ILOILO – The Pride Month celebration in the 2nd District commenced with a ceremony led by Miss Eco International Philippines 2025 Alexie Brooks.
The event, held in the town of Zarraga on Wednesday morning, June 26, saw the participation of around 400 LGBTQIA+ community members from the district’s eight municipalities: Zarraga, Leganes, New Lucena, Santa Barbara, Pavia, San Miguel, Leon, and Alimodian.
Brooks delivered an inspirational message, recalling her own challenges and emphasizing the importance of self-love and confidence regardless of societal acceptance.
“What is really important here is to love yourself, be true to yourself, and to be confident regardless of what shape you are,” Brooks said.
She shared her journey of overcoming discrimination due to her androgynous orientation, underscoring the significance of staying true to oneself.
The event was organized by Dr. Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta, founder of the Association of LGBTQIA+ Segundo Distrito and wife of Cong. Michael Gorriceta.
Alongside the association’s focal person, Ramie Corillo, and the presidents of the LGBTQIA+ organizations from the eight municipalities, Dr. Gorriceta emphasized the association’s goal to affirm the community’s acceptance and sense of belonging throughout the district.
The celebration opened with a parade around the municipal plaza of Zarraga, led by Brooks herself.
Dr. Gorriceta expressed hope that the district would be recognized as a safe space where the LGBTQIA+ community could achieve their ambitions through available educational and vocational training opportunities.
“We prioritize you and you know that,” she said.
The celebration, marked by the symbolic rainbow flag, aims to spread its values across the district. Each color of the flag represents a distinct value — life, freedom, happiness, unity, hope, and equality.
This year’s activities include a medical mission, outreach programs, tree planting, and symposiums, all designed to further integrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community in the district.
The festivities will continue through June 29.
In addition to the celebration’s agenda, Congressman Gorriceta assured ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+ community, aiming to make them feel cared for and valued.
“We have many initiatives and presentations to strengthen and support the LGBTQIA+ community,” he said./PN
