Zamboanga City joins the observance of International Day of Action Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), May 16 through the conduct of a forum themed “Embrace Diversity: Promoting Respect in Our Community.”

Organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit under the Office of the City Mayor, the forum held at Astoria Plaza, aimed to drum up awareness on discrimination faced by individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The event provided a platform to address systemic prejudices, promoting acceptance, understanding, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. It emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and dignity, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Highlights of the event were a film viewing of Lupa Sug: The Land of the Brave, a talk show on gender-based discrimination in various sectors such as the workplace, academe, and law enforcement, and a poster-making activity aligned with the event’s theme.

Meanwhile, participants also engaged in conversations with representatives from several government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, Zamboanga City Police Office, Commission on Higher Education, and the Department of Education.

Mayor John Dalipe, represented by Councilor Jerome Santos lauded the efforts of the organizers stressing that the forum “served as a beacon of hope and empowerment, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society for future generations.”

Among those present were City Police OIC Director Col. Kimberly Molitas, Executive Director of Mujer-LGBT Organization Alvin “Toni Gee” Fernandez, representatives from various agencies invited as resource speakers, GAD Unit head Wilfredo Aporongao and staff and numerous others. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Miljohn Mancao)