DUMANGAS, Iloilo — “It takes a certain commitment to uplift the LGBTQ+ community in a small town, but with great fame comes great responsibility; and because I am recognized as a living cultural icon of Dumangas, I do not intend to do anything less.”
Such was my sentiment as a famed writer and online gay rights activist when tapped to be the historic first Grand Marshal of the Dumangas Pride Parade on June 23.
The proposal to headline the event was conceived by fashion designer Reynaldo Samiana, Jr. and event organizer/stylist Peter Paul Beato who said that “The PSN is always a good idea either as a star or an ally in any local LGBTQ+ undertaking because he brings with him celebrity, talent, achievement, and respect of the community.”
Beato added that when Dumangas-based party needs company Diamond Rentals learned that Nery was joining the parade, they readily sponsored the float.
Irv Salvacion, local LGBTQ+ president, added, “It is hard to find an advocate as dedicated, successful, and powerful as Nery. He not only raises the bar in Dumangas, he also charts new directions for our community of various sexualities and gender identities. We must not forget that Nery was the first Ilonggo who publicized his same-sex marriage back in 2008.”
Aside from the parade, events of the June Pride weekend in Dumangas included gay and lesbian sports exhibition, Sea Reyna teen gay beauty search, and induction of LGBTQ+ officers on June 24./PN
