Rama vows support for LGBTQ community

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has opened the Pride Month at the Plaza Sugbo grounds with a renewed promise of support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and other terms of preferences.

"Ato gyud nang suportahan ang LGBT ug nasayod gyud ta nga kahibalo gyud ni sila mobarog (sa ilang grupo)," said Mayor Michael Rama.

Rama said his special bond with the LGBTQ community had been there for quite some time already. He promised to support all the programs for the advancement of the LGBTQ community in the city.

Ian Rey "Kuya Paw" Pableo, vice president of Cebu City LGBT Federation, confirmed Rama and his administration’s all-out support for their community.

"Ang uban nato nga nga kauban kay gihatagan og puhonan aron makasugod og ginagmay nga mga negosyo. Gawas niana, nakatagamtam pud ang LGBT community og health program," Pableo said.

Meanwhile, an LGBT Business Expo has opened yesterday at the Plaza Sugbo where some of the products by the community are on sale.

Rama, along with City Councilor Dondon Hontiveros and Anti-Discrimination Commission Executive Director Juergen Maxilom, led the ribbon cutting to formally open the expo.

Different activities are also being lined up for the month-long celebration. On the other hand, Councilor Rey Gealon offered free legal services today to the LGBTQ community. Those who want to avail of the free legal services may visit Gealon’s office at the City Hall’s legislative building.

Gealon has also been very supportive to the LGBTQ community. In fact, he pushed for the creation of the City Office of LGBT Affairs (COLA). — Sanden J. Anadia (FREEMAN)