Lubuagan, Kalinga –To empower and unite the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) of this town on July 2, came together to form an association promoting their sector.
During the Pride Month celebration, several LGBTQIA+ coming from the different barangays in Lubuagan convened to mark the celebration by forming an association which they name the ‘United Colors of Lubuagan.’
Mayor Charisma Ann Dickpus, who is the adviser of the group, explained that the organization aims to give an opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ to organize and be recognized as a sectoral group in Lubuagan. The mayor added that this will also serve as an avenue to promote equality and human rights among the members of the organization.
Dickpus further encouraged the United Colors of Lubuagan to continue showing that they can be productive members of the community and build a positive image for the group, having observed that they had been very supportive during affairs and programs of the local government unit of Lubuagan.
“Taplu lu awed makwa taku, ma-recognize taku, chakampun un amsiw chi chongyon taku kancha tagu. Achi purpose la laoy un organization un koon taku taplu mangwa taku wo amin si mayat un makwa un maituyung taku si community taku,” she said in her message during the event.
[Tapnu nu adda maaramidan tayo ket ma-recognize tayo, saan a diay lang kanchaw ti mangmangeg tayo kadagiti tattao. Ngem di ket praise because we have done something great for the community.]
‘Mayat ta ma-am-ammu mi dagitikakadwa mi’
In a conversation with Ronnie Aboli, one of the LGBTQIA+ in Lubuagan, he appreciated the formation of their organization, saying that it is important for them to get to know other LGBTQIA+and build solidarity.
“First time a nag-attend ak [itikastoynga event]. Importantenamankasi ‘yungmakilalamo ‘yungmga new babakla ... ken maysa pay ket this aims for friendship,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked about the challenges he faces for being a gay, he answered he didn’t experience difficulty in coming out. This is because even when he was little, his parents knew about his sexual preference, but admitted that it is hard dealing with the discrimination against gays.
“Mahirap naman maging bakla talaga diba? Pero you must follow kung ano ang gusto mo sa buhay at hindi rin naman pwede na bakla ka lang, kasdiay lang. Bakla ka agtrabaho ka, tapos sika talaga aramidem amin,” he said.
He added that respect is earned and not given, this is why he shows and treats people well and helps them in any way he could.
United Colors of Lubuagan Officers
During the event, the group also elected their officers with Llyod Odiem as President; Reynald Salpad as the Vice President; Edmark Toppi as Secretary; Edellweiss Damaso as Treasurer; Walter Kisob as Auditor; Marverick Nebrada and Melba Timmangon as Business Managers; and Randolph Valdez was elected as the Public Relations Officer.
Mayor Charisma Anne Dickpus, DivinaTallog, and Jocelyn Balbalin were appointed as advisers.
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