Ma[y]laya nga ba ang Wikang Filipino?

What happens after the month of pride? Rainbow washing, of course. 

Pride Month is both a celebration and a protest. This celebration originated in the United States and is adopted by other countries. Here in the Philippines where inequality and marginalization of the members of the LGBTQ+ community are relevant, this month-long celebration every June is a chance to culminate those experienced prejudices and highlight the need for equality and legislative measures for their rights. However, in our local context, what really happens after the month of June?

The celebration of Pride Month being counterproductive is a long-running argument based on many factors—first, the celebration’s shift from being a form of socialism to a chance to foster capitalism. The integration of LGBTQ+ marketing strategies and branding it as a uniform of solidarity in the community is just another example of performative activism because once June ends, their efforts to support the community also end; leaving the real essence of Pride Month forgotten.

Secondly, as much as we want to celebrate the heights and milestones of the community, may the extravagance never blur down the protest that this month seeks to highlight. The fact that we now have the privilege to celebrate Pride Month is already proof that we are progressing as a nation. Hence, the right thing to do is to never settle for a month-long celebration of colors, but to utilize it for lifelong changes for the LGBTQ+ community.

When will they pass the SOGIE Bill? When will the state acknowledge their right to love and be married? When will the government start protecting the state and identity of the transgenders? With so much left to do and achieve, what should happen after pride?

This is not to antagonize the concept of Pride Month, but this is a call to utilize the opportunity Pride Month presents: a platform to amplify the needs of the community, and a chance to pressure the government with its lack of urgency to pass bills that are made for LGBTQIA’s protection and rights.

May we never forget that after the removal of rainbow flags in every “ally” establishment, end of promo sales, and clutching last LGBTQ+ themed parties at the end of Pride Month, the real fight for their freedom and rights will not tire out until those in power recognize and accept their voices, up until those in power stop painting bleak white paint on the multicolored stories of struggles, laughter, and hope. 

Together, let us champion the aim that positive political and social changes shall surface in every pride celebration!