuhay ang LGBTQIA+ Community!” he said.
