LGBTQIA+ told to continue fight vs discrimination

CEBU, Philippines —  Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Paz Radaza has encouraged members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Ally (LGBTQIA+) community to sustain the fight against all forms of discrimination and continue to become an inspiration to others.

Speaking during the MASK (Mahuyang Alang Sa Kalamboan) Charity Ball 2021, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the city showcase their creative talent, Radaza said that discriminating their group such as denial of rights, and opportunities should be stopped.

Radaza said that the members of LGBTQIA+ community are talented, creative, loving, smart, and exciting individuals. She said they should not be discriminated because of their sexual preference.

The LGBTQIA+ Charity Ball 2021 was the first and grandest Victoria Secret fashion show alike that Radaza funded and supported.

“We have to fight discrimination. And we are already achieving some feats in this fight. Kinahanglan kita molihok ug tungod sa atong pagtinabangay, layo-layo na ta og naabtan aning atong pakigbisog. This makes our hope for a fair society to grow stronger. Pero padayon natong kab-oton ang tinguha nga adunay full acceptance sa isig usa kanato,” Radaza said.

Radaza, who is up against reelectionist Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan in the May 2022 elections, told the 1,500 MASK members in attendance that they are all wonderful people that deserve no maltreatment because of who they are.

“In fact, this is a continuing fight. We should continue to channel all our efforts towards inclusivity, and destroy all hindrances to equality. From being closet queens, you are all dramatically coming out of our shells, proudly showing to the world of who you are,” said Radaza

Radaza said the Charity Ball was planned long time before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

“I am very happy that we are finally here. I want this as a celebration of inclusivity in a grand and inspiring manner. You deserve this. Let this occasion be a fitting opportunity to instill in ourselves the beauty of fairness and equality,” Radaza said.

She encouraged those in the third sex to help and reach out to other marginalize members of the community like women, elderly, persons with disabilities, children, etc. to also stand up against discrimination.

“Like us, they also long for inclusivity. Let our own experience inspire us to be the inspiration to others. Padayon tang magtinabangay. Sa ingon ani nga pamaagi, atong makab-ot ang padayon nga kalamboan. Hapit na gyud. Just wait for me,” she ended her speech.

MASK was founded by Radaza in 2011 when she was mayor of  Lapu-Lapu City. — FPL (FREEMAN)